Mapping airborne particulate matter concentration in the City of Cologne by environmental magnetic techniques - a first step towards participation in the European science network ‘Euro'Air’

• Applicant: Dr. Stephanie Scheidt
• Subject Area: Geology ; Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
• Term: since 2025
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 570735903

Airborne particulate matter pollution poses a significant health risk, especially in cities where the density of stationary monitoring stations is often insufficient. The project aims to investigate air pollution in urban areas using an environmental magnetic method based on the analysis of plane tree bark. The method uses magnetic susceptibility to detect the concentration and distribution of magnetic fine dust particles. This is a cost-effective and rapid supplement to conventional measuring stations. Building on the success of the French project 'Ecorc'Air', this method is now to be transferred to the city of Cologne. The aim is to record the temporal and spatial variability of air pollution through regular sampling in different districts of the city and to understand distribution patterns. In addition to measurements of magnetic susceptibility, further magnetic measurements and chemical analyses will be carried out to characterise the particles. The results will be compared with existing air quality data to validate the significance of using tree bark as a passive biomonitor and understand the differences between different cities and environmental conditions. The project contributes to the scientifically supported development of a sustainable, citizen-centred urban air quality monitoring system that supports cities in planning and implementing measures to protect public health.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: France
• Cooperation Partner: Dr. Christine Franke