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Highlights: [•] Seasonal variations in CH4 concentration and δ13C value in urban air are pronounced. [•] Spatial distribution of CH4 indicate the areas of dominant methane fluxes. [•] The dominant flux was biogenic methane from man-made sewage irrigation fields. [•] Combustion and gas leakage sources showed minor impact. [•] CH4 and CO2 characteristics are governed by diverse processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Highlights: [•] Seasonal variation in CO2 concentration and δ13C value in air urban area was noted. [•] Spatial distribution of CO2 in Wrocław indicate the anthropogenically changed areas. [•] Coal or diesel/gasoline dominant CO2 origin was indicated for heating seasons. [•] Soil respiration dominant biogenic CO2 origin was indicated for vegetative season. [•] Significant influence of newly opened highway on the atmospheric CO2 was observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This paper describes results of applying the palynological and carbon isotopic analysis of the organic fraction of Total Suspended Particles (TSP) to discriminate distinct pollution sources and assess the anthropogenic impact for the investigated areas. The samples of atmospheric particles were collected in Czerniawa and Cieplice (two health resorts in Lower Silesia, SW Poland) twice a year in summer and winter season (from July 2006 to February 2008). The palynological spectra represent in the vast majority local plant communities without a noticeable contribution of long-transported plant particles. Palynological analysis revealed also differences in the specificity of the two sampling areas, i.e. the higher contribution of identified organic material in Czerniawa stands for more natural character of this site, but is also responsible for the higher allergic pressure when compared to Cieplice. The carbon isotopic composition of TSP varied seasonally (δ 13C value from −27.09‰ in summer to −25.47‰ in winter). The increased δ 13C value in winter (heating period) is most probably caused by uncontrolled contribution of coal soot. On the basis of isotopic mass balance the calculated contribution of anthropogenic organic particles in the atmosphere reached in winter season 72% in Czerniawa and 79% in Cieplice. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]