Evaluation of ozone behavior in a complex coastal environment

Abstract

Aim of this work is to evaluate the ozone dynamics in a coastal region on the Adriatic Sea that is under the “High Environmental Risk Area” restraint. By the implementation of a particular tool called OSAT (Ozone Source Apportionment Technology) into the photochemical model CAMx (Comprehensive Air quality Model with eXtensions), it was possible to discriminate between NOx-limited and VOC-limited condition formation. Information about the contribution of the different types of source emission-groups, allowed us to develop a tentative best ozone-control strategy to lower ozone peaks and to avoid ozone episodes. Particular emphasis was given to the study of initial and boundary conditions in order to discover how they affect the final solution. Various extensions of domain were tested with the aim of finding the choice one. The study includes comparison between several concentration data sets related to different species (e.g. NO, NO2, VOC, O3) given as results by the photochemical model (under certain meteorological, orographic and emission data) and the concentrations recorded at monitoring stations at various locations. It was also possible to analyze the ozone behavior in diverse areas based on land use (e.g. Road, Country, Industrial Area, Etc.). Finally, new simulation scenarios, with reduction of chemicals in specific emission groups, were launched to analyze the ozone response.