Cycle of pollutants at different spatial scales also in relation to the effects of climate change

The general objective is to study the space-time variability of the various mechanisms that most influence the cycle of pollutants between various ecosystems, and in particular:

• the variability of residence times in the atmosphere of inorganic and organic pollutants (ie, Hg, O3, BVOC, NOx, HONO, halogens) and related (photo) chemical-physical processes that influence the oxidative properties of the troposphere and the mechanisms of depletion;
• gas-phase exchange flows and mass balances at the interfaces (ie, air-water, air-snow, air-ice);
• the processes of dry and wet atmospheric deposition and the variability of the vertical profiles of the concentrations of the major pollutants in the troposphere at different latitudes.

The knowledge of these processes is essential to develop and validate the atmospheric numerical models used in the analysis of socio-economic-environmental scenarios adopted to mitigate the risks deriving from the emissions of pollutants on populations and on the quality of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Furthermore, as part of European and international programs and projects, innovative sampling systems and observational systems on a global scale are developed for persistent pollutants such as Hg, as well as databases and interoperable systems to support international conventions and programs.

The work area of ​​"Cycle of pollutants at different spatial scales" is located in Rende (Cosenza) and has 25 units of structured personnel who cooperate with fellows and fellows, collaborating compactly and reflecting the work on the entire Institute that is finds to pursue national and international scientific research and technological development activities.