Abstract
In countries having limited resources, it is difficult to assess urban air quality on contemporaneously, due to the absence of on-line information about air pollution levels and emission rates. An alternative approach is recommended for smaller cities with lower demands of resources. The applied scheme consists of a database of air pollution sources (NO x and CO from industry, traffic, and domestic heating), the simple Gaussian-plume model AEROPOL and a series of measurements by passive monitors. This method was used in Tartu, a small city situated in the valley of the river Emajõgi, within a landscape with noteworthy topographical variations. Simulations of annual average and maximal concentrations were performed, and a fair agreement obtained with NO2 monitoring results from passive Palmes monitors. Inventories of pollution sources in 1998 revealed that official statistics of stationary sources covered 64% of SO2,36% of CO, 37% of NO x and 32% of total particulate matter emissions. Recommendations for measures for reducing air pollution levels and for further investigations towards improving air quality assessment and management, are given.
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Kimmel, V., Kaasik, M. Assessment of Urban Air Quality in South Estonia by Simple Measures. Environmental Modeling & Assessment 8, 47–53 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022449831456
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022449831456