The dissertation is devoted to the enhancement of methodological approaches to assessment of ambient air pollution resulting from operation of the coal-fired thermal power plants, and further improvement of the quantitative evaluation criteria by adopting a probabilistic approach. Based on the findings of ambient air sampling campaign, which was undertaken in the areas affected by coal-fired thermal power plants emissions, fine particulate matter pollution, was identified as the major public health risk factor (field work conducted in accordance with the standard guidelines as defined in the Resolution of Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on August 14, 2019 № 827 and in Directive 2008/50/EC). The PM2.5/PM10 ratio was computed, and scientific reasoning provided for the correction factors to be applied in the calculations of daily averaged PM2.5 concentrations by means of multiple linear regression for two separate scenarios: heating and non-heating periods. Human health risk levels and probability of excess mortality from particulate matter exposure in adults with cardiovascular, respiratory diseases and acute bronchitis were estimated. PM10 and PM2.5 monitoring was conducted from June 1,2017 till May 31, 2018. Pollution data was obtained from the stationary monitoring station, which is located in Kyiv city (50 Popudrenka str.). The station is equipped with APDA371 (HORIBA) analyzers which provide automatic continuous measurements of concentrations avaraged over 1 hour period. Based on the obtained data, it was established that the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 in Kyiv exceeded the maximum allowable limits proposed by the WHO and did not exceed the levels in European Union Council Directive 2008/50/EC. Avaraged PM10 concentrations were 33 ?g/m3, while for PM2.5 slightly lower values were observed - 21 ?g/m3. It was identified that PM10 concentrations were exceeding the avarage daily concentration for 54 days registered. As for PM2.5, same trends were observed for 95 morning days (79 during heating period). The mass concentration ratio of PM2.5 to PM10 was 0.65 - the average annual value; 0.75 - in the heating period; 0.56 - in the non-heating period. The obtained results indicate the need to establish ambient air quality standards for PM10 and PM2.5 in Ukraine and to include the fine particulate matter into the mandatory ambient air quality monitoring program. In this study, we estimated human health impacts from long-term exposure to ambient PM2.5 and PM10 through application the AirQ + software. In Kyiv and Kiev region, respectively 4.9 and 3.7 % of IHD, 8.8 and 6.6 % of COPD, 9.2 and 6.4 % of LC, 4.4 and 3.4 % of stroke are attributed to the long-term exposure to PM2.5 concentrations exceeding 10 ?g/m3. In addition, 776 (13.9 %) and 196 (8.3 %) new cases of bronchitis in adults in Kyiv and Kiev region, respectively attributed to PM10. Non cancer health risks (НQ) associated with TSP, РМ10, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide concentrations and individual risks of mortality (IRМ) from РМ10 were estimated for the area affected by the emissions from coal-fired thermal power plants. It was identified that non cancer risks from acute exposure to TSP (HQacute up to 1.5) and PM10 (HQacute up to 2.5) by inhalation were exceeding established reference level (HQ?1). The results of individual risk of mortality calculations from РМ10 varied from 3.6?10-5 to 7,7?10-4 and such risks levels were defined as unacceptable for the population exposed. The research outcomes were translated into the framework for quantitative assessment of health impacts associated with exposure to air pollution from thermal power plants. The proposed framework employs fixed and indicative measurements, air pollution simulation scenarios, probabilistic assessment of pollution impacts and related health implications, which allows to account for the specifics of thermal power facilities as local sources of industrial air pollution.
