Author: TOUQEER GILL
Dissertation title: Characterization and source apportionment of carbonaceous aerosol in rural, urban and coastal environments
Fields of science: Physics N 002
Scientific supervisor: dr. Kristina Plauškaitė-Šukienė
Defence of the dissertation: 16 September 2025
SUMMARY: The Earth's climate system is influenced in complex ways by aerosol particles, including organic, inorganic and carbonaceous components. Higher concentrations of these aerosol particles have a significant impact on the climate in rural, urban and coastal areas. These various aerosols play a crucial role in atmospheric processes that influence weather and affect air quality. To address uncertainties, it is crucial to comprehensively understand the chemical composition, sources, formation, transformations, and dynamic interactions of aerosol particles within the Earth's climate system. Recent studies in Western and Southern Europe have comprehensively characterized aerosol sources, especially in urban and rural areas. Despite this extensive knowledge, the Baltic region, particularly Eastern Europe, has seen limited studies, marking a significant gap in our understanding. The present study aims to fill this gap by presenting a comprehensive, long-term approach focusing on the chemical composition of organic, inorganic and carbonaceous aerosol particles in the rural environment of boreal forests (North-Eastern part) and the urban environment of Lithuania. This includes leveraging local studies and datasets to provide a regional perspective that enhances our understanding of aerosol dynamics in these areas. The objective is to enhance knowledge about pollution seasonality, source variability, and their implications for decision-makers. Similarly, in the Philippines, the research focuses on the critical issue of black carbon (BC) pollution in urban and coastal areas. While previous research has made significant progress in characterizing aerosol particles in terms of size distribution, concentration, and spatial variability, knowledge gaps persist, particularly in understanding BC sources other than road activity and the impact of the Manila Port on aerosol levels. This research aims to provide new insights into these areas, contributing to our understanding of the complex atmospheric mechanisms that regulate aerosol composition and distribution as well as their influence on climate change.