Workpackages

WP 1: Data management (ALL; main responsible: MUL)

WP 1 covers all data-related WPs, starting with a comprehensive literature data collection to systematically determine and quantify all known sources, pathways and exposure routes as well as sinks and exit routes of TCEs to, within and leaving Vienna as basis for the setup of the modelling WPs.

WP 2: Analytical method validation, adaption and development (MUL)

Analysis of TCEs in environmental samples will be accomplished by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) based on (collision cell) quadrupole ICP-MS(/MS). Imaging techniques based on LIBS/LA-ICP-MS will be applied to selected samples for spatial analysis in collaboration with Applied Spectra (CA, USA). Based on the levels found in the various compartments, potential isotopic systems will be investigated for source identification. Isotope ratio methods based on MC ICP-MS will be developed and optimized for the sample matrices of this project.

Figure: State-of-the-art (MC) ICP-MS and TIMS instruments used in TecEUS at Montanuniversität Leoben

WP 3: Urban spheres: Sampling & analysis (MUL, BOKU–IBLB)

A systematic investigation will be performed to identify areas with different TCEs exposure levels within Vienna based on representative study sites. The sites will be analysed towards their spatial structure, wind field and potential of exposure of TCEs originating from different sources e.g. traffic. A selection of environmental samples will be analyzed including water from the River Wienfluss, plants, soil and water from green façades and urban agricultural products from urban gardens. Sampling campaigns will be set over a period of two years at extreme environmental conditions (extreme summer and winter) and representative normal conditions (spring and autumn) taking into consideration high wind velocity, high/low pressure, strong rainfall/precipitation or drought. Environmental parameters (temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation) will be assessed as complementary information.

Figure: Map of the City of Vienna, the system boundary follows the administrative boundary; selected sampling sites (river, green façades, urban gardens) are indicated. (Source: adapted from www.stadtentwicklung-wien.at)

A systematic investigation will be performed to identify areas with different TCEs exposure levels within Vienna based on representative study sites. The sites will be analysed towards their spatial structure, wind field and potential of exposure of TCEs originating from different sources e.g. traffic. A selection of environmental samples will be analyzed including water from the River Wienfluss, plants, soil and water from green façades and urban agricultural products from urban gardens. Sampling campaigns will be set over a period of two years at extreme environmental conditions (extreme summer and winter) and representative normal conditions (spring and autumn) taking into consideration high wind velocity, high/low pressure, strong rainfall/precipitation or drought. Environmental parameters (temperature, barometric pressure, precipitation) will be assessed as complementary information.

Figure: Study sites - Green façade sites studied in TecEUS: MA 48 (left), MA 31 (middle) (© both JI); urban garden ‘Karlsgarten’ (right) (source: www.jungbleiben.com)

WP 4: Wind channel box exposure experiments (MUL, BOKU-IBLB)

Wind channel boxes will be designed and developed for exposure experiments. Experiments will be accomplished at defined levels of TCEs on selected plant species commonly used for urban vertical greening. This WP will provide systematic scientific data on filtering effects of plants and allows to generate data regarding the deposition potential of different species at different development stages.

WP 5: Socio-ecological modelling: technology-specific material flow analysis (BOKU-SEC)

In WP 5 a city-level modelling of in-use technologies (e.g. mobile phones, electric cars), socio-economic drivers and the resulting stocks and flows of TCEs will be developed, using dynamic MFA and scenarios. The MFA modelling will integrate measured data (WP1-4) and information from the literature on TCE concentrations and dissipation. WP 5 focuses on a system-wide assessment of socio-economic drivers, technology dynamics and TCE leaching to inform scenario development and the public health assessment in WP 6.

Figure: Conceptual representation of the TecEUS material flow analysis approach: Definition of system boundaries (c.f. Figure 2) and TCE relevant processes covered in the project and utilized for the socio-ecological modelling. Interdisciplinary investigations of the linkages between socio-ecological compartements (1-4) and physical stocks and flows of TCEs require commonly shared definitions

WP 6: Population & health impacts (MedUni)

WP 6 comprises an Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to evaluate potential health effects of TCEs and the long-term human health benefits of urban vegetation including the formulation of recommendations on the project outcome.

WP 7: Synthesis & dissemination (ALL)

WP 7 includes the synthesis of all data and interpretation, national and international conferences, dissemination to the public community via participation at public events, publication in local newspapers brochures, publication in peer-reviewed journals.