Title: Current trends in the use of models for source apportionment of air pollutants in Europe

Authors: Evangelia Fragkou; Ioannis Douros; Nicolas Moussiopoulos; Claudio A. Belis

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University, Box 483, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University, Box 483, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, Laboratory of Heat Transfer and Environmental Engineering, Aristotle University, Box 483, GR 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece ' European Commission Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Via E. Fermi 2749 I-21027, Ispra, Italy

Abstract: Forum for Air Quality Modelling in Europe (FAIRMODE) sub-group 2 (SG2) on the 'Contribution of natural sources and source apportionment' has been formed in response to the need for a harmonised European approach in the use of models for source apportionment, addressing the requirements of the current Air Quality Directive 2008/50/EU. Within SG2, a review was performed on source apportionment modelling methods used by member states for the preparation of their extension reports regarding compliance with PM₁₀ limit values. This review was extended to identify the modelling source apportionment methodologies used by member states for various pollutants. The extended study was performed by directly addressing a questionnaire to the national representatives of 38 countries of the European region and to 50 national experts. The responses revealed the widespread use of both receptor and dispersion models but also demonstrated a number of issues related to the validation of the source apportionment methodology applied.

Keywords: Forum for Air Quality Modelling in Europe; FAIRMODE; source apportionment; atmospheric pollutants; receptor models; air quality; air pollution; atmospheric dispersion modelling; natural sources; PM10; particulate matter; pollutant sources.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2012.051207

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2012 Vol.50 No.1/2/3/4, pp.363 - 375

Published online: 19 Nov 2014 *

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