Study On Ultrafine Particles in the Frankfurt Airport Region (SOURCE FFR)

The concept “Exposure Study Frankfurt Airport and Region” investigates the influence of ultrafine particles (UFP) on air quality and potential health effects in the Rhine–Main region. UFP are aerosol particles with a diameter of less than 100 nanometers, which are generated in particular by airports and traffic. The aim of the study is to comprehensively quantify UFP emissions and their dispersion, to produce exposure maps for the region, and to provide the basis for a potential health impact study.

The study comprises three central modules:

Emission determination
Measurements in the near field of Frankfurt Airport capture UFP emissions from aircraft engines as well as from other sources such as vehicles and buildings. Databases and real-world measurements are combined to compile an emission inventory.

Immission measurements
These are conducted at multiple locations, including residential areas near the airport, approach and departure corridors, and regional background sites. UFP concentrations, chemical composition, and meteorological parameters are analyzed.

Immission modeling
Dispersion modeling combines the acquired measurement data to calculate spatially resolved UFP concentrations and source contributions (e.g., airport, traffic) and to assess population exposure.

The exposure study is designed for a duration of three and a half years. All data are collected and processed to high quality standards, with a strong focus on comparability and validity of the results. The outcomes are intended not only to provide the basis for a potential health impact study, but also to contribute to the development of measures to reduce UFP emissions.