Title: Air quality modelling as a supplementary assessment method in the framework of the European Air Quality Directive

Authors: I. Ribeiro; A. Monteiro; A.P. Fernandes; A.C. Monteiro; M. Lopes; C. Borrego; A.I. Miranda

Addresses: CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal ' CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal ' CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal ' CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal ' CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal ' CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal ' CESAM and Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal

Abstract: According to the European Air Quality (AQ) Directive, member states must annually report their AQ to the European Commission (EC). This report can be based on modelling data if the concentration levels do not exceed the established lower assessment thresholds (LAT), or on combined data from modelling and monitoring systems (supplementary assessment methods) if concentrations levels are below the upper assessment threshold (UAT). This work presents and applies a methodology that combines air pollutant concentration values from monitored data and from a numerical modelling system to deliver AQ information for Portugal in 2010. This methodology produces improved information, especially for areas where the amount of fixed monitoring stations is sparse or non-existent, allowing obtaining a better and broader overview of the AQ in Portugal to support AQ reporting to the European Commission.

Keywords: air quality reporting; supplementary assessment method; air quality modelling; bias correction; European Union; EU policy; air pollution; European Air Quality Directive; numerical modelling.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2014.065127

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2014 Vol.54 No.2/3/4, pp.262 - 270

Published online: 29 Oct 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article