Pavel Danihelka

Urban Air Pollution and Its Photochemistry Studied by Laser Spectroscopic Methods

This work compares approaches both of mathematical and physical modelling of pollutant dispersion in simulated atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) with results of remote sensing of atmospheric pollutants. Measurements were performed over a highway outside a city and in an urban street canyon with extensive traffic under different meteorological conditions (autumn versus summer period). Time-resolved spatial distributions of pollutants (NO2 and O3) were measured by the combined DIAL (differential absorption light detection and ranging)/SODAR (sound detection and ranging) method and using spot analyzers appropriately located on the leeward and windward sides near the urban street canyon bottom. Qualitative agreement was found between the results obtained by remote sensing in the real atmosphere and those obtained by physical modelling in the simulated atmosphere of a wind tunnel for the autumn period. On the other hand, the analysis of the monitoring results and outputs of the physical modelling shows disagreement for the summer period. Besides neglecting the thermal effect during the sunny period, chemical reactions or photochemical processes taking place in the street canyon can affect the dispersion and distribution of pollutants very significantly. To improve the description of the system investigated, the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) environment was tested for a basic implementation of photochemical reactions into the commonly used mathematical models of turbulence and dispersion processes as well.

Safety and Security Research and its Relation to VŠB-TU Ostrava

Abstract VŠB - Technical University of Ostrava has the research tradition, technical predisposition and intellectual background in both domains of safety and security. It is active at international level and ten years of tradition of independent Faculty of Safety Engineering confi rms the vitality of safety and security research. VŠB-TUO has a potential to be leading institution in the safety and security research not only in region, but at national level.

Aerosols and the methods of determining the characteristics of nanoparticles

The purpose of this paper is to address the issue of aerosols by defining and dividing them in terms of their size, spatial localization and composition. The paper briefly deals with the issue of the origins and formation of aerosols. Further, it describes the trends in measuring nanoparticles based on their electric field mobility behavior, condensation, optical properties and aerosol particle acceleration in an air-stream.

CFD modelling for atmospheric pollutants/aerosols studies within the complex terrains of urban areas and industrial sites

Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling of pollution dispersion and chemical conversion to aerosol particles in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) has been studied. The investigation focused on the numerical modelling above complex orographic terrains of urban areas and industrial sites including the dispersion of toxic substances in the air as a result of accidents. A finite-rate model of chemical reactions, including the turbulence chemistry for modelling the reaction between nitric acid and ammonia, has been applied. As supporting experiments, online monitoring of the spatial distribution of pollutants and aerosols has been performed above real complex areas. Minimal detectable concentrations 8 μg m–3 (SO2), 20 μg m–3 (NO2), 2 μg m–3 (O3) and minimal detectable absorptivity 5 × 10–7 cm–1 (aerosols) have been reached.

New Czech & Certified Methodology „Tools of Resilience“

Abstract The article deals with possibilities of better governance regarding natural and anthropogenic risks and building of resilience of medium towns and cities against disasters. Such systematic approach could be applied for example using new Czech certified methodology “Tools Of Resilience”, which has been developed recently within the short project number no. VF20152016047 under the grant of Czech Ministry of the Interior in period 2015-2016 and afterwards certified in 2017 by Czech Ministry of the Environment. Basic starting points, used methods, steps of new methodology and its annexes, will be breafly described in the topic.

Regional development and climate change adaptation: a study of the role of legitimacy

Abstract This paper presents results from a study of Czech Local Action Groups (LAGs), focusing on gaining knowledge about their internally perceived legitimacy and their potential role in local adaptation to climate change. Former studies on the role of governance networks in climate change adaptation have suggested that these networks’ legitimacy are crucial for their success. In this article we provide an analytical framework that can be used to address different aspects of local governance networks which are important for their legitimacy and the way they are apt as instruments for climate change adaptation actions. We also present a survey among LAG members that provide empirical data that we discuss in the article. The framework and the data are discussed with reference to existing contributions in the intersection of legitimacy, governance networks and climate change adaptation. A specific aim is to provide research based recommendations for further improving LAGs as an adaptation instrument. In addition, knowledge is generated that will be interesting for further studies of similar local governance initiatives in the climate change adaptation context.

Major Accident Prevention Risk Communication Effectiveness: A Survey in the Czech Republic

Abstract An effective communication among authorities, citizens and industry is crucial to ensure good awareness of risk and knowledge of adequate reactions in preparedness to major industrial accidents. The present risk communication system in Czech Republic was evaluated by a nationwide survey. The main research was focused on the level of knowledge about risks and appropriate reactions to an accident and on the attitudes towards existing risk communication system. The results of survey indicate that the current system is insufficient and has to be improved to fulfill the requirements of the new Seveso III directive (2012/18/EU) and to secure safety of the citizens.