Publication
Title
Modelling concentrations of airborne primary and secondary $PM_{10}$ and $PM_{2.5}$ with the BelEUROS-model in Belgium
Author
Abstract
 The Eulerian Chemistry-Transport Model BelEUROS was used to calculate the concentrations of airborne PM10 and PM2.5 over Europe. Both primary as well as secondary particulate matter in the respirable size-range was taken into account. Especially PM2.5 aerosols are often formed in the atmosphere from gaseous precursor compounds. Comprehensive computer codes for the calculation of gas phase chemical reactions and thermodynamic equilibria between compounds in the gas-phase and the particulate phase had been implemented into the BelEUROS-model. Calculated concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 are compared to observations, including both the spatial and daily, temporal distribution of particulate matter in Belgium for certain monitoring locations and periods. The concentrations of the secondary compounds ammonium, nitrate and sulfate have also been compared to observed values. BeIEUROS was found to reproduce the observed concentrations rather well. The model was applied to assess the contribution of emissions derived from the sector agriculture in Flanders, the northern part of Belgium, to PM10- and PM2.5-concentrations. The results demonstrate the importance of ammonia emissions in the formation of secondary particulate matter. Hence, future European emission abatement policy should consider more the role of ammonia in the formation of secondary particles
Language
English
Source (journal)
Ecological modelling. - Amsterdam
Publication
Amsterdam : 2008
ISSN
0304-3800
Volume/pages
217:3/4(2008), p. 230-239
ISI
000259842900004
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
UAntwerpen
 Faculty/Department Research group Publication type Affiliation Publications with a UAntwerp address