Influence of number of visitors and weather conditions on airborne particulate matter mass concentrations at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia during summer and autumn

A study on Plitvice Lakes National Park reveals that airborne particulate matter (PM) concentrations are significantly influenced by visitor numbers and weather conditions, particularly during summer and autumn. The research found that both indoor and outdoor PM levels rise with an increase in visitors, indicating local anthropogenic contributions alongside background sources. Additionally, PM1 concentrations correlated with higher outdoor temperatures, while outdoor PMs showed a U-shaped pattern, suggesting photochemical reactions play a role in particle production and growth. The study also noted daily periodicity in PM levels but no weekly trend. These findings highlight the complex interplay between human activity and environmental factors in shaping air quality within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Klaić, Z. B., Leiva-Guzmán, M. A., & Brozinčević, A. (2022). Influence of number of visitors and weather conditions on airborne particulate matter mass concentrations at the Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia during summer and autumn. Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 73(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.2478/aiht-2022-73-3610