Quantifying emissions of primary biological aerosol particle mass in Europe

Atmospheric concentration measurements of tracers for primary biological aerosol particles (PBAPs) have been used to obtain estimates of their release into the atmosphere. Emission flux data of surrogate compounds, for which concurrent concentration measurements were available, were used to quantify the release of PBAPs as PM10 mass. Results indicate fungal spores to be the most important contributors. One other main source is plant debris. Area-based emission rates of 24 kg km−2 and year (range 6–90) have been assessed. Results scaled for Europe indicate a contribution of PBAPs to PM10 concentrations in the low percentage range, with a maximum in summer when concentration levels are small. This is consistent with the range of measurements. Despite of the large uncertainties, results contribute to clarify the potential contribution of biological particles to global load of particle mass.