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AIR POLLUTION –
A COMPREHENSIVE
PERSPECTIVE
Edited by Budi Haryanto
Air Pollution – A Comprehensive Perspective
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/2591
Edited by Budi Haryanto
Contributors
Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore, Gea Oliveri Conti, Caterina Ledda, Roberto Fallico,
Salvatore Sciacca, Helena Martins, Ana Miranda, Carlos Borrego, Selçuk Arslan, Ali Aybek,
Francisco A. Serrano-Bernardo, Luigi Bruzzi, Enrique H. Toscano, José L. Rosúa-Campos,
Marzuki Ismail, Azrin Suroto, Nurul Ain Ismail, An-Soo Jang, Masoumeh Rashidi,
Mohammad Hossein Rameshat, Hadi Gharib, S. B. Nugroho, A. Fujiwara, J. Zhang,
Takao Matsumoto, Douyan Wang, Takao Namihira, Hidenori Akiyama, Michael Hein, Manfred
Kaiser, Parisa Shahmohamadi, Ulrich Cubasch, Sahar Sodoudi, A.I. Che-Ani, Wang-Kun Chen,
Hussein Ibrahim, Adrian Ilinca, S. De Iaco, S. Maggio, M. Palma, D. Posa
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Air Pollution – A Comprehensive Perspective, Edited by Budi Haryanto

p. cm.
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Contents
Preface IX
Section 1 Current Characteristic of Air Pollutants 1
Chapter 1 Old and New Air Pollutants:

An Evaluation on Thirty Years Experiences 3
Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore, Gea Oliveri Conti, Caterina
Ledda, Roberto Fallico and Salvatore Sciacca
Chapter 2 Urban Structure and Air Quality 27

Helena Martins, Ana Miranda and Carlos Borrego
Chapter 3 Particulate Matter Exposure in Agriculture 73

Selçuk Arslan and Ali Aybek
Chapter 4 Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases Emissions Produced by

Tourism Life Cycle: Possible Solutions to Reduce Emissions
and to Introduce Adaptation Measures 105
Francisco A. Serrano-Bernardo, Luigi Bruzzi,
Enrique H. Toscano and José L. Rosúa-Campos
Section 2 Air Pollution Monitoring and Health Effects 139
Chapter 5 Time Series Analysis of Surface

Ozone Monitoring Records in Kemaman, Malaysia 141
Marzuki Ismail, Azrin Suroto and Nurul Ain Ismail
Chapter 6 Particulate Air Pollutants and Respiratory Diseases 153

An-Soo Jang
Chapter 7 Air Pollution and Death Due to Cardiovascular Diseases

(Case Study: Isfahan Province of Iran) 175
Masoumeh Rashidi, Mohammad Hossein Rameshat
and Hadi Gharib
VI Contents
Chapter 8 Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Surface

Ozone in Urban Area: A Multilevel and
Structural Equation Model Approach 185
S. B. Nugroho, A. Fujiwara and J. Zhang
Section 3 Air Pollution Management and Prediction 213
Chapter 9 Non-Thermal Plasma Technic for Air Pollution Control 215

Takao Matsumoto, Douyan Wang, Takao Namihira
and Hidenori Akiyama
Chapter 10 Environmental Control and Emission

Reduction for Coking Plants 235
Michael Hein and Manfred Kaiser
Chapter 11 Mitigating Urban Heat Island

Effects in Tehran Metropolitan Area 281
Parisa Shahmohamadi, Ulrich Cubasch,
Sahar Sodoudi and A.I. Che-Ani
Chapter 12 Managing Emergency Response

of Air Pollution by the Expert System 319
Wang-Kun Chen
Chapter 13 Contribution of the Compressed Air Energy

Storage in the Reduction of GHG – Case Study:
Application on the Remote Area Power Supply System 337
Hussein Ibrahim and Adrian Ilinca
Chapter 14 Advances in Spatio-Temporal Modeling and

Prediction for Environmental Risk Assessment 365
S. De Iaco, S. Maggio, M. Palma and D. Posa
Preface
Countries the world over, especially in the developing world, are experiencing rapid
urbanization. The share of the world’s population living in cities is reported to have
grown from about 35 percent in 1970 to almost 50 percent in 2001, and this number is
expected to increase to more than 60 percent by 2030 (UN-HABITAT 2001). One of the
many consequences of the increased economic activity that accompanies
urbanization—particularly increased vehicle use, electricity generation, and industrial
production—is the deterioration of air quality (Molina 2004). Concentrations of
conventional air pollutants, including sulfur dioxide (SO2), particulates (PM10 and
PM2.5), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and air toxics, are
rising in many cities and are in many cases already well above the World Health
Organization’s guidelines for ambient air-quality standards. Moreover, even with
mounting evidence of the negative health effects of air pollution (HEI 2004), these
cities largely have been unable to stem the rising tide.
Air pollution in major cities, especially in developing countries, has reached a crisis
point. The bad air quality is responsible for the death of 3 million people each year and
presents a dilemma for millions worldwide that suffer asthma, acute respiratory
diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and lung cancer. The World Health Organization
(WHO) has estimated that more than 530,000 premature deaths in Asia are due to
urban air pollution. In many countries in Asia, vehicle emissions are expected to
increase over the next few decades, as the vehicle population increases. If no action is
taken to clean up fuels and vehicles, urban air pollution will continue to degrade.
This book provides many important air pollution issues and demonstrates the
widespread nature of the air pollution phenomena, the impacts on human health and
the environment, and effective strategies for its management and control.
Budi Haryanto
Associate professor, Department of Environmental Health
Head of Research Division of the Research Center for Climate Change
University of Indonesia
Indonesia
Section 1
Current Characteristic of Air Pollutants

Chapter 1
Old and New Air Pollutants:

An Evaluation on Thirty Years Experiences
Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore, Gea Oliveri Conti, Caterina Ledda,

Roberto Fallico and Salvatore Sciacca
Additional information is available at the end of the chapter
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/47820
1. Introduction
Air pollutants are generally defined as those substances which alter the composition of the
natural atmosphere.
Emissions of air pollutants derive from almost all economic and societal activities but also
by natural disaster (eg.: particulate matter or gaseus emitted by volcanic activities or forest
fires, dust by desert winds, pollen scattering, sea aereosol, etc..). The energy production and
the general industry activity, all types of transport and agriculture are key emission sources
of air pollutants. They result in clear risks to human health and the ecosystems integrity. Air
pollution is not only a local phenomenon but also a transboundary issue, in fact, the air
pollutants emitted in one Country may be transported in the atmosphere and they harming
human health and the environment elsewhere .
In Europe, policies and actions at all levels have greatly reduced the anthropogenic
emissions and exposure but some air pollutants still harm human health. Air pollutants are
divided into primary pollutants like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbon
species, dust and soot, which are emitted directly by air pollutant sources, and secondary
pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, photochemical ozone, and aerosol, which are created by
chemical changes which occur in the atmospheric environment (WHO, 2005).
After the Meuse Valley fog in 1930 (Firket, 1936) or the London smog in 1952 (Ministry of
health, 1954), the air pollution is considered today an important research driver for a global
public health protection (WHO, 2005). In fact a high-level exposure to these pollutants at the
long-term and short-term can lead to some important adverse health effects, ranging from
irritation of the respiratory system to contributing to increased prevalence and incidence of
respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and premature death in people of all ages.
Particularly children are very susceptible for their very fast metabolism (WHO, 2005).
© 2012 Fiore et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
4 Air Pollution – A Comprehensive Perspective
Emissions of the main air pollutants in Europe have declined significantly in recent decades,
greatly reducing exposure to substances such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and lead (Pb).
Nevertheless, poor air quality remains an important public health issue.
Many EU Member States do not comply with legally binding air quality limits protecting
human health. Exposure of vegetation to ground level ozone (O3) will continue to exceed
long-term EU objectives.
In terms of controlling emissions, only 14 European countries expect to comply with all four
pollutant-specific emission ceilings set under EU and international legislation for 2010.
The upper limit for nitrogen oxides (NOX) is the most challenging 12 countries expect to
exceed it, some by as much as 50 % (SOER, 2010).
The Thematic Strategy on Air Pollution from the European Commission (2005) set the
objectives for the improvement of human health and the environment through the
improvement of air quality to the year 2020 (see table 1). At present, airborne PM,
tropospheric O3, and NO2 are Europe's most problematic pollutants in terms of causing
harm to health (EEA, 2010).
The main air pollutants before human's exposure are subject to a range of atmospheric
processes including atmospheric transport, mixing and chemical transformation.
Air pollutants, also, depending on their physical-chemical characteristics and on the basis of
factors such as atmospheric conditions or characteristics of receiving surfaces, may be
deposited after either short (local, regional) or long-range (European, inter-continental)
transport. Pollutants can be washed out of the atmosphere by precipitation rain, snow, fog,
dew, frost and hail or deposited dry as gases or particulate matter.
2. “Old” and “new” pollutants trend

In most cities air quality has improved over the past decades. In particular, emissions of the
main old air pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and lead (Pb) together with other
hazardous pollutants including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals, in
Europe have declined significantly in recent decades. Nitrogen (N) and nitrogen dioxide
(NO2), on the other hand, has not been dealt with as successfully. Between 1990 and 2008
emissions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) decreased by 60% overall; emissions
of polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins and furans decreased too. While the majority of
Countries report that emissions of these substances have fallen during that period, some
Countries report that emissions have increased. Emissions of primary particulate matter,
PM2.5 and PM10, have both decreased by about 13% since 2000. At present, airborne
particulate matter (PM), tropospheric (ground-level) ozone (O3) and polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs) are the new problematic pollutants in Europe in terms of causing
harm to health. Moreover, there is an increasing recognition of the importance of long-range
hemispheric transport of air pollutants to and from Europe and other continents. VOC
(Volatile Organic Compounds) and small dust particles are examples of large-scale air
pollutants. At the end the wide-scale use of catalytic converters for automotive traction in
Old and New Air Pollutants: An Evaluation on Thirty Years Experiences 5
most industrialised Countries has led, over the years, to a substantial increase in
environmental concentrations of palladium, platinum, and rhodium, also known as the
platinum group elements (PGEs). The detection of PGEs, even in remote areas of the planet,
provides evidence of the global nature of the problem.
The following paragraphs describe the old and new contaminants in relation to their
characteristics, emission sources, health effects and trends through 30 years exeperiences.
Note: The majority of EU Member States (MS) have not attained the PM10 limit values required by the Air Quality
Directive by 2005 (EC, 2008a). In most urban environments, exceedance of the daily mean PM10 limit is the biggest PM
compliance problem. 2010 is the attainment year for NO2 and C6H6 limit values. A further important issue in European
urban areas is also exceedance of the annual NO2 limit value, particularly at urban traffic stations.
(#) Signifies that this is a target value and not a legally binding limit value; see EC, 2008a for definition of legal terms
(Article 2).
(*) Exceptions are Bulgaria and Romania, where the date applicable was 2007.
(**) Signifies that this is an information threshold and not an alert threshold; see EC, 2008a for definition of legal terms
(Article 2).
(***) For countries that sought and qualified for time extension.
Source: SOER 2010.
Table 1. Summary of air-quality directive limit values, target values, assessment thresholds, long-term
objectives, information thresholds and alert threshold values for the protection of human health.
3. Carbon monoxide (CO)

Carbon monoxide is a tasteless, odorless, colorless and toxic gaseous pollutant ubiquitous in
the outdoor atmosphere that is generated by combustion (Bell M, et All. 2009). EPA initially
established NAAQS (National Ambient Air Quality Standard) for CO on April 30, 1971. The
standards were set at 9 ppm, as an 8-hour average, and 35 ppm, as a 1-hour average, neither
to be exceeded more than once per year. On January 28, 2011, EPA proposed to retain the
existing NAAQS for carbon monoxide. After careful review of the available health science,
EPA concludes that the current standards provide the required level of public health
protection, including protection for people with heart disease, who are especially
susceptible to health problems associated with exposures to CO in ambient air.
4. Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

Historically, SO2 derived from the combustion of fossil fuels have been the main
components of air pollution in many parts of the world. The most serious problems have
been experienced in large urban areas where coal has been used for domestic heating
purposes, or for poorly controlled combustion in industrial installations (WHO, 2000). In
recent years the use of high-sulfur coal for domestic heating has declined in many western
European countries, and powder generation is now the predominant source. These changes
in pattern of usage have led to urban and rural concentrations becoming similar; indeed in
some areas rural concentrations now exceed those in urban areas (WHO, 2000). The city of
Catania (Sicily, Italy) has established a network of air quality monitoring stations. The
analysis of data show a clear and significant decline since 1993 to 2000 (First Report on the
state of the environment of the City of Catania). The significant reduction in emissions of
sulphur dioxide achieved since the 1970s is one of the great success stories of Europe's past
air pollution policy (EEA, 2010).
5. Particulate Matter (PM)

Over the past decade, 20–50 % of the urban population was exposed to PM10 concentrations
in excess of the EU daily limit values set for the protection of human health— a daily mean
of 50 μg/m3 that should not be exceeded on more than 35 days in a calendar year. The same
situation happened in Siracusa (Sicily, Italy), so our research group analyzed the phisico-
chemical characteristics of PM10 and PM2,5 fractions in order to determine the major aerosol
contributions to these two granulometric size fractions of the urban aerosol. We found that
vehicular traffic is only one cause of the daily elevation of PM in Siracusa City and we
exclude industrial derivation of particulate (Sciacca et al., 2007).
The Air Quality Guideline level for PM10 set by the WHO is 20 μg/m3. Exceedances of this
level can be observed all over Europe, also in rural background environments. In many
European urban agglomerations, PM10 concentrations have not changed since about 2000.
One of the reasons is the only minor decreases in emissions from urban road traffic.
Increasing vehicle-km and dieselisation of the vehicle fleet jeopardise achievements from
other PM reduction measures. Further, in several places emissions from the industry and
domestic sectors — for example, from wood burning — may even have increased slightly.
The EU Air Quality Directive of 2008 includes standards for fine PM (PM2.5): a yearly limit
value that has to be attained in two stages, by 1 January 2015 (25 μg/ m3) and by 1 January
2020 (20 μg/m3). Further, the directive defines an average exposure indicator (AEI) for each
Member State, based on measurements at urban background stations. The required and
absolute reduction targets for the AEI have to be attained by 2020. Focusing on PM mass
concentration limit values and exposure indicators does not address the complex physical
and chemical characteristics of PM. While mass concentrations can be similar, people may
be exposed to PM cocktails of very different chemical composition (WHO, 2007).
6. Ammonia (NH3) emission

Ammonia has become the most abundant gas-phase alkaline species in the atmosphere.
Most of the ammonia released into the atmosphere is converted into particulate ammonium
sulfate and nitrate. Gaseous ammonia and ammonium compounds in particles are deposited
from the air by wet deposition and dry deposition. NH3 is mainly emitted from livestock
and production and application of fertilizers. Natural sources including soil, vegetation and
wild animal might also be contributors to the total amount of ammonia emission.
According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization recent research
findings, livestock are responsible for almost two thirds of anthropogenic NH3 emissions
that contribute significantly to acid rain and acidification of ecosystems (Sidiropoulos &
Tsilingiridis, 2009; EMEP/CORINAIR, 2007). Following deposition, soil microbes can
convert ammonia into acidic compounds by nitrification. Through these processes, NH3 can
contribute to acidic compounds on natural ecosystems and also cause eutrophication.
7. Nitrogen oxides (NO2)

Nitrogen dioxide a combustion-generated oxidant gas, is widely present in indoor and
outdoor environments. Outdoors, where it comes primarily from high temperature fuel
combustion of engines, industry, and power generation, it is a precursor to particles and
ozone (G. Viegi,2004).
Using a nationwide network of monitoring sites, EPA has developed ambient air quality
trends for nitrogen dioxide. Nationally, average NO2 concentrations have decreased
substantially over the years. In January 2010, EPA set the primary NO2 standard at a level of
100 parts per billion and the secondary NAAQS remains to 0.053 ppm (EPA, 2012). The
European air quality guidelines suggest a daily maximum concentration of 200 mg/m3 (1 h)
for NO2, while the WHO recommends a limit of 40 mg/m3 (annual average) for long-term
exposure. In general, the levels reported for Europe, Canada and the United States (except
for New Mexico) are below this exposure threshold, whereas higher levels have been
measured in Asiatic countries and in Mexico (100 mg/m3).
There is still no robust basis for setting an annual average guideline value for NO2 through
any direct toxic effect. Evidence has emerged, however, that increases the concern over
health effects associated with outdoor air pollution mixtures that include NO2. A number of
recently published studies have demonstrated that NO2 can have a higher spatial variation
than other traffic-related air pollutants, for example, particle mass. These studies also found
adverse effects on the health of children living in metropolitan areas characterized by higher
levels of NO2 even in cases where the overall city-wide NO2 level was fairly low. A number
of short-term experimental human toxicology studies have reported acute health effects
following exposure to 1-hour NO2 concentrations in excess of 500 μg/m3. Although the
lowest level of NO2 exposure to show a direct effect on pulmonary function in asthmatics in
more than one laboratory is 560 μg/m3, studies of bronchial responsiveness among
asthmatics suggest an increase in responsiveness at levels upwards from 200 μg/m3.
Since the existing WHO AQG short-term NO2 guideline value of 200 μg/m3(1-hour) has not
been challenged by more recent studies, it is retained. In conclusion, the guideline values
for NO2 remain unchanged in comparison to the existing WHO AQG levels, i.e. 40 μg/m3 for
annual mean and 200 μg/m3 for 1-hour mean.
8. Ozone (O3)
It is the principal component of smog, which is caused primarily by automobile emissions,
predominantly in urban areas. Normal levels of ozone in the air are between 20 and 80
mg/m3. Ozone concentrations in urban areas rise in the morning, peak in the afternoon, and
decrease at night. Ozone has become a significant pollutant as a result of increased
population growth, industrial activities, and use of the automobile. Ozone is at present the
primary air pollution problem in the United States. A trend analysis covering the years from
1993 to 2005 showed that the average number of hours with an ozone concentration above
180 μg/m3 (the EU information threshold) for any given monitoring site was higher in the
summer of 2003 than in any of the previous years (Park JW et al., 2004). On the February
2002 European Parliament approved a guideline (2002/3/CE) that indicates the “information
threshold” (180 μg/m3 ) and “alert threshold” (360 μg/m3) for ozone and imposes urgent
obbligation of the population’s information. In Italy, legislative decree 155/2010 sets long
term aims for human health protection (120 μg/m3 during 8 hours). Ozone is monitored in
Catania (Sicily, Italy) since 1997 by two control units but since then attention levels for this
compound have never been exceeded (Comune di Catania, 2001). Respiratory tract
responses induced by ozone include reduction in lung function, aggravation of preexisting
respiratory disease (such as asthma), increased daily hospital admissions and emergency
department visits for respiratory causes, and excess mortality (Corsmeier et al., 2002).
Controlled human exposure studies have demonstrated that short-term exposure - up to 8
hours - causes lung function decrements such as reductions in forced expiratory volume in
one second (FEV1), and the following respiratory symptoms: cough, throat irritation, pain,
burning, or discomfort in the chest when taking a deep breath, chest tightness, wheezing, or
shortness of breath. The effects are reversible, with improvement and recovery to baseline
varying from a few hours to 48 hours after an elevated ozone exposure.
9. Heavy metals
Heavy metals are a class of pollutants extremely widespread in the various environmental
matrices. They are natural components of the earth’s crust. Their presence in air, water and
soil erosion resulting from natural phenomena and human activities. To a small extent they
enter human bodies where, as trace elements, they are essential to maintain the normal
metabolic reactions. They cannot be degraded or destroyed, and can be transported by air,
and enter water and human food supply. Respect to air pollution, the metals that are
generally more concerned are: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb as conveyed by particulate air
pollution. Their origin is different: Cd, Cr and As are mostly from mining and steel
industries; Cu and Ni from combustion processes; Co, Cu, Zn and Cr from cementitious
materials obtained by recycling scrap steel industries and incinerators. The effect of heavy
metals on the human health depends on the mode of assumption, as well as the amount
absorbed. Heavy metals (such as cadmium, mercury and lead) are recognised as being
directly toxic to biota. All have the quality of being progressively accumulated higher up the
food chain, such that chronic exposure of lower organisms to much lower concentrations
can expose predatory organisms, including humans, to potentially harmful concentrations.
In humans they are also of concern for human health because of their toxicity, their potential
to cause cancer and their ability to cause harmful effects at low concentrations. Their relative
toxic/carcinogenic potencies are compound specific. Specifically, exposure to heavy metals
has been linked with developmental retardation, various cancers, kidney damage, and even
death in some instances of exposure to very high concentrations. Heavy metals can reside in
or be attached to PM. For several metals there are the standard reference, in particular for
lead the limit is intended as an average annual value of 0.5 ug/m3.
Urban sources of lead are fossil fuels, mining and manufacturing. The use of lead as an
additive to gasoline was banned in 1996 in the United States and since then the cases of
acute intoxication are notably decreased. In the Municipality of Catania lead is measured
through control programmes long for 15- 20 days. Since 1999 to 2000 it can be note a
decrease of mean concentrations (from 0,38 μg/m3 to 0,15 μg/m3 ) with values lower than
those required in the European Rule 99/30/CE. This result is correlated with the abolishment
of use of lead in gasoline (Comune di Catania, 2001).
In our experience high-level exposure to metals of men can damage sperm production and
motility, as are suggest by an our study that shows adverse impact of heavy metals on male
reproductive health. We have conducted a case-control study to investigate the exposition to
lead, arsenic, nickel and male fertility. The results show a sperm motility reduction of 50 %
(Ferrante M et al., 2011). Another study in the industrial triangle of Priolo-Melilli-Augusta
shows that males living in these towns show a sperm progressive motility decrease from
45% to 23% whereas density and morphology were into the reference limit of WHO
parameters (Ferrante M et al., 2011).
Cadmium is widely spread in the environment. Its consumption is growing, as a result

cadmium contamination of soil, water and air increases. Cadmium enters soil, water, and air
from mining, industry, and burning coal and household wastes and its particles in air can
travel long distances before falling to the ground or water. Cadmium is accumulated in fish,
plants, animal and human body. People can be exposed to cadmium eating contaminated
foods, smoking cigarettes or breathing cigarette smoke, drinking contaminated water, living
or working near industrial facilities which release cadmium into the air. Following the
European Law 155/2010, Sicily adopted a plane to value and manage air quality, aiming to
not exceed levels of 5,0 ng/m3 of cadmium in the air (ARPA Sicilia). The form of cadmium
that is of most interest for health effects from inhalation exposure is cadmium oxide because
that is the main form of airborne cadmium. Our research group has conducted a case–
control study to examine relationships between environmental exposures, particularly to
Cd, and male infertility. Cd showed concentrations in seminal plasma of the cases (1.67 μg/l)
higher than controls (0.55 μg/l) and cases showed a motility reduction from 45% to 23 %
(50% reduction). Our results indicate that the males exposed to environmental Cd showed a
deleterious effect on fertility (Ferrante M et al., 2011). Another study, carried out also by our
research group and not yet published, has shown the toxic effect of Cd even on male
reproductive organs because this metal cause a blood-testis barrier disruption and
consequently an impairment in sperm production. Finally we have to consider the effect of
cadmium on cancer development. Cd was classified as a cancer-causing agent in humans by
the WHO (1993), based on consistent reports of an association between Cd exposure and
lung cancer (ATSDR 2008).
Heavy metals can reside in or be attached to PM.
10. Organic compound

10.1. Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
Persistent organic pollutants are a group of chemicals which have been intentionally or
inadvertently produced and introduced into the environment and because of theirs
resistance to degradation, they persist in the environment.
Due to their stability and transport properties, they are now widely distributed around the
world, and are even found in places where they had never been used, such as the arctic
regions. Given their long half-lives and their fat solubility, POPs tend to bioaccumulate in
the food-chain including fish, meat, eggs and milk. POPs are also present in the human
body and traces can be found in human milk (WHO, 2007).
The United Nations Environment Programme Governing Council (GC) originally created a
have listed 12 POPs, known as the “dirty dozen.” Nine of these are old organochlorine
pesticides, including including aldrin, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), chlordane,
dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex and toxaphene, whose production
and use have been banned or strictly regulated by most countries for some time. In addition
other three POPs of concern are industrial chemicals, including the widely used
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) as well as two groups of industrial by-products,
polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs or dioxin) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans

(PCDFs or furans). In recent years, this list has been expanded to include polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), and tributyltin (TBT). The
groups of compounds that make up POPs are also classed as persistent, bioaccumulative,
and toxic (PBTs) or toxic organic micro pollutants (TOMPs). These terms are essentially
synonyms for POPs (Crinnion, 2011).
While production of PCBs has been largely banned for many years, the electrical
transformers and other equipment containing still these chemicals are still in use and they
present, today, serious disposal problems.
Regard to PCDDs and PCDFs, the better manufacturing controls and reduction of emissions
from industrial combustion processes, e.g. power generation and waste incineration plants,
have made a measurable impact on decreasing levels of these chemicals in human milk,
particularly in Europe (WHO, 2007).
Humans can be exposed to POPs through the direct exposure, e.g. occupational accidents or
by environment exposure (including indoor). Short-term exposures to high concentrations
of POPs may result in severe illness and death. Chronic exposure to POPs may also be
associated with a wide range of adverse health effect as a the endocrine disruption,
reproductive and immune dysfunction, neurobehavioral and developmental disorders and
cancer (Ritter et al, 1995).
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and PCDD/Fs are perhaps the most obvious
example. However, because an extensive array of POPs occur and accumulate
simultaneously in biota it is very difficult to say conclusively that an effect is due to one
particular chemical or a family of chemicals, in fact several chemicals act synergistically
(Jones, 1999).
10.2. Dioxins and furans (PCDDs and PCDFs)

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans are two similar classes of chlorinated
aromatic chemicals that are produced as contaminants or by products.
Most dioxins and furans are not man-made or produced intentionally, but are created when
other chemicals or products are made. They are formed as unwanted byproducts of certain
chemical processes during the manufacture of chlorinated intermediates and in the
combustion of chlorinated materials. The chlorinated precursors include polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated phenols, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) (Faroon M. et. al.,
2003). Of all of the dioxins and furans, one, 2,3,7,8-tetrachloro-p-dibenzo-dioxin (2,3,7,8
TCDD) is considered the most toxicand the most extensively studied. Like the other POPs
are chemically stable and highly lipophilic; in the environment, are persistent, undergo
transport, and preferentially bioconcentrate in higher trophic levels of the food chain (Safe
SH, 1998). In terms of dioxin release into the environment, uncontrolled waste incinerators
(solid waste and hospital waste) are often the worst culprits, due to incomplete burning.
Technology is available that allows for controlled waste incineration with low emissions.
Dioxins also have been detected at low concentrations in cigarette smoke, home-heating
systems, and exhaust from cars running on leaded gasoline or unleaded gasoline, and diesel
fuel. The larger particles will be deposited close to the emission source, while very small
particles may be transported longer distances will be deposited on land or water,
contaminating the food of animal origin, as they are persistent in the environment and
accumulate in animal fat and finding himself well in dairy, meat, fish and shellfish (Alcock
R, 2003). Excluding occupational or accidental exposures the most common way is by eating
food contaminated with dioxins particularly important is, also, the exposure of infants
through breast-feeding because of the high content of fat in human milk and may exceed the
exposure of adults by one or two orders of magnitude (Gies A, 2007).
Releases from industrial sources have decreased approximately 80% since the 1980s
(Consonni, 2012) and have been the subject of a number of federal and state regulations
and clean-up actions; however, current exposures levels still remain a concern. (EPA,
http://www.epa.gov/pbt/pubs/dioxins.htm). TDI (tolerable daily intake) values
recommended by WHO is 1-4 pg TEQ/kg/day. However, several nations have performed
their own reassessment of the available toxicity data for dioxin to derive a TDI (ASTDR,
2011). Today, the largest release of these chemicals occurs as a result of the open burning of
household and municipal trash, landfill fires, and agricultural and forest fires. Breast milk
is a substantial source of exposure for infants (Lundqvist et al., 2006), though breast milk
levels have been decreasing in recent years (Arisawa et al., 2005).
10.3. Polycyclic AromaticH (PAHs)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are ubiquitous pollutants formed from the combustion of
fossil fuels, industrial powder generation, incineration, production of asphalt, coal tar and
coke, petroleum catalytic cracking and primary aluminium production (WHO, 2003). The
specific emissions of PAHs from modern cars were observed to be 5 times higher from
diesel engines than from gasoline cars during transient driving conditions. Older diesel cars
and gasoline cars with a catalytic converter of outmoded design have 5–10 times higher
PAH emissions than modern cars. PAHs can react with pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen
oxides and sulfur dioxide, yielding diones, nitro- and dinitro-PAHs, and sulfonic acids,
respectively (WHO, 2000). PAHs have a tendency to be associated with particulate matter
and may be subject to direct photolysis (WHO, 2010). A number of PAHs are mutagenic and
genotoxic, and induce DNA adduct formation in vitro and in vivo. IARC considers several
purified PAHs and PAH derivatives to be probable (group 2A) or possible (group 2B)
human carcinogens. Benzo[a]Pyrene has decreased fertility and caused embryotoxicity
(WHO 2010) Our research group has conducted a study aimed to evaluate concentration of
priority PHAs in seminal plasma samples of healthy men (age 20-45 years) living in a
polluted area of Sicily (Priolo-Augusta-Melilli triangle), declarated “area at elevated
environmental crisis”. Our results show that the semen quality could not be affect by PAHs
concentration air (Oliveri Conti et al., 2011).
Emissions of PAHs decreased by 60 % overall between 1990 and 2008 in the EEA-32 but
increased in a small number of countries (EEA 2010). In Europe and the United States, urban
traffic contributes 46–90% of the total PAHs in ambient air. Recent initiatives included the
conversion to ultralow-sulfur diesel fuel, aimed to be 97% cleaner (Narváez, 2008)
10.4. Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs or TNMHC)

Non-methane volatile organic compounds are a collection of organic compounds that differ
widely in their chemical composition but display similar behaviour in the atmosphere.
Essentially, NMVOCs are identical to VOCs, but with methane excluded. NMVOCs are
emitted into the atmosphere from a large number of sources including combustion activities,
paint application, road transport, dry-cleaning and other solvent uses and production
processes. NMVOCs contribute to the formation of ground level (tropospheric) ozone. In
fact, the hydrocarbons have a strong tendency to react, in the presence of light, with the
oxides of nitrogen and oxygen. In addition, certain NMVOC species or species groups such
as benzene and 1,3 butadiene are hazardous to human health. Quantifying the emissions of
total NMVOCs provides an indicator of the emission trends of the most hazardous
NMVOCs. Biogenic NMVOCs are emitted by vegetation, with amounts dependent on the
species and on temperature (EEA, 2010; EEA, 2011). There are thousands of organic
compounds known ascribable to NMVOC, both of natural origin that is released into the air
from plants (biogenic), and anthropogenic (anthropogenic), both species we can find them
in the air or in the form of gas or in the form steam. The main TNMCH are generally:
aliphatic hydrocarbons or carbon chain with a linear structure, or with aromatic ring
structure (benzene, toluene, xylenes, etc..), oxygenated (aldehydes, ketones, etc.)., etc. Their
concentration in the atmosphere in urban areas and industrial centers are directly related to
vehicular traffic, domestic heating, to phenomena of evaporation of gasoline (engine
compartments and tanks), the exhaust gas vehicle (incomplete combustion of fuels), the
emissions from petrol stations fuel and many industrial activities (eg, oil refining, storage
and handling of fuels, production of paints and solvents, etc. ...) (ARPAT, 2010; Broderick &
Marnane, 2002). Solvent use and road transport are the two most significant sources of
NMVOC emissions in urban environments. (Sidiropoulos C, 2009) but Today the major
contributions of NMVOCs anthropogenic emissions are ascribed primarily to vehicular
traffic. Adverse operating conditions of the vehicle (low speed, repeated gear changes, and
frequent stops to a minimum) as those due to heavy traffic have resulted in greater emission
of unburned hydrocarbons. The evaporative emissions mainly stem from the volatility of
fuel and are therefore made up only of hydrocarbons. They occur when walking, both with
the engine off at stops (ARPAV, 2004). The effects on human health are very different
depending on the types of compounds present in the mixture thus depend solely on the
type of hydrocarbons present and their concentrations (WHO, 1989; WHO, 2005).
Hydrocarbons Alkanes are absolutely non-toxic. Are toxic and carcinogenic in some cases a
part of the aromatic hydrocarbons (“Air Quality Guideline for Europe” WHO, 1989; Sciacca
S. & Oliveri Conti G, 2009).
Figure 1. TNMCH Anthropogenic emission in Italy (da APAT)
Improved loading technology in the oil industry in the last 10 years has contributed to the
decline, and this trend continued in 2010. However, the emission of solvents from products
increased steeply in 2010, after a drop in the previous year, and made up for the decline in
the oil industry. The NMVOC emission still ended 28% below the Gothenburg Protocol
target. The emissions of non-methane volatile organic compounds have decreased by 51%
since 1990. In 2009, the most significant sources of NMVOC emissions were ‘Solvent and
product use’ (36%) (comprising activities such as paint application, dry-cleaning and other
use of solvents), followed by ‘Commercial, institutional and households’ (15%). The decline
in emissions since 1990 has primarily been due to reductions achieved in the road transport
sector due to the introduction of vehicle catalytic converters and carbon canisters on petrol
cars, for evaporative emission control driven by tighter vehicle emission standards,
combined with limits on the maximum volatility of petrol that can be sold in EU Member
States, as specified in fuel quality directives. The reductions in NMVOC emissions have
been enhanced by the switching from petrol to diesel cars in some EU countries, and
changes in the ‘Solvents and product use' sector (a result of the introduction of legislative
measures limiting for example the use and emissions of solvents.
10.5. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of chlorinated hydrocarbons that have been used
extensively since 1930 in a variety of industrial uses and are another major contaminant of
concern in communities (Johnson BL, 1999). PCB production in most countries was banned
in the 1970s and 1980s (Vallack, 1998).
According to the position of the chlorine atoms in the molecule of biphenyl may be obtained
209 congeners, 12 of which have characteristics similar to the dioxins and therefore defined
dioxin-like (ASTDR, 2000). All PCB congeners are lipophilic (lipophilicity increases with
increasing degree of chlorination) and have very low water solubilities. Once in the
environment, PCBs do not readily break down and therefore may remain for very long
periods of time. They can easily cycle between air, water, and soil and can be carried long
distances. Air is probably the most significant compartment for environmental distribution.
Their presence is ubiquitous in the environment, and residues have even been detected in
the Arctic air, water and organisms (Alcock et al, 2003).
PCBs were formerly used as dielectric fluids in transformers and large capacitors, as
pesticide extenders, plasticisers in sealants, as heat exchange fluids, hydraulic lubricants,
cutting oils, flame retardants, dedusting agents, and in plastics, paints, adhesives and
carbonless copy paper. Although PCBs are no longer made people can still be exposed to
them. Old fluorescent lighting fixtures and old electrical devices and appliances, such as
television sets and refrigerators, therefore may contain PCBs if they were made before PCB
use was stopped. When these electric devices get hot during operation, small amounts of
PCBs may get into the air and raise the level of PCBs in indoor air (ASTDR, 2000).
Food is the main source of exposure for the general population. PCBs enter the food chain
by a variety of routes, including migration into food from external sources, contamination of
animal feeds, and accumulation in the fatty tissues of animals. PCBs are found at higher
concentrations in fatty foods (e.g., dairy products and fish). Other sources of exposure in the
general population include the release of these chemicals from PCB-containing waste sites
and from fires involving transformers and capacitors. The transfer of PCBs from mother to
infant via breast milk is another important source of exposure. The lesser-chlorinated PCBs
are more volatile and indoor inhalational exposure from buildings containing caulking
made with these PCBs prior to 1979 can increase background serum levels.
Today, PCBs can still be released into the environment from poorly maintained hazardous
waste sites that contain PCBs; illegal or improper dumping of PCB wastes, such as old
transformer fluids; leaks or releases from electrical transformers containing PCBs; and
disposal of PCB-containing consumer products into municipal or other landfills not
designed to handle hazardous waste. PCBs may be released into the environment by the
burning of some wastes in municipal and industrial incinerators (ASTDR, 2000).
Human health effects that have been reported after investigations of occupational and
accidental exposures to high levels of PCBs include elevations of serum hepatic enzymes,
dermal changes (such as chloracne and rashes), inconsistent associations with serum lipid
levels, and some types of cancer in particular of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., liver, biliary).
They are classified as probable human carcinogens by IARC (ATSDR, 2000; Carpenter,
2006). PCBs weakly interact with estrogen and thyroid receptors and with transport proteins
(Purkey et al., 2004). Developmental and fetotoxic effects may also be observed in humans.
Our research group has conducted a study with the aim to evaluate the presence of possible
alterations of sperm parameters of male exposed to PCB. We studied a group of 96
volunteers (aged 20-46 years) resident in the Priolo-Augusta-Melilli (SR) triangle, which has
been declared “area at elevated environmental crisis” (Italian Government note). Of all
congeners analyzed the 74 appears to be the predominant (Fig.1). Our results show an
alteration of the morphology and motility of spermatozoa. (Ferrante et al., 2006; Altomare et
al, 2012).
Figure 2. Percentage of subjects with detectable PCB levels in seminal plasma.
In general, published emission estimates for PCBs are difficult to compare as the
methodological and empirical basis are different (Breivik et al., 2002; Breivik et al., 2004).
For decades, many countries and intergovernmental organizations have banned or severely
restricted the production, usage, handling, transport and disposal of PCBs so, since the early
1980s, PCB concentrations in the air have shown a significantly decreasing trend for urban,
rural, and marine/coastal areas. PCBs are also significantly decreased the concentrations in
blood and human milk (Porta et al, 2012; Alivernini et al, 2011).
Concentrations of PCB in human blood decreased about 34-56% from 2002 to 2006 with
difference for age, body mass index, weight (Porta et al., 2012). The comparison between
PCBs measured in human milk samples collected in Rome between 2005 and 2007 with two
previous studies performed in Rome in 1984 and in 2000-2001 indicates a 64% decrease of
PCB levels, still in progress data are in good agreement with recent European studies
(Alivernini et al., 2011).
10.6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Volatile organic compounds, major air pollutants in the indoor environment, are molecules
typically containing 1–18 carbon atoms that readily volatilize from the solid or liquid state
and are easily released into indoor air. All organic chemical compounds that can volatize
under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure are VOCs. These
substances are classified in Very Volatile Organic Compound (VVOC), Volatile Organic
Compound (VOC), and semivolatile Organic Compound (SVOC) to show the wide range of
volatility among organic compounds. VOCs are emitted from many household products,
including paints and lacquers, paint strippers, cleaning supplies, combustion appliances,
aerosol sprays, glues, adhesives, dry-cleaned clothing, and environmental tobacco smoke.
VOCs, which predominantly exist in the vapor phase in the atmosphere, and SVOCs, which
exist in both vapor and condensed phase, redistribute to indoor surfaces and may persist
from several months to years (Weschler et al., 2008). VOCs are of concern as both indoor air
pollutants and as outdoor air pollutants but several studies have reported a two to fivefold
increase in indoor concentrations of VOCs as compared to outdoors (Sexton et al. 2004).
VOCs emission in Italy are regulated by the legislative decree 152/2006 that establishes
thereshold values between 50 mg C/Nm3 - 150 mg C/Nm3. Moreover both adults and
children spend an estimated 90% of daily hours in indoor setting and energy conservation
measures for buildings have led to reduced air exchange rates and promotion of indoor
moisture buildup (Bornehag CG et al. 2005).
Exposure to VOCs can lead to acute and chronic health effects. The risk of health effects
from inhaling any chemical depends on how much is in the air, how long and how often a
person breathes it in (MDH, 2010). The major potential health effects include acute and
chronic respiratory effects, such as bronchitis and dyspnea. Over the past few decades
concern has increased about respiratory health effects from exposure to indoor air pollution.
Several studies have shown that the major effect of VOC’s exposure is the development of
asthma and allergic symptoms. Global trend in prevalence of allergic airway disease and
other types of allergies in children and young adults appears to be increasing in Western
countries, not only as seasonal decreases or in the context of particular ambients (Green et
al., 2003). Between 2008 and 2010, our research group has conducted a study to evaluate the
exposure to VOCs of secondary school students of first and second degree of Melilli
Augusta and Priolo, area whit high environmental impact. The exposition was assessed by
the passive samplers know, the Radiello, worn by student. The results show that the
concentrations of major VOCs such as benzene, toluene and ethylbenzene, with a few
exceptions, are within the limits of the law (Acerbi et al, 2010). Another study of our
Department shows that the exposure to various environmental pollutants, including VOC,
can cause development and exacerbation of asthma symptoms especially in children (Oliveri
Conti G et a.,l 2011). Causal factors underlying these diseases and other contributors of
global trend in prevalence since the 1970s remain unknown. Global secular trend in asthma
and the allergy disease prevalence draw a parallel with vast shift in diet, lifestyle, and
consumer product uses within the western societies since the World War II (Weschler et al.,
2009). Enormous quantity and array of chemical compounds have been introduced in the
societies which adopted western lifestyles. Consumer products, such as computer, TV, and
synthetic building materials, including artificial carpets, composite wood, polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) flooring, foam cushions, and PVC pipes emit an array of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (sVOCs) and nonorganic
compounds. In a study, conducted as part of the European Community Respiratory Health
Survey (ECRHS), authors reported higher concentration of total VOCs in recently painted
homes, which was significantly associated with increased odds of asthma. Similarly, in a
recent population based case-control study of children in Western Australia, two to

threefold increased odds of asthma was reported among children exposed to benzene,
ethylbenzene, and toluene (Rumchev et al., 2004). Indoor residential chemicals, emitted from
particle board, plastic materials, recent painting, home cleaning agents, air freshener,
pesticide, and insecticide, consistently increase the risks of multiple allergic symptoms and
asthma-like symptoms (Henderson et al., 2008; Mendell et al ., 2007). As far as respiratory
deseases, VOCs are responsible for allergic skin reaction, neurological toxicity, lung cancer,
and eye and throat irritation, fatigue, headaches, dizziness, nausea and neurological
symptoms such as lethargy and depression (Guo et al., 2004).
One of the most important VOCs is benzene. Benzene is an aromatic volatile hydrocarbon,
having a characteristic smell. It come mainly into air from vehicles emissions, and from
refueling losses; smoke from tobacco contains benzene and, in closed spaces, it constitutes
the greater source of such polluter. Short term effects on man act on nervous system while
long term ones produce progressive reduction of blood plateles and effect on leucocytes.
Due to its toxicity benzene has been inserted from IARC in group I. In an our study as far as
the city Catania is concerned, the benzene concentration has been maintained under the
objective values of 10 microgrammi/m3 (Ferrante et al., 2004)
We made a critical analysis of recent literature on biomarkers used in the assessment of

exposure to benzene in order to identify, on the basis of personal research, and reliable
biological indicators appropriate for monitoring exposure to low levels of solvent. We
concluded identifying the urinary compartment, the site of elimination of benzene and its
metabolites as such, as the most suitable for biological monitoring of benzene. The urinary
benzene is certainly a valid biomarkers in the estimation of the internal dose of benzene,
even if the measure prevail in precautions. The trans, trans-muconic acid, metabolite of
benzene, as there is of toxicological interest, can be considered the most important
biomarker in the assessment and of exposure and individual susceptibility to adverse effects
of benzene. (Vivoli et al., 2002)
11. Platinum Group Elements (PGEs or PGMs)

The platinum group metals sometimes referred as the platinum group elements, comprise
the rare metals platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), rhodium (Rh), ruthenium (Ru), iridium (Ir)
and osmium (Os).
Accumulation of PGEs is increasing in the environment over the time. The detection of
PGEs, even in remote areas of the planet, provides evidence of the global nature of the
problem. Catalytic converters of modern vehicles are considered to be the main sources of
PGE contamination in addition to some other application (e.g. industrial, jewelry, anticancer
drugs, etc.). The wide-scale use of catalytic converters for automotive traction in most
industrialised Countries has led, over the years, to a substantial increase in environmental
concentrations of PGEs. Along with PGEs the vehicle exhaust catalysts contain also a
number of stabilizers, commonly oxides of rare earth elements and alkaline earth elements
such as cerium (Ce), lantanium (La) and zirconium (Zr). Platinum content of road dusts,
however, can be soluble, consequently, it enters to the waters, sediments, soil, and finally,
the food chain. The effect of chronic occupational exposure to Pt compounds is well-
documented, and certain Pt species are known to exhibit allergenic potential, but PGEs have
also been found to be related to asthma, nausea, increased hair loss, increased spontaneous
abortion, dermatitis, and other serious health problems in humans. Some researchers have
shown that the Rh and Pd have a role on the emergence of certain tumors of the blood in rat.
The vast majority of studies on airborne PGMs have however been carried out in urban
areas characterised by high traffic density or in areas adjoining the aforementioned zones.
Analytical difficulties restrict the number of studies carried out for PGE concentration
estimation in air and airborne particles.
In fact the low PGE concentration in the environmental samples combined with numerous
interferences in the most sensitive analytical techniques are considered to be the major
difficulties by many technicians.
Ravindra et al. (2004) says that : “the Pt concentration in air was reported to be lower
than 0.05 pg/m3 near a freeway in California. However, other studies in Germany have
shown that the total Pt concentration in air along a highway ranged from 0.02 to 5.1
pg/m3 (0.6 to 130 ng/g) with the Pt mainly present in the small particle size fraction (from
0.5 to 8 μm), whilst the larger airborne particles had a lower Pt content. The proportion
of soluble platinum in air particles varied from 30 % to 43 %. A mean Pt concentration of
7.3 pg/m3 has been measured inside Munich city buses and tramways during regular
rides, with a strong correlation with traffic density. Bocca et al. (2003) reported a
significant difference for the PGE content of air in urban and remote sites of Rome. The
PGE concentration in urban airborne particulate matter ranged at 21.2-85.7 pg/m3 for Pd,
7.8-38.8 pg/m3 for Pt, and 2.2-5.8 pg/m3 for Rh. In Madrid, the Pt and Rh concentrations
in airborne particulate matter ranged from 3.1 to 15.5 pg/m3, and from not detectable to
9.32 pg/m3, respectively”.
The present literature survey shows that the concentrations of these metals have increased
significantly in the last decades in diverse environmental matrices; like airborne particulate
matter, soil, roadside dust and vegetation, river, coastal and oceanic environment.
Generally, PGEs are referred to behave in an inert manner and to be immobile.
Our research group has carried out a study on this issue entitled: “First data about Pt, Pd,
and Rh in air, foods and biological samples in the district of Catania” (Ferrante et al., 1998)
in order to acquire data about Rh, Pt and Pd concentrations in air, food, blood and urine
samples of the territory of Catania in order to establish a set of values to make an initial
bibliography. Metals investigated have been found in the samples assayed, although
discontinuously and in trace concentrations.
Another study carried out on the Italian territory by Spaziani et al. (2008) investigated the Pt
distribution in urban matrices (soils and dusts) in five cities, from north (Padova), central
(Rome and Viterbo), and south (Naples and Palermo) Italy in order to obtain a large set of
data concerning pollution from autocatalysts. Analyses show a beginning of Pt enrichment
in urban soils, with concentration ranges of 0.1–5.7 ng/g (Padova), 7–19.4 ng/g (Rome), 4.9–
20 ng/g (Viterbo), 4.7–14.3 ng/g (Napoli), and 0.2–3.9 ng/g (Palermo).
Platinum group elements from automotive catalytic converters are continuously increasing
in environmental matrices over the time. It is still under discussion, whether the emitted
PGEs are toxic for human beings. The potential health risk from these elements would have
to be taken in consideration for the possible risk of exposure for those living in urban
environments, or along major highways.
12. Conclusion
The movement of atmospheric pollution between continents attracts increasing political
attention. In a context dominated by the struggle against the emission of greenhouse gases,
problems of air quality should not be underestimated and policies relating to climate
protection must be taken into account.
All the above topics need further investigation (both experimental and model), partly on the
base of health studies for novel air pollutants, to reach a better understanding of the
behaviour of these in the environment. Greater international cooperation, also focusing on
links between climate and air pollution policies, is required more than ever to address the
phenomenon of air pollution.
However, the most important thing that emerges from our forty years of experience on the
environmental topics is the need for a more precise and careful risk management
(identification, esteem, evaluation and interventions on the risk). Too often technologies that
pose a serious risk to the human health are replaced with technology just as risky or even
riskier for the health of the population with enormous burdens also of the social and health
costs.
Author details
Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore, Gea Oliveri Conti, Caterina Ledda,
Roberto Fallico and Salvatore Sciacca
Department “G.F. Ingrassia”, Sector of Hygiene and Public Health, Catania University, Italy
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Chapter 2
Urban Structure and Air Quality
Helena Martins, Ana Miranda and Carlos Borrego
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50144
1. Introduction
It is an inquestionable fact that much has been done in the last decades to improve the
quality of the air we breathe and live in. Policies, technology and increasing public
awareness have taken us to an unprecedented level of protection. On the other hand, it is
also a fact that not only our cities but also our countryside continue to show worrying and
troubling signs of environmental stress, of which air pollution is one of many.
In 1900, 14% of the world’s population lived in cities; fifty years later, the proportion had
risen to 30%, and by 2003 to 48%; today half the world’s population lives in cities and
predictions are that by 2030, 60% of the population will be urban [1]. In Europe,
approximately 75% of the population lives in urban areas [2]. The last two centuries have
seen a transformation of cities from being relatively contained, to becoming widespread
over kilometres of semi-suburban/semi-rural land with commercial areas, office parks and
housing developments. People often live miles from where they work, shop or go for leisure
activities. This type of urban development has been named urban sprawl, and has its origins
from the rapid low-density outward expansion of the United States of America cities in the
beginning of the 20th century [3]. In Europe, cities have traditionally been much more
compact; however urban sprawl is now also a European phenomenon [4].
Next the scientific and policy background on the subject of this chapter is presented. Urban
planning aspects related to urban structure are briefly addressed, and the issue of urban air
pollution is introduced, as well as the main air pollution problems that European cities are
facing. The most important research studies covering the relation between urban planning
and air pollution during the last decades are then reviewed.
1.1. Urban planning

When the first cities emerged, they were created having defence in mind, resulting in
compact forms of settlement. With the advent of industrialization first and transport
© 2012 Martins et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
systems later, urban structures have changed dramatically, with an unprecedented process
of urbanization that has persisted so far.
1.1.1. Urban planning perspectives

People have imagined ideal cities since ever; urban planners in particular have directed their
attention to the types of urban structure that can provide a greater quality of life and
environmental protection. In the 20th century, various architects have proposed radical
changes in the form of the city [5]. Le Corbusiers’s ‘Radiant City’ and Frank Lloyd Wright’s
‘Broadacre City’ represent two extremes in a broad spectrum between urban density and
dispersal. Le Corbusier (1887-1965) proposed high-density urban areas, where different land
uses would be located in separate districts, with distinct functions - residential, commercial
areas, churches - forming a geometric pattern with a sophisticated transit system. In
opposition, Frank Lloyd Wright (1867-1959) defended the need for a closer contact with
nature, and defended decentralized low-density cities, composed of single-family homes on
large pieces of land, small farms, light industry, recreation areas, and other urban facilities
where travel needs would be almost entirely dependent on the automobile [5].
Twenty years after the mid 1970’s oil crisis which incited the first search for urban forms that
conserved resources, the idea of sustainability has re-emerged, due to the growing awareness of
urban problems related with resources depletion, energy consumption, pollution and waste [6].
The role of urban planning in urban sustainability, namely which urban structure will provide
higher environmental protection, is today still under discussion. The scope of the debate can be
summarized by classifying positions in two groups: the “decentrists”, in favour of urban de-
centralization, defending the dispersed city characterized by low population densities and large
area requirements; and the “centrists”, who believe in the virtues of high density cities with
low area requirements, defending the compact city. Defenders of dispersal and low density
development claim that low densities can be sustainable and that the quality of life within
them is much higher in comparison with contained high density developments. The argument
against the dispersed city is that low densities, and the consequent large area needs and land
use segregation, result in a high dependence from motorized vehicles. Several authors
however have associated sprawling urban development patterns with increased vehicle travel
and congestion [7], increased volumes of storm-water runoff [8], loss of agricultural lands [9],
and, even, increased rates of obesity in children and adult populations [10].
The compact city is characterized by high density and mixed use development, where
growth is encouraged within the boundaries of existing urban areas. Those in its favour
defend that urban containment will reduce the need for motorized trips, therefore reducing
traffic emissions, and promoting public transport, walking and cycling [11]. It is also
claimed that higher densities will help to make the supply of infrastructures and leisure
services economically feasible, also increasing social sustainability [12]. Other such as [13]
however, claim that the environmental benefits resulting from urban compaction are
doubtful and that higher urban densities are unlikely to deliver the high quality of life that
centrists promise. Although some reduction in energy consumption might be expected from
Urban Structure and Air Quality 29
compaction, they argue that a large centralised city can often result in greater traffic
congestion with fuel efficiency greatly reduced. Another important aspect mentioned is that
even if vehicle emissions are reduced, they may be concentrated in the precise areas where
they cause most damage and adversely affect most people [14].
1.1.2. Urban sprawl in Europe

Historically, urban dispersion rose from the struggle against the 19th century industrial
cities, which were congested, polluted, and foci of crime and disease [15]. After that, the
growth of cities has been driven by the growth of population; however, in Europe today
there is little or no population growth, while sprawl shows no signs of slowing down. A
variety of factors such as the negative environmental (pollution and noise) and social factors
(poverty and insecurity) related to city cores, rising living standards, changing living
preferences, and a new mobility paradigm are now driving sprawl [2, 16].
Since the mid-1950’s, European cities have expanded on average by 78% whereas the
population has grown by only 33%; also, more than 90% of the new residential areas are low
density areas; inevitably European cities have become much less compact [4]. Figure 1
shows the European areas with higher urbanization rates, where urban land cover has been
increasing between four to six times faster than the European average, and the population
density in residential areas declining six times faster [17].
Figure 1. European areas with very rapid urbanization [17].
Clearly for these areas the term sprawl is well fitted. Regions of this type can be found along
the Portuguese coastline, in Madrid and its surroundings as well as in some coastal regions
in Spain, in the north of the Netherlands, north-western Ireland, Italy and Greece. Sprawl is
particularly evident in countries or regions that have benefited from EU regional policies,
such as Portugal, Ireland, and Spain.
1.2. Urban air quality

Problems regarding air pollution in urban areas have been known for millennia, but the
attitude towards them was ambiguous, since they were even considered a symbol of growth
and prosperity, and the attempts to combat them were scattered and ineffective. It was only
after the occurrence of a few major air pollution episodes in the 20th century (such as the Meuse
Valley (Belgium) accident in December 1930 and the London December 1952 smog episode)
that a greater awareness and the consequent development of air pollution policies took place.
1.2.1. Main atmospheric pollutants and sources

Atmospheric pollutants (gaseous and particulate) can be divided in primary pollutants,
which are directly emitted to the atmosphere by a natural or anthropogenic emission source,
and secondary pollutants, which result from primary pollutants transformation through
chemical reactions highly dependent on meteorological conditions and/or solar radiation
[18]. Currently, the two air pollutants of most concern for public health are surface
particulate matter and tropospheric ozone, therefore receiving special attention in this
review and also throughout this chapter.
There is increasing evidence that fine dust particles have deleterious effects on human
health, causing premature deaths and reducing quality of life by aggravating respiratory
conditions such as asthma [19]. One reason why particulate matter (PM) is of such concern
is the absence of any concentration threshold below which there are no health effects.
Evidence suggests that fine particulates, with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter less than
2.5 micrometres (PM2.5), do most damage to human health, and that effects depend further
on the chemical composition or physical characteristics of the particle [20]. Particulate
matter (PM) includes as principal components sulphate, nitrate, organic carbon, elemental
carbon, soil dust, and sea salt. The first four components are mostly present as fine particles,
and these are of most concern for human health. Sulphate, nitrate, and organic carbon are
produced within the atmosphere by oxidation of sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides
(NOx) and non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOC); carbon particles are also
emitted directly by combustion. The seasonal variation of PM is complex and location-
dependent; in general, PM needs to be viewed as an air quality problem year-round [21].
While ozone (O3) in the upper atmosphere provides an essential screen against harmful UV
radiation, at ground level it is lung irritant causing many of the same health effects as
particulate matter, as well as attacking vegetation, forests and buildings. Observed effects on
human health are inflammation and morphological, biochemical, and functional changes in
the respiratory tract, as well as decreases in host defence functions. Effects on vegetation
include visible leaf injury, growth and yield reductions, and altered sensitivity to biotic and
abiotic stresses [22]. Ozone is produced in the troposphere by photochemical oxidation of
carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), and NMVOC by the hydroxyl radical (OH) in the
presence of reactive nitrogen oxides. The relation between O3, NOx and VOC is driven by
complex nonlinear photochemistry, with the existence of two regimes with different O3-
NOx-VOC sensitivity: in the NOx-sensitive regime (with relatively low NOx and high VOC),
O3 increases with increasing NOx and changes little in response to increasing VOC; in the
NOx-saturated or VOC-sensitive regime O3 decreases with increasing NOx and increases
with increasing VOC [23]. Also, in the vicinity of large nitrogen monoxide (NO) emissions,
ozone is destroyed according to the reaction NO + O3 = NO2 + O2, generally referred as O3

titration by NO. This situation usually takes place in heavily polluted areas, with ozone
consumption taking place immediately downwind of the sources, and becoming elevated as
the plume moves further downwind [24]. Ozone pollution is in general mostly a summer
problem because of its photochemical nature [23].
1.2.2. Emissions and air quality trends in Europe

Emissions of air pollutants decreased substantially during the period 1990–2009 across
Europe (Figure 2). PM emissions fell by 27 % for PM10 and 34 % for PM2.5. Emissions of the
precursor gases SOx and NOx declined by 80 % and 44 % respectively. Emissions of ammonia
(NH3), have fallen less: only about 14 % between 1990 and 2009. It is estimated that current
European policies reduced NOx emissions from road vehicles by 55 % and from industrial
plants by 68 % in the period 1990–2005 [25].
Notwithstanding the emissions decrease in Europe, the analysis of PM10 concentrations
since 1999 for a total of 459 European air quality monitoring stations reveals that 83 % of the
stations presents a small negative trend of less than 1 μg.m-3 per year [25]. For ozone there is
a discrepancy between the substantial cuts in ozone precursor gas emissions and the
stagnation in observed annual average ozone concentrations in Europe [26]. Reasons include
increasing inter-continental transport of O3 and its precursors in the northern hemisphere,
climate change/variability, biogenic NMVOC emissions, and fire plumes from forest and
other biomass fires [26].
Figure 2. EU emissions of PM and ozone precursor gases 1990-2009 [25].
The target value threshold for ozone of 120 μg.m-3 (daily maximum of running 8-hour mean
values) was exceeded on more than 25 days per year at a large number of stations across
Europe in 2009 (Figure 3a). The map shows the proximity of recorded ozone concentrations to
the target value. At sites marked with dark orange dots, the 26th highest daily ozone
concentration exceeded the 120 μg.m-3 threshold, implying an exceedance of the threshold and
the number of allowed execeedances by the target value [25]. The EU limit and target values
for PM were exceeded widely in Europe in 2009, as evidenced in Figure 3b. The annual limit
value for PM10 was exceeded most often (dark orange dots) in Poland, Italy, Slovakia, several
Balkan states and Turkey. The daily limit value was exceeded (light orange dots) in other cities
in those countries, as well as in many other countries in central and western Europe.
Figure 3. a) Twenty-sixth highest daily maximum 8-hour average ozone concentration; b) Annual mean
concentration of PM10 recorded at each monitoring station in 2009 [25].
Across Europe, the population exposure to air pollution exceeds the standards set by the EU
(Figure 4). For ozone there has been considerable variation along the period 1997-2009, with
14% to 61% of the urban population exposed to concentrations above the target value. In
2003, a year with extremely high ozone concentrations due to specific meteorological
conditions, the exposure was higher. Regarding PM10, in the period 1997-2009, 18 to 50% of
the urban population was potentially exposed to ambient air concentrations higher than the
EU limit value set for the protection of human health [25].
Figure 4. Percentage of the EU urban population potentially exposed to air pollution exceeding
acceptable EU air quality standards [25].
1.3. Integrating urban planning and air quality

Since the world’s cities are the major consumers of natural resources, the major producers of
pollution and waste, and the focus of most other human activities, various governments
realised that much of the sustainable debate has an urban focus. Solving the problems of the
city would be a major contribution to solving the most pressing global environmental
problems, since it is in cities that we find the greatest concentration of population and
economic activity, and it is in cities that the crucial long term and often irreversible decisions
on infra-structure investments (related to energy supply and waste treatment) are made.
After the Brundtland Commission report [27] the notion that the natural environment
should become a political priority, and the pursuit of sustainable development received a
remarkable attention. In many countries there have been profound changes in policies and
in political and popular attitudes, as the commitment to the sustainable development idea
has increased. The question now is which urban form or structure will be likely to deliver
more environmental benefits or will be less harmful to the human health and the
environment. The most important work conducted in the field in the last two decades is
reviewed next.
1.3.1. Data analysis studies

Much of the technical arguments for compact cities have revolved around the allegedly
lower levels of travel, and hence lower levels of fuel consumption and emissions, associated
with high urban densities. [28, 29] have related fuel consumption per capita to population
density for a large number of cities around the world, and found a consistent pattern with
higher densities associated with lower fuel consumption. [30] compared a group of world
cities over the period 1980 to 1990 regarding its land use and transport characteristics. The
study demonstrated the importance of urban density in explaining annual per capita auto
use, with annual kilometres travelled per capita strongly inversely correlated with urban
density. Similar conclusions emerged from [11], which found a clear inverse correlation
between total distances travelled per week and population density. People living at the
lowest densities were found to travel twice as far by car each week in comparison to those
living at the highest densities.
The studies by [28, 29] have been criticised for focusing on the single variable of density,
when other factors are likely to be important in explaining travel behaviour. [31] argues that
household income and fuel price are important determinants of such behaviour, making it
difficult to clearly identify the link between density and fuel consumption.
While several additional studies [32-35] have related travel behaviour, traffic, energy
consumption and emissions with land use patterns, only few were found relating land use
with air quality, i.e., with atmospheric pollutant concentrations. [36] examined the
relationship between the degree of sprawl and ozone levels for 52 metropolitan areas in the
United States. While there was evidence regarding the association between lower
population densities and higher vehicle miles of travel, only moderate evidence was found
relating sprawl and increased ozone levels. [37] analysed the impact of changes in land area
and population on per capita exposure to motor vehicle emissions, concluding that infill
development has the potential to reduce motor vehicle emissions yet increasing per capita
inhalation of those emissions, while sprawl has the potential to increase vehicle emissions
but reduce their inhalation. [38] explored the implications of sprawl for air quality through
the integration of data on land use attributes and air quality trends recorded in 45 of the 50
largest US metropolitan regions. The results of this study indicate that urban form is
significantly associated with both ozone precursor emissions and ozone exceedances.
Overall, the most sprawling cities experienced over 60% more high ozone days than the
most compact cities.
Most of the above work relied on empirical studies to provide descriptive comparisons of
current cities and to find evidence that certain types of urban forms are correlated with
desirable levels of energy consumption and emissions. These approaches integrate the land
use and transport aspects of urban form, but lack the extra step that translates energy
efficiency into indicators of air quality, via pollutant concentrations.
1.3.2. Numerical modeling studies

As just mentioned, several empirical and modelling studies integrate land use and transport
issues and its relation with urban structure, however, few were found that explore the
connection to air quality and human exposure. Conclusions from most of the studies done
so far have been harmed by the lack of knowledge about the complex path between an
initial action for the reduction of atmospheric emissions and the final benefit in terms of air
quality and human exposure [39]. Health effects of air pollution are the result of a chain of
events, going from the release of pollutants leading to an ambient atmospheric
concentration, over the personal exposure, uptake, and resulting internal dose to the
subsequent health effect. It is important to make a distinction between concentration and
exposure; concentration is a physical characteristic of the environment at a certain place and
time, whereas exposure describes the interaction between the environment and a living
subject, referring to an individual’s contact with a pollutant concentration.
Emissions reduction conducts to changes in atmospheric pollutant concentrations, but those

changes will have different spatial and temporal magnitudes and signs, due to differences in
emissions, weather patterns and population exposed to pollution according to the time of
the day, day of the week or month of the year, and also according to the population age
structure (children, adults and elderly suffer different effects due to their different
respiratory frequencies). Exposure is the key factor in assessing the risk of adverse health
effects, since high pollutant concentrations do not harm people if they are not present, while
even low levels may become relevant when people are present [19].
Recent advances in computer technology have allowed the integration of land-use and
traffic models with air quality models; these modelling tools assume a particular importance
to the subject under study, since they allow the integration of the most important variables
that have to be analysed. One of the earliest investigations in this field was carried out for
Melbourne in [39]. The authors developed a framework for linking urban form and air
quality, integrating land use, transport and air quality models, and the results of the study
shown that any of the several strategies designed to deliberately channel and concentrate
additional population and industry into specific zones, when supported by simultaneous
investments in transport infrastructure, will deliver environmental and efficiency benefits

that consistently outperform those associated with the “business-as-usual” approach.
Through the application of dispersion and photochemical models, [40] concluded that compact
cities with mixed land uses promote a better air quality when compared with dispersed cities
with land use segregation. A subsequent study, conducted by the same team [41], investigated
the influence of urban structure on human health, estimating the human exposure to
atmospheric pollutants. Results reveal that the compact city presents more people exposed to
higher pollution levels due to the existent high population densities. [42] investigated the
potential effects of extensive changes in urban land cover, in the New York City (NYC)
metropolitan region, on surface meteorology and ozone concentrations. Results from the
study suggest that extensive urban growth in the NYC metropolitan area has the potential to
increase afternoon temperatures by more than 0.6°C leading to increases in episode-average
ozone levels by about 1–5 ppb, and episode-maximum 8 h ozone levels by more than 6 ppb.
[43, 44] investigated the effects of urban sprawl on road traffic, air quality and population
exposure for the German Ruhr area. The sprawl scenario produced a temperature increase of
about half a degree over significant portions of the domain, including beyond the area where
the land use changes were implemented. The combination of increased temperature and
emissions yielded ozone concentration pattern changes, from -1.5 to +4.5 g.m-3.
2. Case study presentation

In the report “Urban sprawl in Europe” [2], Porto urban area is identified as one of the top
ten European cities where sprawl is growing faster. In the last decades, the Porto area has
experienced an accelerated process of land occupation, with the urban area increasing at
much faster rates than the population. Also, according to the air quality reports for
Portugal’s Northern region, the assessment of pollutant concentrations measured in the air
quality monitoring network shows that Porto metropolitan region presents a poor air
quality, with ozone thresholds and PM10 limit values exceeded [45]. It seems therefore that
the Porto region is an interesting and challenging case to be studied in the framework of the
topic urban structure and air quality.
The region selected for the analysis is showed in Figure 5 and includes 21 municipalities,
with a total area of almost 240 000 hectares. The Porto municipality constitutes the study
region’s centre around which a first metropolitan ring is formed by the municipalities of
Matosinhos, Maia, Gondomar and Vila Nova de Gaia; the municipalities of P. Varzim, V.N.
Famalicão, Lousada, Felgueiras, Penafiel, M. Canavezes, C. Paiva and S.J. Madeira can be
considered part of a peripheral ring, while the remaining intermediate municipalities
constitute a second metropolitan ring.
2.1. Patterns of urban growth and change

This section explores the path of the recent urban expansion in the Porto area. For that
purpose the process of urban growth in this area is analysed in detail, with the use of two
digital Corine Land over (CLC) maps – CLC90 and CLC2000.
Figure 5. Study region, including 21 municipalities.
The CORINE (COordination of INformation on the Environment) programme of the

European Commission includes a land cover project – CLC - [46] intended to provide
consistent localized geographical information on the land cover of the Member States of the
European Community. CLC is a standardised land cover inventory derived from satellite
imagery for 24 countries, with 250 m resolution. For Portugal, CLC 1990 (CLC90) was
produced with satellite images from 1985 to 1987, depending on the region, while CLC2000
concerns the year 2000. The two datasets are here analysed for the study region, in order to
produce a thorough characterization of the land use evolution in the period between 1987
and 2000. Figure 9 presents the study region land cover maps for 1987 and 2000, resulting
from the processing of CLC90 and CLC2000 data, respectively. To obtain a clearer picture of
the land cover, the 44 CLC classes were grouped in 5 large categories: 1) artificial surfaces; 2)
agricultural areas; 3) forests and shrub areas; 4) other non-artificial surfaces (areas of little or
no vegetation, and inland and coastland wetlands); 5) water bodies.
Figure 6. Study region land cover maps for 1987 and 2000.
The land cover maps reveal the expansion of artificial areas throughout the study region,
mainly occupying land previously dedicated to agriculture, due to its proximity to the
already existent urban areas. In order to have a clearer picture of the magnitude and nature
of this growth, Table 1 presents the numbers behind the maps, including the total area for
each of the four large land use categories and corresponding share (%) for each dataset, as
well as the magnitude of the change between 1987 and 2000. Furthermore, artificial surfaces
area is analysed with more detail by looking at its composition: continuous urban fabric;
discontinuous urban fabric; industrial or commercial units; other artificial surfaces. From
1987 to 2000, built-up land uses increased 41.5%, around 13 000 new hectares have become
artificial during this period, with urbanized land rising from 13% to 18% of the total area of
the region. The analysis by municipality shows that the largest artificial surface increases are
particularly observed outside the urban centre confirming the previous assertions about the
existence of urban sprawl processes in the region. Municipalities in the first metropolitan
ring around Porto reveal the largest absolute increases of artificial surfaces. Municipalities
outside the first metropolitan ring, with very low shares of urbanised areas in 1987
presented the highest growth rates between 1987 and 2000. As expected, Porto municipality
presents the highest percentage of artificial land uses, with 91.5% of the total area in 2000
(83% in 1987). As urbanization advanced, many non-urban hectares disappeared:
agriculture land loss represents more than half of the entire non-urban losses (12820 ha);
forest and shrub areas come next with 26%.
CLC90 (1987 data) CLC2000 Change

Land uses
hectares % hectares % hectares %
Artificial surfaces 30908.2 12.9 43727.9 18.3 + 12819.7 +41.5
Continuous urban fabric 3369.0 10.9 4059.2 9.3 +690.2 +20.5
Discontinuous urban fabric 23583.0 76.3 32895.0 75.2 +9312.0 +39.5
Industrial or commercial units 2719.9 8.8 4973.1 11.4 +2253.2 +82.8
Other artificial surfaces 1236.3 4.0 1800.7 4.1 +564.3 +45.6
Agricultural areas 101350.1 42.3 93766.2 39.1 -7584.0 -7.5
Forests and shrub areas 101598.7 42.4 98319.4 41.0 -3270.3 -3.2
Other non-artificial surfaces 5750.4 2.4 3784.9 1.6 -1965.4 -34.2
TOTAL AREA 239598.4 100 239598.4 100 - -
Table 1. Study region land cover data for 1987 and 2000.
A more detailed analysis of the new artificial uses between 1987 and 2000 reveals little
changes in the urbanization trends. The discontinuous or low density urban fabric ranks
first for both years, summing around 75% of the total artificial area. While in 1987
continuous urban fabric was the second land use category, with 11% of the total artificial
area, in 2000 the industrial and commercial units took over the second place. This land use
category showed the highest growth rate between 1987 and 2000 (83%), followed by other
artificial surfaces (46%). The discontinuous urban fabric is the first in terms of area growth,
representing 73% of the new artificial areas. The land use category compact or continuous
urban fabric showed the lowest growth.
Evidence therefore suggests that Porto region is undergoing a process of urban sprawl; to
further confirm it, it is important to look at the relation between the artificial areas growth
and the population growth in the same period. Making use of the population data and of
the residential area, obtained through the sum of continuous and discontinuous urban
fabric, the residential density (number of residents per residential square kilometre) was
calculated for 1987 and for 2000 (Figure 7), for a limited group of municipalities with
available data for 1987 and 2000 simultaneously.
12000
(residents per residential km2)
10000 1987
Residential density
2000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
ESPINHO GONDOMAR MAIA MATOSINHOS P.VARZIM PORTO VALONGO V.CONDE V.N.GAIA
Figure 7. Residential density calculated for 1987 and 2000 for a group of municipalities in the study
region.
A trend towards lower residential densities is observed, revealing that the population
growth has lost importance as an explanatory factor of the urbanization process, while the
generalization of dispersed urban patterns has risen. An important sprawl process in the
region is the proliferation of new industrial and commercial areas. Extensive industrial areas
and mega commercial structures punctuate the Porto region, with the traditional tendency
of locating commercial uses within the urban fabric rapidly fading. There is no longer a real
mixture of uses; instead, commercial activities are now segregated and concentrated in large
portions of land orientated to commercial and leisure activities.
2.2. Mobility and attractiveness

In metropolitan areas, the need for daily-travel or commuting is a reality steaming from the
progressive distancing between residential areas and work and study areas. Hence, in a study
whose aim is to link urban structure with emissions and air quality, it is essential to look not
only at the number of residents per municipality but also at the population flow between
municipalities. It was therefore necessary to characterize the commuting characteristics of the
region and the relative attractiveness/ repulsiveness of each municipality in the study area. For
that purpose, a study from the National Statistics Institute [47] for the year 2001 was the main
source of data. The study demonstrates the existence of important commuting movements in
the Porto Metropolitan Area, through the analysis of the main interaction axis and the
accounting of workers and student’s flows between municipalities. Of great significance are
the interactions between Porto, the centre of the region, and the municipalities of the first
metropolitan ring; these interactions are strongly unbalanced in favour of Porto [47]. The
mentioned study compiled the rates relating the number of individuals entering/ exiting a
given municipality with the number of individuals residing in the municipality. The described
data was processed and attraction and repulsion rates re-calculated for the municipalities in
the case study region. It was assumed that the study region acts as a tight zone, and the
possible interactions between it and the surrounding areas are not considered. As an example,
Figure 8 presents the data for Porto municipality, with a net attraction rate of 38.2%.
These attraction and repulsion rates are essential for the definition and construction of the
urban development scenarios for the region since, in order to determine the total amount
and distribution of atmospheric pollutant emissions in the study region, it is necessary to
consider not only the number of inhabitants or residents per municipality but also the flow
between municipalities.
Figure 8. Porto main entering and exiting movements and attraction and repulsion rates for 2001.
2.3. Air quality levels

Portugal’s northern region, in accordance to the established in the Air Quality Framework
Directive (96/62/EC), was classified [48] in two zones (Interior North and Coastal North) and
four agglomerations (Coastal Porto, Braga, Vale do Ave and Vale do Sousa). Since 2005, the
air quality monitoring network covers all the zones/agglomerations, with a total of 24
stations in 2006, the large majority of them (15) located in Coastal Porto due to the high
number of inhabitants.
Figure 9 shows the air quality monitoring stations for which PM10 daily legal requirements
were not fulfilled [49]. High PM10 concentrations are measured in urban and suburban
monitoring stations; regarding the daily limit value the number of annual exceedances goes
well beyond the allowed 35. As a result of these exceedances, and accordingly to the
determined in the Air Quality Framework Directive, the Northern Region of Portugal is
currently under the obligation of developing and implement Plans and Programs for the
Improvement of the Air Quality [49].
175 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Number of daily LV exceedances
140
105
70
35
ANT BOA CST ERM ESP LB MAT PER SH VERM VC VNT CL PAR ST CLD
Figure 9. Monitoring stations not fulfilling PM10 legal requirements for daily LV + MT in 2001-2006 in
the study area (the red line indicates the allowed number of daily exceedances) (data from [49]).
The analysis of ozone measured data shows that concentration values are higher outside the
urban centre of the region, i.e. outside Porto municipality. Nevertheless the ozone
information threshold is exceeded in the majority of the monitoring stations, and often along
a high number of hours per year. Concerning the seasonal occurrence of exceedances, ozone
limit values are generally higher between April and September, while for PM10 high
concentrations have been found both in summer and winter.
3. Setup of the urban air quality modelling system

This section describes the meteorological (MM5) and chemical (CAMx) numerical models, used
in the atmospheric simulations for the Porto study region. Both models are freely available, and
have been extensively used and validated worldwide, being subject of constant improvement
and update. These facts, together with the good performance of the models obtained for
different regions, including the present study region, justify their selection. Moreover, these
models are ready to be applied in long-term simulations with acceptable computing times.
Input
InputData
Data
SYNOPTIC
Synoptic INIT.
InitialAND
and BOUND.
bound .
FORCING TOPOGRAPHY
Topography LANDUSE
Land use EMISSIONS
Emissions
forcing CONDITIONS
conditions
Models
Models MM5 CAMx
Photochemical
Meteorological chemical
meteorological model
model model
model MARS
MEMO
Results
Results 3D pollutants
3D 2D pollutants
3D
2D and 3D meteorological fields concentration
polutants deposition
Polutants
3D
(temperature,
windwind,precipitation,…)
fields fields
conc . fields fields
dep. fields
Figure 10. Simplified scheme of the MM5-CAMx modelling system.

Figure 10 presents a simplified scheme of the MM5-CAMx modelling system applied to the
simulation of the atmospheric flow and air quality in the study region.
3.1. MM5 meteorological model

The PSU/NCAR mesoscale model was developed at the Pennsylvania State University and
the National Centre for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). The model is supported by several
pre- and post-processing programs, which are referred to collectively as the MM5 modelling
system [50]. The MM5 modelling system software is freely provided and supported by
NCAR, therefore it is widely used internationally [51, 42]. The MM5 is a three-dimensional
non-hydrostatic prognostic model that simulates mesoscale atmospheric circulations.
Important features in the MM5 modelling system include: (i) a multiple-nest capability; (ii)
non-hydrostatic dynamics; (iii) a four-dimensional data assimilation capability; (iv)
increased number of physics options; and (v) portability to a wide range of computer
platforms [52]. The program numerically solves the pressure, mass, momentum, energy and
water conservation equations; it presents different parameterization schemes for clouds,
planetary boundary layer and diffusion, moisture, radiation, and surface. MM5´s nesting
capability allows the consideration of several domains in a single simulation or in
consecutive simulations; therefore, the first domain can present a more regional dimension
with a coarser mesh, while the next domain will cover a smaller area but with a higher
resolution.
Since MM5 includes several parameterizations, users can choose among the multiple
options of model physics and parameterization schemes; some are based on the scale of the
motion, such as the cumulus parameterizations, while others are dependent on users
preferences, such as the planetary boundary layer (PBL) schemes [53]. Based on previous
MM5 applications for the West Coast of Portugal, namely by [54], the chosen MM5 physical
options include: Grell cumulus scheme for the coarser resolution domain and no cumulus
parameterization for the smaller grids, RRTM radiation scheme, Reisner-Graupel moisture
scheme, MRF BPL scheme for the coarser resolution domain and Gayno-Seaman PBL
scheme for the smaller grids. The used land surface model is the five-layer soil model. The
initial and boundary conditions are from the National Centre for Environmental Predictions
(NCEP) global 1-degree reanalysis data, updated every 6-hours [55].
The MM5 modelling system has two types of land use data with global coverage available
from the United States Geological Survey (USGS): 13-category, with a resolution of 1 degree,
30 and 10 minutes; and 24-category, with a resolution of 1 degree, 30, 10, 5 and 2 minutes,
and 30 seconds. The USGS 24-category data is referred to 1990, and some of the components
are originated from a dataset compiled in the 1970s [52]. This data was compared with the
data from Corine Land Cover 2000 [56], and it was possible to conclude that the land use in
the study area is weakly represented in the USGS24 original dataset: in CLC2000, Porto and
the surrounding municipalities are presented as a large urban area, while in USGS24 the
urbanized area is much more restricted and concentrated over Porto. Therefore, the USGS24
default land use data was replaced by CLC2000 data in the present study.
3.2. CAMx air quality model

The Comprehensive Air quality Model with extensions (CAMx) was developed by
ENVIRON International Cooperation, from California, United States of America. CAMx [57]
is an Eulerian photochemical dispersion model that allows the integrated “one-atmosphere”
assessment of gaseous and particulate air pollution over many scales ranging from sub-
urban to continental. CAMx simulates the emission, dispersion, chemical reaction, and
removal of pollutants in the troposphere by solving the pollutant continuity equation for
each chemical species on a system of nested three-dimensional grids. The Eulerian
continuity equation describes the time dependency of the average species concentration
within each grid cell volume as a sum of all of the physical and chemical processes
operating on that volume [58]. The nested grid capability of CAMx allows cost-effective
application to large regions in which regional transport occurs, yet at the same time
providing fine resolution to address small-scale impacts in selected areas [58]. The CAMx
chemical mechanisms are based on Carbon Bond version 4 and SAPRC99.
CAMx requires input files that configure each simulation, define the chemical mechanism,
and describe the photochemical conditions, surface characteristics, initial/boundary
conditions, emission rates, and various meteorological fields over the entire modelling
domain. Preparing this information requires several pre-processing steps to translate “raw”
emissions, meteorological, air quality and other data into the final input files for CAMx.
Some changes have been performed over the last years in order to implement MM5-CAMx
system for Portugal [59].
The MM5-CAMx pre-processor generates CAMx meteorological input files from the MM5
output files, including land use, altitude/pressure, wind, temperature, moisture, clouds/rain
and vertical diffusivity. The vertical structure in CAMx will be defined from the MM5 sigma
layers, and therefore will vary in space, also vertical layer structures can vary from one grid
nest to another. Topographic and land use information is also provided by the MM5 model
through the MM5-CAMx pre-processor.
In this study initial concentrations and hourly boundary conditions were created from
output concentration files from the LMDz-INCA chemistry-climate global circulation model
[60] for gaseous species, and from the global model GOCART [61] for aerosols.
Finally, pre-processors are also used to calculate the hourly variation of emissions from
point and area sources, respectively. The processing of the atmospheric emissions is
described in the following section.
3.3. Atmospheric emissions processing

Emission inventories are crucial ingredients to successfully simulate atmospheric pollutants
concentrations, although including substantial uncertainties related to the spatial and
temporal allocation of emissions, as well as the chemical speciation [62, 63]. Besides the
degree of completeness of the inventory and the quality of the emission factors, the accuracy
of the inventory's temporal and spatial patterns is of major importance for successful air
quality modelling. The Portuguese National Inventory Report (NIR) [64] compiles total
annual quantities of atmospheric emissions, which are assigned by municipality and SNAP
(Selected Nomenclature for sources of Air Pollution) category. For air quality modelling
purposes it is therefore necessary to further spatially disaggregate emissions to the model’s
grid cell resolution level. In previous air quality studies for Portugal [62, 65] the NIR was
disaggregated at the sub-municipality level using data given by Census 2001, concerning
population and fuel consumption [66].
In the present study a new methodology is designed and implemented using spatial
surrogates to disaggregate national emission totals onto a spatially resolved emission
inventory, which can be used as input for any air quality model domain over Portugal. A
spatial surrogate is a value greater than zero and less than or equal to one that specifies the
fraction of the emissions of a particular country, in this case Portugal, which should be
allocated to a particular grid cell of the air quality model domain of interest [67]. Typically,
some type of geographic characteristic is used to weight the attributes into grid cells in a
manner more specific than a simple uniform distribution. In this study, based on the
methodology described in [68], CLC2000 land use data in combination with national
statistics (for population, industry and agriculture employment) are applied as spatial
surrogate variables for disaggregating non-point emission sources over Portugal. The
surrogate value is calculated as the ratio of the attribute value in the intersection of the
country and the grid cell to the total value of the attribute in the country.
The methodology developed and applied is now described. First, point source emissions
were allocated on the air quality domain of interest. Next, non-point emissions, for each
SNAP category, were spatially distributed using specific quantitative spatial surrogate data,
based on statistics from the National Statistics Institute (INE), and other source specific
activity data, and on CLC2000 data for Portugal. The emissions considered in the present
study concern the following atmospheric pollutants: NOx, NMVOC, CO, NH3, PM10 and
PM2.5.The first step consisted in disaggregating population according to land use.
Population density data are available in Portugal at the sub-municipality level, or commune.
The size of communes in Portugal is very heterogeneous, ranging from 4 ha to 42500 ha;
hence this level of spatial resolution is insufficient for air quality modelling purposes.
Moreover, a certain commune may contain, for instance, parts of dense urban nucleus,
agricultural land with some sparse population, and natural vegetation areas with very little
or no population. CLC2000 gives useful geo-referenced information for disaggregation,
since its geographic database provides information that is spatially much more detailed than
the commune limits. Different population densities were attributed to different land cover
categories, following the methodology described in [69]. The methodology was then applied
to the Portuguese inland territory, with population and employment statistics given by
CENSUS 2001 [70] being disaggregated over the CLC2000 and emissions disaggregated with
population density using GIS. This procedure is illustrated in Figure 11 for NOx emissions
from non-industrial combustion (SNAP2).
V.CONDE TROFA
ST. TIRSO P.F.
MAIA
MATOSINHOS VALONGO
PORTO
GONDOMAR PAREDES
NOx (ton.year-1) V.N.GAIA CLC aggregated classes

<50 1 – Urban dense
50-100 2 – Other urban
100-250 3 – Arable
250-500 4 – Perm. crops
500-750 5 – Pastures
>750 ESPINHO ST. MARIA FEIRA 6 – Forest and veg.
(a) (b)
(c) (d)
Figure 11. Spatial allocation of NOx emissions from SNAP2 for domain 3: a) Input data: emissions at
municipality level; b) CLC aggregated classes; c) calculated population for each grid cell of the domain;
d) gridded emissions at 1 km resolution.
The same procedure was followed for disaggregating emissions for the remaining SNAP
categories, except for SNAP7, since the NIR distinguishes road transport emissions in two
sub-categories: motorway emissions and non-motorway emissions. Non-motorway
emissions were spatially distributed using the population disaggregated over the CLC2000
data as described above. Motorway emissions were disaggregated over the national
motorway network, again using GIS.
For the biogenic emissions a bottom-up approach was used. The methodology for Portugal
is described in [71], and requires the knowledge of the temperature, solar radiation and
forest area density. For the CAMx simulations, biogenic emissions are given as isoprene and
monotherpenes.
As the NIR provides annual emission totals, time-varying profiles were developed
describing variations in monthly (12-element), daily (2-element, weekday and weekend) and
hourly (24-element) anthropogenic emissions, transforming time-averaged man-made

emissions into hourly fluxes. The information to construct representative and meaningful
temporal profiles was taken from National official statistics (energy, industrial production,
transport, etc).
3.4. Case study domain definition

For the meteorological simulation, the MM5 capability of doing multiple nesting is used,
and the model is applied for four domains, using the two-way nesting technique. Figure 12
shows the model domain setup and the location of the meteorological stations to be used in
the validation process: domain 1 (D1) at 27 km resolution covering the Iberian Peninsula
and France; D2 at 9 km resolution over Portugal; D3 at 3 km resolution over NW Portugal;
and D4 with 1 km resolution over Great Porto Area.
Figure 12. Simulation model domains.
Table 2 summarizes the corresponding grid configurations. Considering previous research

studies performed for NW Portugal [72], 25 unequally spaced vertical levels are used in
order to optimize the simulation through the increase of vertical resolution near the surface.
No. of cells in x- No. of cells in y- Resolution

Domain Z levels
direction direction (km)
D1 91 77 27
D2 63 81 9
25
D3 45 51 3
D4 51 51 1
Table 2. MM5 domains configuration.
Regarding the air quality simulations, CAMx is applied for three domains, slightly smaller
than the corresponding MM5 domains, using its two-way nesting capability: domain 1 (D1)
at 9 km resolution covering Portugal; D2 at 3 km resolution over NW Portugal; and D3 with
1 km resolution over Great Porto Area. Table 3 summarizes the corresponding grid
configurations. Considering previous research studies performed for Portugal [59], 17
unequally spaced vertical levels are used.
No. of cells in x- No. of cells in y-

Domain Z levels Resolution (km)
direction direction
D1 40 70 9
D2 35 41 17 3
D3 38 38 1
Table 3. CAMx domains configuration.
4. Urban development scenarios

This section presents the development and characterization of two different and opposite
urban development scenarios - SPRAWL and COMPACT - in terms of land use and
population. The first represents the continuation of the trend observed in the last decades,
and can be described as a business-as-usual scenario; the second symbolizes the rupture
with the current situation through urban containment. In addition, the reference situation
corresponding to the year 2000, now on referred as BASE, is also presented for comparison
purposes.
4.1. Land use

The development of the two land use scenarios, was performed over the original CLC2000
land use map, through the alteration of land use type parcels, using the ArcGis software.
The SPRAWL scenario corresponds to the business-as-usual scenario, representing the
continuation of the last decades trend, with urban areas continuing to expand at much faster
rates than population, and urban development spreading throughout the study area, by
filling up existing gaps and expanding the boundaries of existing urban areas. All the new
residential areas (or urban fabric) take place in the form of discontinuous urban fabric. This
urban sprawl scenario results in the smearing out of the region’s inhabitants over a large
area, thus effectively simulating the sprawl-related growth process. The urban development
process in the period 1987-2000 was analysed for each municipality separately and
replicated for SPRAWL; the original CLC2000 land use map was changed through the
creation of new artificial surface areas, which replaced natural and semi-natural areas. The
combined SPRAWL land use from each municipality resulted in a new land use map for the
study region presented in Figure 13, side-by-side with the BASE map (CLC2000). The built-
up area (artificial surfaces) was increased from 18% to 25% of the total area; a number that
can be considered realistic given current trends and the fact that in 1987 the share was 13%.
The artificial areas expansion took over agricultural and forested landscapes located in the
proximity of already existent urban areas.
(a) (b)
Figure 13. Study region land cover maps for a) BASE and b) SPRAWL scenario.
The land cover maps reveal the expansion of artificial areas not only in the urban centre of
the region (Porto, Matosinhos, Gondomar and Vila Nova de Gaia), but also throughout the
entire study region. Table 4 presents the comparison between the BASE and the SPRAWL
scenario in terms of the total area for each of the 4 large land use categories, and sub-
categories, and corresponding share (%), as well as the magnitude of the change.
BASE SPRAWL Change

Land uses
hectares % hectares % hectares %
Artificial surfaces 43727.9 18.3 60139.2 25.1 + 16411.3 +37.5
4059.2 9.3 4059.2 6.7 0 0
Continuous urban fabric 32895.0 75.2 44647.7 74.2 +11752.7 +35.7
Discontinuous urban fabric 4973.1 11.4 9571.7 15.9 +4598.6 +92.5
Industrial or commercial units 1800.7 4.1 1860.6 3.1 0 0
Other artificial surfaces
Agricultural areas 93766.2 39.1 83201.4 34.7 -10564.8 -11.3
Forests and shrub areas 98319.4 41.0 92472.9 38.6 -5846.5 -5.9
Other non-artificial surfaces 3784.9 1.6 3784.9 1.6 0 0
Table 4. Study region land cover data for the BASE and SPRAWL scenario.
In comparison with BASE, in the SPRAWL scenario built-up land uses increase 37.5%.
Agricultural areas present the largest decrease, representing now less than 35% of the total
area of the region; forest and shrub areas continue to be the dominant land use in the region,
with a share around 39%. Regarding the composition of artificial surfaces, the continuous
urban fabric loses importance, with no additional areas of this type being created,
representing now less than 7% of the artificial surfaces. Discontinuous urban fabric presents
the largest increase, almost 12 000 hectares; industrial and commercial units continue the
growth trend verified between 1987 and 2000, with the highest relative growth, almost
doubling its presence in the study area.
In COMPACT the totality of urban growth is accommodated within already existent urban
areas, i.e., no additional artificial surfaces are created. The only land-use changes
implemented in this scenario concern limited changes from discontinuous to continuous
urban fabric (around 40 hectares). Therefore, no spatial representation of the COMPACT
scenario is presented here, since it coincides with the BASE maps.
4.2. Population
The population of the study region has been increasing; however, this increase has not been
uniform along the region, with municipalities growing at different rates and even
decreasing in Porto municipality. From 1991 to 2006 the study region population increased
from 1.86 million people in 1991 to 2.07 million in 2006 (11.3% growth); the rate of growth
however has decreased from around +1% per year in 1991-2001, to 0.2% per year, in 2001-
2006. In the 25-years period under analysis, in Porto municipality population presented a
decrease of 27%; an important feature of this decrease is that its rate has been accelerating: in
the period 1981-1991 the rate was around -0.8%, in 1991-2001 the rate increased to -1.3%, and
in 2001-2006 around -1.8% [56].
Considering the previous population evolution, both scenarios are developed for a
population of 2.2 million people, corresponding to an increase of 220’000 inhabitants (13%
increase) in relation to the base year 2000, in what can be considered a 20-year period. This
population increase is differently distributed through the municipalities, according to the
land use scenario. Since the SPRAWL scenario corresponds to the perpetuation of the past
20 years trend, the population will change accordingly in each of the municipalities,
presenting the same growth rates as observed between 1991 and 2001. In the COMPACT
scenario however, the trend is interrupted; Porto municipality attracts new residents, and its
population is increased. The remaining cities will continue to attract people, but at a smaller
rate than the verified in the last years (and therefore also in SPRAWL). Figure 14 presents
the population observed in 1991 and 2000, and considered in SPRAWL and COMPACT. In
COMPACT all the municipalities present a growth in their population, but at a smaller rate
than the verified for SPRAWL. The exception is Porto, with more inhabitants than those in
2000, but still less than those registered in 1991.
1991 2000 SPRAWL COMPACT
350000
300000
250000
Population
200000
150000
100000
50000
0
ra
do s
an aia
ra
Pe es
M rso
ia
es
P a ra
Va fa
l
P . rt o
V. V.N e
Fe nho
V. go
Es a
Fe s
a
im
Lo ar
fie
ão
o n ra
P . ho
d
ad
v
ei
Fa Ga
ei
o
d
i
M ves
m
rre
rz
S . S.Ti
ai
Po
G uei
na
on
n
M
ic
Tr
re
ad
.F
in
pi
lo
Va
us
.P
al
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os
M
a
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lg
C
m
S.
at
J.
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N.
M
Figure 14. Population for the SPRAWL and COMPACT scenarios and its comparison with the
population in 1991 and 2000.
The population in each municipality is distributed over the land use data for BASE,
COMPACT and SPRAWL, according a disaggregation methodology described in §3.3.
SPRAWL presents the lowest population density (maximum values are below 9000
inhab.km-2), while BASE and COMPACT show a similar situation, but higher densities are
found in the later with maximum values of 11 000 inhab.km-2 in comparison with 10 000
inhab.km-2 in BASE. This data is fundamental for the further determination of the
population affected by air pollutants concentrations in each of the studied scenarios.
4.3. Emissions
As a result of the population growth and the land use changes established for each urban
development scenario, new emission totals have to be calculated, as well as their spatial
distribution. Atmospheric pollutants emissions for the BASE situation were the basis for
estimating the scenarios emissions. New emissions were recalculated for each scenario
considering the new population in each municipality, and also land use changes. Emission
rates per inhabitant per municipality were kept equal to the BASE rate, as well as emission
rates per land use type per municipality.
Land use differences are particularly important for three emission categories - mobile, agriculture
and biogenic sources -, therefore these will be given particular attention in the next sections.
4.3.1. Road transport emissions

Since road transport emissions are highly dependent not only on population distribution
but mainly on the mobility of the population, ideally a traffic model should be applied to
simulate the effect of urban sprawl on traffic volumes and their spatial distribution. These
modelling techniques fall out of the scope of the present work and therefore are not used.
Here, to calculate transport emissions resulting from land use changes, a methodology is
developed taking into account the population growth, the urban area expansion and the
mobility attractiveness/repulsion rates between municipalities. These three factors influence
emissions and are considered as follows:
i. The growth of the population causes an increase in the number of trips. For each
municipality it was assumed that the emissions are proportional to the number of trips,
which in turn is proportional to the number of residents.
ii. The growth of the urban area causes an increase in the mean distance from home to
employments and leisure destinations. The residents in new urbanized areas find
themselves more distant from locations where most employments are concentrated,
while the residents in already existent urban areas will find possible employment and
leisure destinations in the newly built areas in the periphery. For each municipality it
was assumed that the emissions are proportional to the mean travel distance, which in
turn is proportional to the urban area’s radius. For example, in SPRAWL Maia’s urban
area increases by a factor of 1.4; therefore the mean travelled distance increased by a
factor of 1.41/2=1.185; in COMPACT the factor is 1 since no urban growth was verified.
iii. An additional factor related to attraction/repulsion rates between municipalities has to

be considered since traffic emissions are not only dependent on the population and
urban area, but also on the mobility of people between municipalities. The attraction/
repulsion rates calculated for BASE, presented in §2.2 are maintained and used for both
scenarios.
The distribution of emissions between municipalities is very different for both scenarios, as
illustrated in Figure 15, which presents CO yearly emission totals for non-motorways road
transport emissions for each municipality and for the entire study area. Resulting emissions
are higher for SPRAWL, which are 19% higher than the BASE emissions, while COMPACT
emissions are only 4% higher. The largest differences between scenarios are found for Porto
(25% lower than the BASE emissions for SPRAWL, and 30% higher for COMPACT),
Matosinhos (+38% for SPRAWL, +8% for COMPACT), Vila Nova de Gaia (+20% for
SPRAWL, -2% for COMPACT) and Maia (+56% for SPRAWL, +9% for COMPACT).
16000
BASE SPRAWL COMPACT
14000
BASE SPRAWL COMPACT
12000 90000
10000 85000
CO (ton.year-1)
80000
CO (ton.year-1)
8000
75000
6000
70000
4000
65000
2000
60000
0 STUDY AREA
ES
ÃO
O
A N DA
IA
ND A S
P. IRA
S.T A
E
PE ES
P L
S.M IRA
S
LO AR
ES VA
V. V. C A
PA M
OS IA
SO
O
FA N D
FIE
P . HO
EIR
NG
OF
GA
EZ
FE IN H
S.J ORT
D
I
AT MA
GO IR
OM
IC
A
RZ
IR
I
E
PA
RE
NA
AV
O
M US
IN
.F
TR
AL
UE
AD
RR
LO
N.
VA
P
C.
V.
M
FE
LG
VA
.M
.C
N.
M
Figure 15. Study region SNAP7 (non-motorways road transport) CO emissions for BASE, COMPACT
and SPRAWL, for each municipality and for the entire study area.
Regarding the spatial distribution of emissions, Figure 16 presents SNAP7 non-motorway

CO grid emissions at 1 km resolution for SPRAWL and COMPACT. For both scenarios,
emissions are concentrated in the Porto, Matosinhos, Maia, NW Gondomar and Vila Nova
de Gaia municipalities; however COMPACT presents a greater concentration of emissions,
as a result of the urban containment, and therefore higher emission rates.
4.3.2. Agriculture emissions

New emissions for the agriculture category were recalculated considering the new
agricultural area in each scenario, with emission rates per agricultural area per municipality
kept equal to the BASE rates. Since the COMPACT scenario presents no changes in
agricultural area in relation to the BASE, emission totals, as well as their spatial distribution
are the same. As a result of the transformation of agricultural areas into artificial land use,
agriculture emissions were reduced by almost 10% in SPRAWL.
(a) (b)
Figure 16. SNAP7 (non motorway road transport) CO grid emissions at 1 km resolution for a) SPRAWL
and b) COMPACT.
4.3.3. Biogenic emissions

Biogenic emissions were calculated for the forested areas according to the methodology
previously described in §3.3. Differences in relation to BASE result from the conversion of
forested areas to artificial areas, and also from temperature changes induced by land use
changes; these only take place in the SPRAWL scenario, since in COMPACT, the forest land
use are not changed in relation to BASE. Therefore, as a result of land use changes biogenic
SPRAWL emissions are lower when compared to BASE (and COMPACT): 20% lower for
monotherpene and 16% lower for isoprene.
4.3.4. Total emissions

The above presented methodology results on different emission totals for both scenarios.
Figure 17 shows emission totals for the study region for SPRAWL and COMPACT as well as
for BASE.
70000 250000
BASE SPRAWL COMPACT
NMVOC, NH3, NOx and PM emissions
60000
200000
CO emissions (ton.year-1)
50000
(ton.year-1)
40000 150000
30000 100000
20000
50000
10000
0 0
NMVOC NH3 NOX PM10 PM25 CO
Figure 17. Study region total NMVOC, NH3, NOx, PM and CO emissions for BASE, SPRAWL and
COMPACT.
(a) (b)
Figure 18. Spatial allocation of CO, NMVOC, NOx and PM10 total emissions at 1 km resolution for a)
SPRAWL and b) COMPACT
Lower emissions are obtained for BASE and higher for SPRAWL; SPRAWL emissions are
around 9% to 17% higher than BASE emissions (for NH3 and NMVOC, respectively), while
COMPACT emissions are 4% to 6% higher (for NH3 and NMVOC, respectively).
Figure 18 shows the spatial distribution of CO, NMVOC, NOx and PM10 gridded emission
totals for the 1 km resolution domain for SPRAWL and COMPACT. COMPACT emissions
are more concentrated over Porto municipality and present higher emission rates per grid
cell; SPRAWL presents more scattered emissions throughout the simulation domain, and
therefore lower emission rates. Emissions of NMVOC constitute an exception, because they
are highly related with the port activity in Matosinhos, and therefore present higher values
for this municipality in both scenarios.
5. Atmospheric modelling results

Aiming to provide a thorough analysis of the air quality impacts of different urban land use
scenarios, the atmospheric simulation of BASE and scenarios is performed for a one-year
period, covering a wide range of air pollution conditions. The meteorological year of 2006
was chosen for simulations since it is considered an “average” year, as opposed to others
such as 2003 and 2005, which were abnormally dry and/or warm [73, 74]. Meteorological
differences between the two scenarios, and between each of the scenarios and BASE, will
steam solely from land use changes since the meteorology is the same. The air quality
simulations were performed with meteorological inputs given by the respective MM5
annual simulation and emissions described in §3.2 and §4.3 for BASE and for the scenarios,
respectively.
5.1. Meteorological modelling

5.1.1. BASE simulations
For BASE the simulation was performed with land use data from 2000 since no data
was available at the time for 2006. In order to evaluate the model performance,
modelling results were compared with data from Porto/Pedras Rubras meteorological
station, located in the municipality of Matosinhos. Figure 19 shows the time-series
comparison of surface temperature and wind components for observed and BASE
simulated values.
Concerning temperature, simulated values follow the distribution of the observed ones; a
general under-estimation of temperature is visible, especially for the higher temperatures
registered at the end of May / beginning of June, July and August. Simulated wind
components present a smaller variability when compared with observed ones, but also
follow the observed trend.
The MM5 skill was also evaluated through the application of the quantitative error analysis
introduced by in [75] and widely used in model validation exercises:
40
OBSERVED BASE
35
30
Temperarature (ºC)
25
20
15
10
5
0
01-Jan 31-Jan 02-Mar 01-Apr 01-May 31-May 30-Jun 30-Jul 29-Aug 28-Sep 28-Oct 27-Nov 27-Dec
-5
(a)
15.0
OBSERVED BASE
10.0
5.0
u (m.s-1)
0.0
-5.0
-10.0
(b)
15.0
OBSERVED BASE
10.0
5.0
v (m.s-1)
0.0
-5.0
-10.0
-15.0
(c)
Figure 19. Observed and BASE (1km resolution) time-series comparison of surface a) temperature, b)
zonal wind component and c) meridional wind component, at Porto/Pedras Rubras meteorological
station.
1
N  2
E    i  iobs  N 
2
(1)
 
 i 1 
1
  2
   i  0   iobs  0 obs   N 
2
EUB (2)
 
 
1
N  2
S    i  0  N 
2
(3)
 
 i 1 
1
N  2
   iobs  0 obs  N 
2
Sobs (4)
 
 i 1 
The parameter E is the root mean square error (rmse), EUB is the rmse after the removal of a
certain deviation and S and Sobs are the standard deviation of the modelled and observed
data. If i and iobs are individual modelled and observed data in the same mesh cell,
respectively, 0 and 0obs the average of i and iobs for some sequence in study, and N the
number of observations, then the simulation presents an acceptable behaviour when S  Sobs,
E < Sobs and EUB < Sobs. In addition to these parameters the correlation coefficient was also
determined for each simulation.
Figure 20 presents the statistical analysis of BASE 1km resolution simulations, for
Porto/Pedras Rubras. For temperature the correlation coefficient obtained is 0.9, with S/Sobs
also near 1, and E/Sobs below 0.5. As expected, wind components results are not as good as
for temperature, with lower correlation coefficients and higher errors. The meridional wind
component is better simulated than the zonal one. Overall, the meteorological simulation
reveals a good performance for the three meteorological variables, with statistical
parameters presenting a reasonable behaviour.
1
T u v
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
r S/Sobs E/Sobs
Figure 20. BASE statistical parameters for surface temperature, and zonal and meridional wind
components for Porto/Pedras Rubras meteorological station.
5.1.2. Scenario simulations

As for BASE, the SPRAWL and COMPACT meteorological simulations are performed for
2006 meteorological year, using the land use data produced according to the procedure
described in §4.1. Since for COMPACT the land use is very similar to that of BASE (the only
change concerned the conversion of a few hectares of discontinuous urban fabric to
continuous urban fabric), meteorological results from COMPACT only present very small
temperature differences in relation to BASE. Therefore, from now on, and for meteorological
purposes, no distinction is made between BASE and COMPACT.
Taking into consideration that the most widely recognized meteorological effect of
urbanization is the urban heat island effect and because of the recognized influence of urban
temperatures on ozone formation, hereafter the meteorological analysis will be focused on
surface temperature. SPRAWL meteorological simulations produced a domain-averaged
annual temperature increase of approximately 0.4 °C. This is attributed to the increased
share of built-up areas in the domain, which convert incoming radiation to sensible heat
rather than to latent heat (evaporation), owing to the limited water availability in artificial
surfaces characterized by impervious materials. However, in some regions and for certain
time-periods differences between scenarios reached significantly higher values than the
average.
Figure 21 presents the differences between COMPACT and SPRAWL annual simulations for
hourly surface temperature, at Porto/Pedras Rubras meteorological site, with 1 km
resolution. Although the land use in Porto/Pedras Rubras was not changed, there were
temperature differences as high as 2.5°C between the two simulations. These differences
indicate that changes in meteorological parameters are not necessarily confined to the cells
where the land use pattern was modified. Also, higher differences are found in the summer
months, i.e., from April to September, since higher temperatures are also reached, and
therefore meteorological differences are enhanced. While temperature increases would be
expected with increasing urbanization, due to the urban heat island effect, temperature
decreases are also verified. Local temperature increases in grid cells with modified land use
could have lead to higher wind speeds and increased instability which downwind can lead
to areas of increased vertical mixing and decreased surface temperatures.
4.0
3.0
TSPRAWL -TCOMPACT (ºc)
2.0
1.0
0.0
01-Jan 01-Feb 01-Mar 01-Apr 01-May 01-Jun 01-Jul 01-Aug 01-Sep 01-Oct 01-Nov 01-Dec
-1.0
-2.0
Figure 21. Hourly surface temperature differences between SPRAWL and COMPACT for Porto/Pedras
Rubras meteorological site for 1-km resolution.
To illustrate the spatial extent of effects of land use changes in temperature, the average
afternoon (12:00 – 18:00) temperature differences for July are shown in Figure 22. For July,
average afternoon temperature differences range from about -1.2°C to +1.4°C, with largest
increases occurring over Vila do Conde, Maia, Matosinhos, Porto and Gondomar, i.e.,
municipalities in the first metropolitan ring, which present some of the largest urban
expansion. The observed changes are consistent with the substantial increases in urban
surfaces across large parts of the model domain, and the spatial pattern of the temperature
changes generally matches the area of increased urbanization. This is quite evident for the
coastal part of Vila do Conde, NE Matosinhos and SE Vila Nova de Gaia.
The temperature differences obtained as a result of land use changes are consistent with
previous research by [42, 44], although these authors conducted research only for episodic
air pollution situations. Although not presented, the SPRAWL scenario with its increased
urban land cover also had a noticeable effect on surface layer winds across the metropolitan
region, generally leading to a slight increase in wind speed.
Figure 22. July differences between SPRAWL and COMPACT afternoon (12:00 – 18:00) average surface
temperature fields between at 1 km resolution.
5.2. Air quality modelling

5.2.1. BASE simulations
Here the air quality results for the annual simulation of BASE are presented. The air quality
model configuration and its application are those described in §3.2. For BASE the simulation
used emissions data for 2005 (there are no emission estimates for 2006, since the national
inventory is updated with a 2-year periodicity). Data from the Northern Region’s air quality
monitoring network [76] for 2006 was used for the validation of BASE simulations. [45]
recommends a group of statistical parameters for air quality models evaluation; from the
proposed group, three parameters were selected for a quantitative error analysis: the
correlation coefficient (r), the root mean square error (RMSE) and BIAS:
 Cobsi  C obs Cmod i  C mod 

n
i 1
r (5)
 Cobsi  C obs   Cmod i  C mod 
n 2 n 2
i 1 i 1
1 n
 C  Cmod i 
2
RMSE  (6)
n i 1 obsi
1 n
BIAS   (C  Cmod i )
n i 1 obsi
(7)
where: n is the total number of sample pairs, Cobsi is the observed value at time i and Cmodi is
the respective simulated concentration. These three parameters offer complementary
information: the correlation factor (r) translates the linear relation between concentrations,
reflecting a better or worst reproduction of physical and chemical atmospheric processes;
RMSE and BIAS give an indication of the deviation between observed and simulated
concentrations, either in absolute (RMSE) or in systematic terms (BIAS), allowing the
inference of the magnitude and trend of the errors, respectively. For both the ideal value is
zero.
Table 5 shows the statistical results for ozone and PM10, averaged over the air quality
monitoring sites, already mentioned in §2.3 for the 1km resolution simulation. For ozone
statistical parameters are given considering the entire year (from January to December) and
considering only the summer months (April to September). These statistical parameters are
within the range of those obtained with this and other air quality modelling systems [62, 77].
PM10 O3
Air quality r BIAS RMSE r BIAS RMSE
monitoring station (μg.m-3) (μg.m-3) (μg.m-3) (μg.m-3)
Espinho 0.41 -5.2 26.9 n.a n.a n.a
Baguim n.a n.a n.a 0.66 -27.2 35.8
V.N.Telha 0.44 1.1 23.6 0.62 -20.1 31.8
Vermoim 0.63 1.1 23.2 0.62 -25.1 34.9
Custoias n.a n.a n.a 0.64 -19.5 32.5
L.Balio 0.65 -16.9 17.9 0.65 -26.6 36.8
Matosinhos 0.58 -10.2 32.7 0.66 -32.2 41.1
Perafita 0.43 1.8 14.4 0.62 -16.4 30.6
Antas 0.56 -18.8 49.1 0.62 -24.7 36.4
S.Hora 0.49 -12.9 34.4 n.a n.a. n.a
Boavista 0.44 -6.3 24.7 0.62 -15.9 18.8
Ermesinde 0.61 -10.2 25 0.64 -21.8 36.4
AVERAGE 0.53 -7.7 27.2 0.64 -22.9 33.5
Table 5. CAMx statistical results obtained for O3 and PM10.
In addition to the statistical analysis of the model performance, another possible and
interesting exercise is the comparison of observed and simulated BASE concentrations in
terms of the legislated values for O3 and PM10. In this scope, Figure 23a presents the
number of exceedances to the PM10 daily limit value (50 g.m-3, not to be exceed more than
35 days along the year, indicated by the red line) observed and BASE simulated; Figure 23b
shows the number of annual exceedances to the ozone information threshold (180 g.m-3)
observed and BASE simulated.
Figure 23. Observed and BASE a) number of exceedances to PM10 daily limit value, and b) number of
exceedances to O3 information threshold
Regarding the number of daily average PM10 exceedances the model, although the higher
over-prediction at Antas, and Leça do Balio, and the under-prediction at Vermoim and
Ermesinde, correctly identifies that all the air quality monitoring sites are not in compliance
with the legislation. Model results point to exceedances to the ozone information threshold
in Baguim, Matosinhos and Boavista, while these have not been observed; for the remaining
air quality sites, the model presents a good agreement with observations.
5.2.2. Scenario simulations

For SPRAWL and COMPACT, simulations are performed with land use and emissions data
produced according to the procedures previously described. Meteorological inputs are
given by the respective MM5 annual simulation. Results from the two scenarios are
analysed against the BASE simulation and against each other in order to identify the main
differences between them.
Figure 24 presents the spatial distribution of PM10 annual average concentrations calculated
for BASE, SPRAWL and COMPACT, highlighting the areas for which the legislated annual
limit value (40 g.m-3) is exceeded. BASE and COMPACT present a larger area of high PM10
annual averages (> 40 g.m-3) over Porto municipality and its immediate surroundings, in
comparison to SPRAWL. This is because the SPRAWL scenario implies a further decrease in
Porto’s population, and therefore emissions, and a consequent increase in neighbouring
municipalities. The result is a decrease of emissions in Porto and therefore in pollutants
concentrations. Nevertheless, considering the entire simulation domain, SPRAWL shows the
highest PM10 annual concentrations (> 70 g.m-3), and larger areas above the annual limit
value in Gondomar and Vila Nova de Gaia. The comparison between COMPACT and BASE
suggests that the higher concentrations take place in exactly the same areas, with
COMPACT revealing slightly higher concentrations (> 65g.m-3). This is due to the
population concentration in already urbanized areas, with the consequent increase of
emissions.
To better analyse the differences between the scenarios, the spatial distribution of the
concentration differences are presented in Figure 25. Air quality monitoring stations are also
represented for further analysis. Differences between annual averages from SPRAWL and
BASE range from -15 to +24 g.m-3, with negative values mainly over Porto, as a result of the
Figure 24. PM10 annual average for a) BASE, b) SPRAWL and c) COMPACT (the orange lines
surround the areas for which the legislated annual limit value is exceeded).
decrease in emissions from traffic in this municipality. Higher positive differences are found
over certain parts of the municipalities in the first metropolitan ring corresponding to areas
of urban expansion. Differences between COMPACT and BASE range from -5 to +8 g.m-3,
with higher positive differences over Matosinhos, in areas previously urbanized but with a
greater population density in COMPACT. However, for the most part of the simulation
domain differences are small.
Figure 25. PM10 annual average differences between a) SPRAWL and BASE, and b) COMPACT and
BASE.
Figure 26 presents the results for PM10 annual averages for BASE, SPRAWL and
COMPACT for each air quality monitoring site located in the simulation domain.
For the majority of the air quality sites, SPRAWL presents the highest annual average of the
three simulations. The results for Baguim, located in Gondomar are not representative of the
municipality, with areas of increased PM10 concentrations, not captured by the air quality
monitoring site. Also, sites which in BASE did not exceed the legislated annual average,
such as Boavista and Leça do Balio, now exceed the limit with SPRAWL and COMPACT.
Other sites which were already in non-compliance show a deterioration of their situation
(such as Matosinhos and Senhora da Hora). In Antas, Baguim, and Ermesinde both
scenarios improve the PM10 levels.
60
BASE SPRAWL COMPACT
50
PM10 annual average ( g.m-3 ) 40
30
20
10
0
BOA ANT VRM VNT MAT SH LB PRF CST BAG ERM ESP
Figure 26. PM10 annual average for BASE, SPRAWL and COMPACT (the red line indicates the
legislated annual limit value, 40g.m-3), at the air quality monitoring sites.
Besides the obtained concentrations for each scenario it is also important to assess the number
of individuals affected by high PM10 concentrations, since the population distribution across
the study area is quite different for BASE, SPRAWL and COMPACT. Therefore, the maps of
annual average concentrations (Figure 24) were crossed with population data per grid cell, to
calculate the number of individuals affected by PM10 concentrations above the annual limit
value. The results in terms of percentage of population (and not absolute since BASE has a
lower population) are shown in Figure 27.
20%
15%
Population (%)
> 40 g.m-3
10% > 60 g.m-3
> 80 g.m-3
5%
0%
BASE SPRAWL COMPACT
Figure 27. Population affected by PM10 concentrations above the annual limit value in BASE, SPRAWL
and COMPACT.
COMPACT presents the greatest share of population affected by PM10 concentrations above
40 g.m-3 (17%, corresponding to 370 000 inhabitants), while SPRAWL has the lowest
number (12.5%, around 270 000 inhabitants). For the three considered concentration ranges,
SPRAWL has the lowest share of people affected, while BASE and COMPACT show similar
concentrations, although generally lower for BASE. Notwithstanding the existence of higher
PM10 concentrations in SPRAWL, results indicate that the dispersion of the population
along the study region withdraws people from the areas of higher concentrations. In turn,
the COMPACT scenario places a greater part of the region’s population in areas of highest
PM10 levels.
The combination of increased temperatures (for SPRAWL) and different emissions (for both
scenarios) produces the ozone concentration pattern changes displayed in Figure 28. The
spatial distribution of the ozone summer (April to September) average concentration
differences between BASE, SPRAWL and COMPACT are shown. Air quality monitoring
stations location is also depicted for further analysis.
Figure 28. Ozone summer average differences between a) SPRAWL and BASE, and b) COMPACT and
BASE.
The immediate analysis of the maps reveals that differences between the scenarios and
BASE are much smaller than those obtained for PM10. Differences between SPRAWL and
BASE range from -6 to +4 g.m-3, with negative values mostly found over Matosinhos, Maia
and Gondomar (centre), in areas where the population expanded and emissions increased.
In fact, comparing this map with the one for PM10 (Figure 25), negative differences for
ozone are found in the areas of positive PM10 differences. Still regarding SPRAWL, ozone
increases occur over Porto and part of Gondomar (N and S) in areas downwind the largest
emission increase, such as Matosinhos, Maia and the centre of Gondomar municipality, as a
result of air pollutants transport and consequent ozone formation. This is consistent with the
prevailing NW wind direction in the region. Differences between COMPACT and BASE
range from -1.5 to +2 g.m-3. Negative differences take place in Porto municipality as an
outcome of the population densification in that area and the corresponding emissions
increase, which lead to the local consumption of ozone. For both scenarios the largest part of
the simulation domain presents very small positive differences, less than 1g.m-3, meaning
that average concentrations are slightly higher in comparison to BASE.
Under the combined effects of increased urbanization and increased emissions, ozone
decreases are not completely unexpected and have been found in previous research works
[42, 44] This is probably due to the higher ozone removal by titration caused by higher
anthropogenic emissions in an already emissions-dense region. Also, as investigated in [78],
the non-linear response of ozone concentrations to changes in precursor emissions was
found to increase with tonnage and emission density of the source region; this seems to be
the case in the study region. According to the modelling study conducted by [79], the
synergy among precursor’s emission source categories may sometimes suppress O3, acting
as negative source contributions. These authors concluded that the full potential of each
source category in O3 formation (the pure contribution) is not achieved when emissions
from the other source categories are accounted for.
Figure 29 presents the number of exceedances to the hourly ozone information threshold
(180 g.m-3), obtained for BASE, SPRAWL and COMPACT. SPRAWL presents the lowest
number of exceedances, except in Espinho where the three simulations produced similar
results. COMPACT is the worst scenario, with more exceedances than BASE for Boavista,
Vila Nova da Telha, Senhora da Hora and Perafita.
14
B AS E S P R A WL C OMP A C T
12
O 3 information thres hold
exceedances (nr.)
10
8
6
4
2
0
B OA A NT V R M V NT MA T SH LB P R F C S T B AG E R M E S P
Figure 29. Number of exceedances to the ozone information threshold for BASE, SPRAWL and
COMPACT.
The comparison of these results with the concentration patterns presented in Figure 27,
reveals that there are no air quality sites in the areas of concentration increases, mainly for
SPRAWL. However, if the same analysis is carried out for Gondomar in an area where no
monitoring stations exist and for which higher positive differences are observed in the map
of Figure 38, results are quite different: SPRAWL yields more exceedances (8) to the ozone
information threshold in comparison with BASE (5) and COMPACT (6).
Regarding the number of persons affected by high ozone concentrations, the combination of
the annual average concentrations maps with population data per grid cell, allows the
determination of the number of individuals affected by ozone summer average
concentrations above 70 g.m-3. This value was chosen because it is the concentration above
which differences between the three situations are more substantial. The results are
presented in Figure 30.
Once more, differences between scenarios and BASE are smaller than those observed for
PM10. COMPACT presents the highest share of inhabitants affected by ozone summer
average concentrations above 70 g.m-3 (48.5%, corresponding to roughly 1 million people).
However, looking at other concentration ranges the situation is different, since above 75
g.m-3 BASE is the worst situation, with 21% of the population.
Figure 30. Population affected by ozone summer average concentrations above 70, 75 and 80 g.m-3 in
BASE, COMPACT and SPRAWL.
6. Main findings
The main aim of this study was to explore the relationship between the structure of the
urban area and its air quality. Several research studies had demonstrated already that
compact cities with mixed land uses are energetically more efficient and are responsible for
lower emissions of atmospheric pollutants in comparison with sprawling cities. But a
fundamental question remained unanswered: do compact cities promote a better air quality
when compared to sprawling cities? And, given the ever-growing concentration of
population in urban areas, do compact cities promote a healthier atmospheric environment?
Given the signs provided by the energy and emissions aspects, the answers may seem
obvious and straight forward but, as it was demonstrated along this study, they are not.
To answer these questions a strategy was drawn. The strategy, or approach, relied on the
use of advanced atmospheric modelling tools for the evaluation of different urban
development scenarios.
Aiming to assure a correct and complete analysis, a step-by-step methodology was defined
and applied. First, it was necessary to characterize the current state of knowledge on the
subject, including the genesis and growth of the problem, the tools available to tackle it, and
gain insight from the studies previously conducted by several researchers on the field.
The selected working area is located in Portugal’s Northern region, covering the Porto urban
region, which is composed of a regional conglomerate of cities with a total population of
over two million. Maps of land use and population parameters and an emission inventory
were established for the situation as it is today (BASE). Moreover, two distinct future urban
development scenarios - COMPACT and SPRAWL - were created, based on population and
land use changes. The population of the study region was increased, to reflect a 20-years
period, and differently distributed among municipalities according to each scenario. The
land use patterns of the area were modified following a scenario of urban sprawl (SPRAWL)
and maintained through the concentration of people in already existent urban areas
(COMPACT). New emissions were estimated for each scenario, taking into account
population growth and land use changes.
The modelling system was then applied for SPRAWL and COMPACT, and also BASE, for a
full-year simulation. The analysis of the meteorological results revealed that, owing to the
land use changes in SPRAWL, the average temperature increased by 0.4°C. However local
increases reaching 3°C were also detected; and some were even estimated in areas where
land use changes were not implemented.
Regarding air quality, SPRAWL presented the highest PM10 concentrations, with an
aggravation of the annual average values especially over areas of urban expansion and
increasing emissions. Also, in the sites corresponding to the current monitoring stations, an
increase in the number of exceedances to the daily limit value was found. For COMPACT
slightly higher PM10 concentrations than BASE were estimated, due to the population
increase in already urbanized areas, and consequent increase of emissions in those same
areas.
For ozone, while the largest part of the domain had small concentration increases for both
scenarios, smaller concentrations are found in areas where the population expanded and
emissions increased, as a result of ozone titration by NO in the polluted atmosphere. Instead
higher ozone levels are estimated for areas downwind the greatest emission increases, as a
result of air pollutants transport and consequent ozone formation. Differences between
scenarios and BASE were smaller than those found for PM10.
Finally, the population affected by higher PM10 and O3 concentrations was determined for
each scenario and for BASE. The analysis revealed that although the existence of higher
PM10 concentrations in SPRAWL, the increase of the population density in COMPACT
places a greater part of the inhabitants in areas of highest PM10 levels. This means that
individually each inhabitant is exposed to lower PM10 concentrations in COMPACT,
however, looking at the population as a whole, in terms of public health, the situation is
inverted and SPRAWL presents a lower number of people affected by the highest
concentrations. For ozone, results are not so clear, with BASE and COMPACT sharing the
highest number of individuals affected, and SPRAWL clearly presenting the lowest number
of total inhabitants affected by higher concentrations.
In conclusion, it seems clear that changes in land use patterns in urban areas lead to changes
in meteorology, emissions, air quality, and population exposure. The signal of the change is
evident: sprawling urban areas, when compared to contained urban development, are
responsible by higher temperatures, higher emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere and
higher atmospheric pollutants concentrations. However, compact urban developments
imply a higher number of individuals exposed to the higher concentrations.
According to the review of the literature on the present subject, this was the first time a long
term study was performed to analyse the impacts of urban growth, and consequent land use
changes, on air quality, through the development of alternative urban development

scenarios and the application of an air quality modelling system. Also, the methodology can
be applied to any city or urban area for which the required data is available. However, the
methodology presented here can be improved. Future work shall focus on the use of land
use models for the simulation of land use changes, and traffic modelling to simulate the
effect of land use changes on traffic volumes and their spatial distribution.
Along the next decade, it is expected that changes in the land use will take place. More
likely, as revealed by the current trends, urban sprawl, the destruction of agricultural lands,
and forestation and deforestation are expected to alter the landscape. These patterns will, in
turn, lead to changes in population, energy consumption, traffic and anthropogenic and
biogenic emissions. The results of this work suggest that changing land use patterns should
be taken into consideration when using models to evaluate changes in quality levels (in
particular ozone and PM10) stemming from various emissions reduction scenarios in urban
areas.
Also, it is important to note that, such as technology alone has not been able to tackle the air
quality problems, more compact urban development patterns alone will not be sufficient to
fully address urban air quality problems. Technological advances in emissions control have
proven to be highly effective in reducing emissions over the last decades, and emerging
technologies, such as hybrid or electric vehicles and alternative fuels, are expected to
continue these reductions. The importance of land use-oriented approaches to air quality
management lies in the potential for these strategies to limit the dramatic growth in traffic,
which has greatly diluted the benefits of technological improvements so far, and also in
addressing the local meteorological drivers of air pollution, such as temperature.
In the years to come, cities will continue to be the main centres of economic activity,
innovation and culture. Therefore, managing the urban environment and the quality of life
of its inhabitants goes well beyond the concern for the well-being of the urban population,
affecting instead the well-being of humanity as a whole.This work presents an achievable
approach to urban sustainable development supporting the object8ive of the UN Conference
Rio+20.
Author details
Helena Martins*, Ana Miranda and Carlos Borrego
CESAM & Department of Environment and Planning, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
Acknowledgement
The authors acknowledge the Foundation for Science and Technology for the financing of
the post-doc grant of H. Martins (SFRH/BPD/66874/2009).
* Corresponding Author
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Chapter 3
Particulate Matter Exposure in Agriculture
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50084
1. Introduction
World Health Organization (WHO) defines agriculture as all kinds of activity concerning
growing, harvesting, and primarily processing of all kinds of crops; with breeding, raising
and caring for animals; and with tending gardens and nurseries (Jager, 2005). Agriculture is
estimated to have the greatest labor force in the world with over one billion people and
employs about 450 million waged woman and men workers (FAO-ILO-IUF, 2005).
Agriculture requires a wide variety of operations in order to meet the food, feed, and fiber
demands of mankind, requiring specific tasks in the fields, orchards, greenhouses, animal
production facilities, and in the agriculture based industry. The methods of production,
mechanization levels and labor needs differ significantly in each work setting. Post-harvest
operations including grain processing, fruit and vegetable sorting, packaging, and meat
processing add different types of operations to the conventional agricultural production
practices. In agri-industry, feed mills, flour mills, cotton ginners, textile industry, etc have
different nature in processes involved.
Particulates are generated during the agricultural operations and processes. The
“particulates” (or particles) is a term referring to fine solid matter dispersed and spread by
air movement (Förstner, 1998). Particulate matter (PM) may be either primary or secondary
in origin and is generated naturally (pollen, spores, salt spray, and soil erosion) and by
human activities (soot, fly ash, and cement dust) occurring in a wide range of particle sizes
(Krupa, 1997). The human health is affected as the PM penetrates into the respiratory
system. Size of particulates may range from less than 0.01 to 1000 microns and are generally
smaller than 50 microns. As a principle, PM can be characterized as discrete particles
spanning several orders of magnitude in size and the inhalable particles fall into the
following general size fractions (EPA, 2012a):
 PM10 (generally defined as all particles equal to and less than 10 microns in
aerodynamic diameter; particles larger than 10 microns are not generally deposited in
the lung);
© 2012 Arslan and Aybek, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of
the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits
 PM2.5, also known as fine fraction particles (generally defined as those particles with an
aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 microns or less)
 PM10-2.5, also known as coarse fraction particles (generally defined as those particles
with an aerodynamic diameter greater than 2.5 microns, but equal to or less than a
nominal 10 microns); and
 Ultrafine particles generally defined as the particles less than 0.1 microns.
The fresh air at sea level is composed of a variety of gases, including nitrogen (70.09%),
oxygen (20.94%), argon (0.93%) and more than ten other gases at small proportions (Salvato
et al., 2003). But natural events and human activities change the composition slightly across
the world. Additionally, industrial production, forest fires, dust storms, acid rains,
agricultural operations, etc. pollute the fresh air with gases and solid particulate matter.
Pollution may be described as “the undesirable change in the physical, chemical, or
biological characteristics of air, land, and water ....” or “the presence of solids, liquids, or
gases in the outdoor air in amounts that are injurious or detrimental to humans, animals,
plants, or property or that unreasonably interfere with the comfortable enjoyment of life and
property” (Salvato et al., 2003). The humans, animals, and plants are exposed to different
concentrations of PM (or dust) due to polluted air depending on the environment and PM
exposure has health implications of living organisms, including humans (Salvato et al.,
2003). Therefore, it is of utmost importance to deal with issues associated with air pollution.
Agricultural field operations, animal production, and agri-industry are the sources of indoor
or outdoor air pollution, resulting in personal exposure to different concentrations of dusts
from different sources at different size fractions described above.
Although agriculture is thought of as a single sector, it is extremely diverse with substantial

respiratory hazards resulting from organic and inorganic particulates, chemicals, gases, and
infectious agents (Jager, 2005). In some industries there may be one or two predominant
respiratory hazards or categories of hazards. The nature of agricultural practice, however, also
varies with climate, season, geographic location, moisture content and other properties related
to growing practices, and with the degree of industrialisation of the region. The contents of
particulates also depend on where, when and how the dust is produced (The Swedish
National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, 1994). Consequently, the permutations of
potential exposures in agricultural work environments are virtually infinite (Jager, 2005).
The sources of air pollution either as a single source or as combination can be field and
orchard operations, unpaved roads, farm equipment exhaust, agricultural burning,
processing and handling facilities, pesticides, livestock, and windblown dust (HSE, 2007). In
the work environment mineral dusts, such as those containing free crystalline silica (e.g., as
quartz); organic and vegetable dusts, such as flour, wood, cotton and tea dusts, and pollens
may be found (WHO, 1999). Grain dust is the dust caused by harvesting, drying, handling,
storage or processing of barley, wheat, oats, maize and rye. And this definition includes any
contaminants or additives within the dust (HSE, 1998). The grain dust includes bacteria,
fungi, insects and possibly pesticide residues as well as dry plant particles. Organic dust
may contain not only the grain and hay contents but pollen, fungal spores, fungal hyphae,
mycotoxins, bacteria and endotoxins and dust from livestock pens may contain skin, hair,
Particulate Matter Exposure in Agriculture 75
feathers and excrement particles (The Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and
Health, 1994).
As cited by Jager (2005), the University of Iowa's Environmental Health Sciences Research
Centre exclaims that it is organic dust that accounts for the most widely exposure leading to
agricultural respiratory diseases and that virtually everyone working in agriculture is
exposed to some level of organic dust. It was also noted that, in general, the studies of
respiratory hazards in agriculture lags the investigation of hazards in mining and other
heavy industries.
2. PM exposure in agriculture
Agricultural field operations causing dust production in conventional crop production
includes soil tillage and seed bed preparation, planting, fertilizer and pesticide application,
harvesting and post-harvest processes. In most countries, awareness in sustainability has
been increasing so as to accomplish soil and water conservation. Minimum soil tillage
reduces tillage operations resulting in less soil manipulation and direct or zero planting
methods eliminate tillage operations that are conventionally applied before planting. These
differences in soil tillage, seedbed preparation and planting methods create significant
variations in the level of soil perturbation. Thus the amount of mineral dust generated as a
result of soil tillage and planting are likely to vary significantly not just due to the
differences in these field operations but to different soil types and climate variations.
Determining personal PM exposure is important during these operations because of the
health hazards to be explained in sub-section 2.6. Another important task is to determine the
total amount of dust generated during agricultural operations because the impact of
agriculture on air quality is not well-known. Some information on the air pollution in
agriculture might be useful before introducing the topic of personal exposure.
An eight-year extensive field study conducted at University of California, along with

previous research results obtained in the same university, allowed development of PM10
fugitive dust emission factors for discing, ripping, planing, and weeding, and harvesting of
cotton, almonds, and wheat (Gaffney and Yu, 2003). As a result of more than ten-year of
studies the researchers developed activity specific and crop specific emission estimates for
all agricultural land preparation and harvesting activities within California. In the San
Joaquin Valley, PM10 emissions estimates for land preparation and all harvest operations
were 13 000 tons year-1 and 13 300 tons year-1, respectively. The researchers considered this
step as a critical one since they can seek cost-effective means to reduce fugitive dust
emissions from agricultural field operations, and determine future research needs associated
with air quality.
Since air pollution is known to be the result of industrialization and mechanization,

agriculture is not considered a major cause of air pollution. The emission trends (Figure 1)
estimated from all sources and from agriculture in European Union shows that agriculture
is a major source of emission and should be studied further to increase the health and
welfare of rural community. PM2.5 and PM10 contribute to emissions by 5% and 25% in
Europe, respectively, however recent studies imply that agricultural PM emissions in

intensive emission areas might be more (Erisman et al., 2007).
Figure 1. Trend in best estimate emissions from all sources and from agriculture in EU-15 (Erisman et
al., 2007)
Bogman et al. (2007) assessed the particle emission from farming operations in Belgium and
depending on the conversion factor used, they assessed 10.1 kton or 7.5 kg ha-1 total
suspended particle (TSP) emission per year, 2.0 to 3.1 kton PM10, or 1.5 to 2.3 kg ha-1,
respectively. It was estimated that agriculture generates 35% of total TSP emission and 24%
of total PM10 emission. In a study conducted over one year they also found that mineral
dust was approximately 8 times higher than organic dust. Particles smaller than 20 μm
made up of more than 50% and the particles smaller than 40 μm were more than 80%,
suggesting that harmful PM10 is not negligible within the total suspended particles. These
findings are informative in that the agriculture is one of the major sectors polluting the air.
Air quality standards were violated at certain times of the year, particularly during row crop
agricultural operations, implying that row crop agriculture could be a major contributor to
PM10 (Madden et al., 2008).
The stubble burning is a common practice in agriculture in many parts of the world. It is
often preferred to remove the harvest leftovers from the field to reduce the draft force
needed in soil tillage equipment, to prevent tillage and planting machines from being
clogged by the stubble, to achieve a smoother seed bed, etc. In areas where second crop
production is a practice, stubble burning saves time before planting because the time
available for planting is limited after the first crop is harvested. Smoke from field burning,
however, may be distruptive or hazardous to the people in the rural and neighboring urban
areas. Rural communities living in eastern Washington and northern Idaho in the United
States were worried about health hazards posed by smoke exposure resulting from stubble
burning, but research showed that air quality standards were not violated by pollution from
field burning (Jimenes, 2006). The contributions of PM2.5 from soil, vegetative burning, and
sulfate aerosol, vehicles and cooking were 38%, 35%, 20%, 2%, and 1%, respectively in the
Pullman airshed.
2.1. Agricultural field operations

Conservation tillage accomplished approximately 85% and 52% reduction in PM10
emissions on two different farms (Madden et al., 2008). In this study conservation tillage
systems required zero or one operation whereas conventional tillage required six
operations. Furthermore, conservation tillage could be done at higher soil moisture contents
resulting in even less dust compared to dry soil conditions. Other studies also found
significantly less amount of dust in conservation tillage compared to standard tillage
applications because of decreased number of field operations (Baker et al., 2005). In a two-year
study, the cumulative dust production in no-till was one third of traditional tillage. The
reduction in dust production was due to the elimination of the two dustiest operations, which
were disking and rotary tilling (Baker et al., 2005). However, Schenker (2000) discusses that in
conservation tillage, some benefits of reduced dust may be offset to some extent by an
increased organic fraction resulting from the cover crop treatment. In the cover crop
treatments high organic constituent was found in the respirable dust, suggesting that there
may be the potential for increased allergic responses in agricultural workers due to organic
dust, but the potential health effect of increased organic matter is not known (Schenker, 2000).
The exposure of tractor operators to dust depends on the availability of a cabin on the
tractor and the ventilation system. Early studies found dust exposure levels to be much
higher than the ACGIH’s threshold limit value (10 mg m-3) for inhalable dust, however the
exposure levels were considerably lower in the case of a tractor with an enclosed cabin
(Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 1998). The tractor operators were subjected to personal respirable
quartz concentrations of 2 mg m-3 in an open cabin and 0.05 mg m-3 in a closed cabin. Pull
type soil tillage equipment may generate great amount of dust clouds but the scientific data
is not sufficient to determine to what extent quartz exposure creates a risk in agriculture
(Swanopoel et al., 2010). This is probably due to the difficulties in exposure assessment
posed by varied and cyclic nature of the farmers’ work and the diverse locations of the
farms (Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 1998).
The field work may require different durations to be completed, resulting in exposure times
more or less than 8 hours. It is important to correct measurements and assess the exposure
based on actual working time for a task since the threshold limits for occupational exposure
are based on 8 h working duration. For instance, dust levels would have been found well
below the ACGIH’s TLV of respirable nuisance dust (3 mg m-3), but well above the TLV of
inhalable dust (10 mg m-3) if the exposure had lasted for an 8-hour period for many
operations (Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 1998).
Mean dust concentrations in field operations, transportation and conveying of materials,

and indoor tasks showed that dust concentrations were higher than 10 mg m-3 in soil tillage,
plant harvesting, and confinements, as shown in Figure 2 (Molocznik and Zagorski, 1998).
Annual work cycle of operators and farmers show that the dust exposure vary significantly
during the year depending on the tasks in different seasons (Figure 3). The dust levels were
more variable for the tractor/harvester operators considering the work cycle throughout the
year while both drivers and farmers were subjected to high dust levels from July to October.
Figure 2. Dust levels in individual groups of farming activities (Molocznik and Zagorski, 1998)
The soil tilling with rotary tiller, disc harrow, soil packer, fertilizer and the planter
predominantly generate inorganic dusts (Figure 4) while harvesting wheat and corn, hay
making and baling produce predominantly organic dusts (Figure 5). PM10 concentrations
measured gravimetrically were greater than the OSHA threshold (15000 μg m-3) in rotary
tilling (25770 μg m-3), wheat harvesting (29300 μg m-3), and hay making (24640 μg m-3).
Also, PM2.5 concentration levels were higher than the TLV (5000 μg m-3) in these operations,
respectively with 5888, 10560, 8470 μg m-3. PM1.0 concentration was too high particularly
during wheat harvest (3130 μg m-3) and hay making (6026 μg m-3). It may be striking that
PM1.0 concentrations measured during hay making were higher than the TLV set for PM2.5.
PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were below the threshold limits in all other field
applications (Arslan et al., 2010).
Smokers (63% of operators) had complains about coughing with 60% and phlegm with 83%
(Arslan et al., 2010). The operators’ complaints about chest tightness were 31% and
breathlessness about 29%. But, coughing rate decreased to 47% and chest tightness reduced
to 13% when smokers and non-smokers were evaluated separately (Figure 6). The operators
should use personal preventions to avoid adverse health effects when operating tractors and
combine harvesters without cabins.
Figure 3. Distribution of exposure to dust in annual work cycle among drivers and farmers (Molocznik
and Zagorski, 1998)
Figure 4. Particulate matter exposure in agricultural operations – predominantly inorganic PM sources

(Arslan et al., 2010)
Figure 5. Particulate matter exposure in agricultural operations – predominantly organic PM sources

(Arslan et al., 2010)
90
80
Percentage of health complaints, %
70
Non-smokers Smokers
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Coughing Phlegm Chest tightness Breathlessness
Figure 6. Effect of smoking on health complaints of operators (Arslan et al., 2010)
Literature review and South African Survey was conducted on quartz exposure and quartz
related diseases in order to conduct a comprehensive exposure assessment of respirable dust
and quartz during farming on a central South African farm (Swanepoel et al., 2010).
Respirable quartz was measured to be not detectable to 626 μg m-3. The maximum time
weighted average concentration was found during wheat planting. They found that twelve
of 138 respirable dust measurements (9%) and 18 of 138 respirable quartz measurements
(13%) were greather than the occupational exposure limits of 2 mg m-3 and 100 μg m-3,
respectively.
The ACGIH threshold limit value (25 μg m-3) was exceeded in 57% of respirable quartz
measurements and quartz percentages of the fine dust were between 0.3 and 94.4% with a
median value of 13.4%. Swanepoel et al. (2010) concluded that the published literature
regarding quartz exposure in agriculture is not sufficient and that the quartz risk in
agriculture should be quantified systematically and further discussed that the public health
could be seriously threatened especially in poor and middle-income countries since
tuberculosis and HIV rates might be high in these countries employing large numbers of
people in agriculture.
The dust concentration at operator’s breathing zone ranged in a wide interval during grain
harvesting and handling (HSE, 2007). On the other hand, the measured concentration range
was very small in combine harvesters equipped with cabins or with filtration (Table 1). The
dust concentrations were above the workplace exposure limit (WEL) of 10 mg m-3 for grain
dust in combining without the cabins, grain carting work, and grain drying. The harvesters
without cabins had extremely higher concentrations than the permissible level. Thus HSE
(2007) emphasized that dust exposure needs to be reduced below the WEL and should be
kept as low as possible in practice.
Process Dust level measurement Comments

averaged over 8 hours
Combining 18 to 41 mg m-3 2.4 times daily legal amount
(no cabin)
Combining 0.2 to 2.5 mg m-3 1/4th of daily legal amount
(with cabin and air filtration)
Grain carting work 1 to 40 mg m-3 Up to 4 times daily legal amount
Grain drying 4 to 57 mg m-3 Almost 6 times daily legal amount
Milling and mixing 0.1 to 11 mg m-3 Can exceed daily legal amount
Table 1. Dust concentration levels in an operator’s breathing zone during grain harvesting and
handling equipment (HSE, 2007)
Spankie and Cherrie (2012) exclaimed that employers should be aware of both short-term
peaks in exposure and longer term time-weighted averages. They explained thay the grain
workers were often exposed to high levels of inhalable dust concentration in Britain. The
exposed levels in 1990s were usually about 20 mg m-3 and were greater than the general
guidance level of inhalable dust (10 mg m-3) expecially at import and export grain terminals.
Therefore the authors conducted a small survey of industry representatives to determine
updated exposure levels. According to the newer data, long-term average exposure to
inhalable dust was generally estimated to be less than 3 mg m-3 (Figure 7). It was also
calculated that 15–20% of personal exposures was greater than 10 mg m-3. The British
experience clearly shows that improved engineering systems are very effective in reducing
dust concentrations and dust exposure. Improved technologies to reduce dust exposure enable
the governments and institutions to set newer and stricker limits to protect public and worker
health. For instance, The Dutch Expert Committee on Occupational Safety (DECOS) has set a
long-term limit of 1.5 mg m-3 for inhalable grain dust (DECOS, 2012). This exposure limit,
based on Dutch experiences, shows that there is a need to lower the dust concentrations as
much as possible in the work environments, also as recommended by HSE (2007).
Figure 7. Inhalable dust levels measured in the British grain industry in the early 1990s and estimated
levels in 2010—long-term (8 h) average data (Spankie and Cherrie, 2012)
Based on previous research on dust emission and exposure in crop production in

agriculture, several conclusions may be drawn. First, the dust generated in agriculture
should not be underestimated since the contribution of agricultural activities to air pollution
is not negligible. Second, the soil perturbation mostly causes mineral dusts whereas
harvesting, hay making, and conveying grain mostly generate organic dusts. Third, the
personal exposure is more likely to be a problem for operators when tractor and combine
harvesters are used without an enclosed cabin. The operator exposure depends heavily on
the presence of an enclosed cabin with a proper filtering system, rather than the PM
concentration in the air casued by field applications. Similarly, the farm worker exposure to
size fractionated PM particles depends on the personal preventions taken, but farm workers
rarely use personal preventions. Forth, the mineral dust generation can be significantly
reduced through conservation agriculture, but the potential in organic dust increase due to
cover crops during all applications should be monitored through scientific studies.
2.2. Orchards and vegetable growing

In one of the earliest comprehensive studies 103 cascade impactor measurements and 108
cyclone measurements were done to determine personal dust exposure and particle size
distribution during field crop, fruit and nut farming, and dairy operations at three farms in
California (Nieuwenhuijsen et al., 1998). Personal dust exposure levels were high, especially
during land planing with 57.3 mg m-3, and discing with 98.6 mg m-3. The great majority of
the collected dust particles were large and belonged to the extrathoracic fraction. Measured
exposure levels were significantly lower when the tractor was equipped with a closed cabin,
resulting in sixtyfold reduction in large particles and more than fourfold reduction for the
respirable dust fraction. In peach harvesting total and respirable dust levels were 13 mg m-3
and 0.50 mg m-3, respectively during hand harvesting (Poppendorf et al., 1982).
Among other agricultural machines, tractors are also used to operate sprayers that apply
agro-chemicals. When applied in open spaces pesticide droplets smaller than 100 microns
(according to CIGR Handbook of Agricultural Engineering (1999), 100-200 micron range is
considered fine particles in agricultural spraying) are more susceptible to drift and relatively
small droplets are preferred for a better coverage and biological efficiency in spraying.
Average droplet diameter, for instance, may be 200-300 microns (medium size droplets in
spraying) when herbicides are applied and smaller mean diameter is needed for fungicides
and insecticides. However, the ratio of particles smaller than 100 microns could be
substantial if the pressure settings are not appropriate resulting in excess drift due to
smaller particles. Larger droplets would settle with or without drift if they cannot reach the
target. Kline et al. (2003) determined the surface levels of pesticides and herbicides at
different interior and exterior locations using five tractors, one of which was without a cabin
and four with cabin using carbon–bed air–filtering systems and three commercial spray rigs.
The equipment was used during fruit and vegetable growing. They found the greatest
chemical concentrations on steering wheels and gauges, and in the dust obtained from the
fabric seats. It was suggested that the contamination observed in the steering wheel and seat
might cause pesticide exposure if the operator uses the tractor without personal protection
in other field applications. It was also noted that the outlet louvers of the air filtering
systems on the enclosed cabins frequently had more compounds at higher levels compared
to the samples taken from the inlet louvers. Thus the carbon-bed may release the chemical
compounds back into the cabin later on. While the efficiency of enclosed cabins in protecting
against pollutants is known, the efficiency of carbon-bed systems in removing chemicals
may be an important topic to study in the future. And the operators should be careful in
thorough and regular cleaning of the tractors (Kline et al., 2003).
The researchers found that the workers were exposed to a complex mixture of organic and
inorganic particles during manual harvest of citrus and table grapes (Lee et al., 2004).
Geometric means for inhalable dust and respirable dust were 39.7 mg m-3 and 1.14 mg m-3,
respectively during citrus harvest, which were significantly higher compared to the levels
that were determined for table grape operations and exceeded the TLVs for inhalable dust
and respirable quartz. The exposure levels did not exceed the TLVs in table grape
operations with the exception of inhalable dust exposure during leaf pulling. It was
determined that the degree of contact with foliage was significant in determining exposure
factors. It was concluded that inhalable dust and respirable quartz exposures may be
sufficiently high to result in respiratory health effects.
During mechanical harvest of almonds, dust levels in the dust plume were 26513 mg m-3
and 154 mg m-3, respectively for inhalable dust and respirable dust (Lee et al., 2004).
Mechanical harvesting of tree crops caused average personal exposure of 52.7 mg m-3 of
inhalable dust and 4.5 mg m-3 of respirable dust. During manual harvest the workers are
closer to the plant compared to mechanical harvest, but emissions are less and the plume
size is smaller during manual harvest. Mean dust exposures was 1.82 mg m-3 during manual
tree crops harvest and 0.73 mg m-3 during vegetable harvest whereas during peach harvest
the respirable dust exposure was 0.5 mg m-3.
2.3. Animal production

Class of animal, animal activity levels, type of bedding material, cleanliness of the buildings,
temperature, relative humidity, ventilation rate, stocking density, and feeding method are
among the factors affecting the dust concentrations in animal production (Jager, 2005). The
components of the particulate matter found in concentrated animal production systems may
include soil particles, bedding materials, fecal matter, litter, and feed, as well as bacteria,
fungi, and viruses (EPA, 2004; Guarino et al., 2007).
Compared to non farmers, pig, poultry or cattle farmers have greater prevalence of work
related and chronic respiratory symptoms and these farmers may have non specific
respiratory symptoms or specific syndromes including organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS)
(Reed et al., 2006). Early studies showed excess amount of PM concentrations from all
sources in animal production buildings (Mitloehner and Calvo, 2008). Although the dust
generated from soil or crops may tend to have large particles, the particles found in animal
confinement facilities belong to respirable fraction (Lee et al., 2006).
Exposure levels were 0.02 and 81 mg m-3 for inhalable dust and between 0.01 and 6.5 mg m-3
for respirable dust for poultry houses (Jager, 2005). On the other hand, heavy endotoxin
concentrations were observed in poultry houses and swine confinement buildings in Sweden.
Relatively low amount of endotoxin (0.1 μg m-3 air) can cause acute feverish reaction and
airways inflammation while concentrations were as high as 1.5 μg endotoxin m-3 air in poultry
houses (The Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, 1994).
Both composition and distribution of feed in a barn are important key factors affecting the
release of dust from animal feed (Guarino et al., 2007). Thus researchers have studied the
effect of adding different oils to the feed in order to reduce the feed dust. An early study by
Xiwei et al. (1993) showed that the fine fraction of the airborne dust could be reduced as
much as 85% through pelleting and coating the feed. The effect of adding food grade
soybean oil or two commercial feed additives to animal feed at 1% or 3% levels was studied
under laboratory conditions (Guarino et al., 2007). Reductions of 80% to 95% was achieved
in inhalable fraction using soybean oil and were much higher than either of the two
commercial additives whereas commercial additives were better in reducing fine particles
(<4 m in diameter), particularly with 1% oil treatment. The respirable dust reductions (70%
to 90%) were noticeable but the Guarino et al. (2007) notes that feed additives would not
affect pig skin or dander and in actual pig growing conditions the dust reductions could be
less. The respirable dust concentrations in poultry barns were found to be much higher
during winter than during summer in Canada, making it difficult to keep respirable dust to
an acceptable level in the winter months (Jager, 2005). According to the latter study, high
animal activity propels dust into the air causing dust concentration fluctuations and peaks
and at such rates that the ventilation usually fails to remove the dusts whereas in the
summer respirable dusts are generally lower because of high ventilation rates.
No occupational hazard was found in terms of lung function for the workers in poultry
farms in the Potchefsroom district, South Africa due to exposure to ammonia, particulate
matter and microorganisms in the short term, but the long term effects are not known (Jager,
2005). The measured concentrations did not exceed the limits of OSHA, NIOSH and the
Regulations for Hazardous Chemical Substances of 1995. It was concluded that the current
legal limits provide sufficient protection in the short term for poultry farm workers.
The European Farmers' Project showed that animal farmers had significantly lower
prevalence of allergic diseases while they had higher prevalence of chronic phlegm than the
general population (Radon et al., 2003). A major predictor of chronic bronchitis was the
ODTS indicating that the allergens could be carried to the living environment of the farmer.
Additionally, the ventilation was poor and the temperatures were high inside the animal
buildings, causing a negative impact on respiratory symptoms and lung function
parameters. Radon et al. (2003) concluded that animal producers were at high risk of chronic
bronchitis and ODTS and should be studied.
The accurate determination of personal dust exposure depends on time schedule of a

worker. A farmer or a worker may be involved in a variety of tasks daily, seasonally or
annually. Based on the duration of each task, the worker may be exposed to different
environments consisting of a variety of biological or other pollutants that might affect
health. The duration of farmers’ exposure to various factors were studied on 30 farms by
grouping farmers based on their major interests, which were Group A–plant production,
Group B–animal production and Group C-mixed production (Moloznik, 2004). Working
time ranged from 106–163% of the legal working time in plant production, 75–147% in
animal production, and 136–167% in mixed production. Thus working time on private farms
usually exceeded the legal working time in all types of operations. Other conclusions from
the work cycle study were as follows (Moloznik, 2004): 1) Agricultural tasks are frequently
accompanied by a variety of hazards simultaneously, 2) Among the factors most frequently
occurring and creating risks are dusts, thermal elements, and biological agents, 3) Sixty
percent of farming operations are accompanied by biological agents, 4) Workers were
exposed to biological agents 51% of the total time in plant production, 80% in animal
production, and 77% in mixed production systems, 5) Work cycle data constitutes a basis for
biasing prophylactic actions.
Animal feeding operations (AFOs) are “agricultural enterprises where animals are kept and
raised in confined situations” (EPA, 2012b). Information on PM2.5 concentrations and the
spatio-temporal variations of PM2.5 in AFOs is insufficient (Li et al., 2011). In a high-rise
layer egg production house the ambient PM2.5 levels were greater than 35 μg m-3 (24 h) and
15 μg m-3 (annual) PM2.5 National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The ambient
and in-house measurements showed the effect of season on PM2.5 concentrations. Highest
levels in ambient PM2.5 occurred in the summer whereas the greatest in-house
concentration levels were measured in winter (Li et al., 2011). Also, PM2.5 levels were
negatively correlated with ambient relative humidity, egg production, and ventilation rate.
Lee et al. (2006) discussed that more information is needed on the combined effect of organic
and inorganic dust exposures considering size fractions of sampled particulates on different
types of farming operations since the effect of biological dust in the total dust exposure is
not well known in agriculture. Therefore they collected data on six farms (three types of
animal confinements (swine, poultry, and dairy), and three grain farms) on personal
exposure to dust and bioaerosols in size range of 0.7 to 10 μm to cover the range of most
bacteria and fungi. The number concentrations of small particles (0.7 μm to 3 μm) were
greater than those of large particles (3 μm to 10 μm) in all animal confinements. Particle
concentrations were higher on the swine farm in winter. The concentrations at the workers’
breathing zone were 1.7×106 to 2.9×107 particles m-3 for total dust in animal confinements
and 4.4×106 to 5.8×107 particles m-3 during grain harvesting (Lee et al., 2006). The total
particles were composed mainly of large particles (3–10 μm) during grain harvesting
whereas in animal confinement facilities the total dust was composed mostly of smaller
particles (<3 μm). It was noted that about 37% of the particles were fungal spores in the size
of 2–10 μm, implying that predominantly large particles during grain harvesting were
partly due to the increased fungal spores. However, the overall combined effect of dust and
microorganism exposure was more severe in harvesting compared to confined animal
production.
Organic dust and endotoxin exposures are widely described for agricultural industries,
however a detailed overview of concentration levels of airborne exposure to endotoxins and
a systematic comparison using the same exposure measurement methods to compare
different sub sectors of agriculture are needed (Spaan et al., 2006). Therefore the researchers
collected 601 personal inhalable dust samples in 46 companies of three agricultural
industrial sectors: grains, seeds and legumes sector (GSL), horticulture sector (HC) and
animal production sector (AP), with 350 participating employees. Figure 8 shows the means
and the variations in measured average concentrations. The greatest dust and endotoxin
levels were found in the GSL sector while smallest levels were observed in HC sector. The
exposure was higher in the primary production section compared to the parts of all sectors.
Occupational exposure limit (50 EU m-3) and the temporary legal limit (200 EU m-3) of the
Dutch for exdotoxin were exceeded frequently. Spaan et al. (2006) concluded that a 10–1000
fold reduction is required in endotoxin exposure to accomplish reduction in health related
hazards. The authors also noted that the wet processes resulted in reduced exposure to
endotoxin and less dusty environment.
Figure 8. Inhalable dust exposure (Geometrik Mean and 95% CI) levels in three sectors and subsectors
of the agricultural industry (Spaan et al., 2006)
2.4. Agriculture based industry

Another important area of interest in occupational exposure to dusts is the agri-industry
where agricultural products are processed to be consumed by humans, animals or plants.
Agriculture based industry may include a variety of different facilities, including storages,
feed mills, flour mills, cotton ginners, hullers and shellers of nuts, etc.
Respirable dust (PM2.5) and very fine particle (PM1.0) concentrations in Turkey were higher
than the OSHA TLV (1000 μg m-3) in the ginner, press, and storage areas of two cotton
ginners, except for PM1.0 in the storages (Arslan and Aybek, 2011). There is no threshold
limit value for very fine particles generated from raw cotton, but the concentrations of
PM1.0 were even greater than the TLV set for PM2.5 (Figure 9). The range of coefficient of
variation was 0.33-0.54 for PM10 and was the narrowest range among the three fractions,
implying large variations in measured quantities for all PM fractions. The technology used
is not advanced and engineering controls are very weak in these facilities, resulting in excess
amount of dust in all fractions. Therefore, the workers should use personal preventions to
minimize the potential adverse health effects of personal PM exposure (Arslan and Aybek,
2011).
Most ginners are in operation for only several months following the cotton harvest in
autumn in eastern Mediterranean, Turkey. Thus the workers in cotton ginners are usually
exposed to cotton dust seasonally. The workers are employed in other agricultural and non
agricultural jobs for the rest of the year or may be unemployed for some time. Thus it may
be difficult to assess the long-term health effects of personal exposure with such a work
cycle.
7000
Ginner Press Storage

6000
5000
PM1 concentration, µg m3
4000
3000
2000
1000
0
0 60 120 180 240 300 360
Time, min.
Figure 9. Continuous PM1.0 concentration measurements in three different working areas of ginners
(Arslan and Aybek, 2011)
Pure endotoxin causing adverse pulmonary effect can be as low as 9 ng m-3 if the subjects
are sensitive to cotton dust (Omland, 2002). However, in the cotton industry, healthy
subjects may experience a cross shift decline in forced expiratory volume FEV1 when
exposed to concentration levels of about 100–200 ng m-3, chest tightness with 300–500 ng m-3
and fever with 500–1000 ng m-3 (Rylander, 1987). Therefore the latter study concluded that
exposure to endotoxin pose a possible risk for workers and also endotoxin content in cotton
dust may have a different effect compared to the effect of endotoxin in dust from various
farming operations. According to personal PM2.5 exposures measured gravimetrically in
four different working areas of three feed mills (bulk storage, dosing, mill, and bagging
units) in Turkey, the highest PM2.5 concentration was in the mill section (3033 μg m-3), and
the smallest in weighing section (782 μg m-3) (Aybek et al., 2009). The measured
concentrations were lower than OSHA TLV for PM2.5. A health survey administered on the
workers revealed that the workers did not have serious health complaints, including
coughing, phlegm, chest tightness, and breathlessness. However, smokers had more
complaints about coughing and phlegm.
Textile industry may employ large numbers of workers depending on the capacity and the
level of technology used. The workers in spinning factories were exposed to concentration
levels greater than the occupational TLV (200 μg m-3) for respirable dust (PM2.5) in eastern
Mediterranean, Turkey (Aybek et al., 2010). In the textile industry, weaving caused higher
PM concentrations compared to spinning. TLV for PM2.5 (750 μg m-3) was exceeded in
weaving with rapier weaving machines. Air jet weaving machines generated finer dusts due
to agitation around the machine caused by the air stream. PM2.5 concentration was higher
when air jet weaving machines were used whereas rapier types caused more coarse
particles.
Organic dusts are generated in hemp processing plants and the measured dust
concentrations were usually ten times more or higher than that of cotton processing
(spinning) with 1580, 3730 ve 360 μg m-3 in spinning, as cited from other studies (Fishwick et
al., 2001).
2.5. Standards and threshold limit values

The regulations and related terminologies to improve air quality may differ in different
countries. For instance, national standards in the USA (NAAQS) were set for a variety of air
pollutants “to protect public health and welfare”, Canada uses air-quality objectives, in
Germany air-quality guidelines are effective and World Health Organization recommends
desirable air-quality levels (Krupa, 1997). EU has established directives to reduce gas and
particle pollution in the air (EU Council Directive, 1999). These regulations are aimed at
improving public health and try to limit concentration levels of a specified pollutant in the
air. Air Quality Index (EPA, 2009) classifies air quality into several categories within certain
limits such as good (0-50 μg m-3), moderate (51-100 μg m-3), unhealthy for sensitive groups
(101-150 μg m-3), unhealthy (151-200), very unhealthy (201-300 μg m-3), and hazardous (301-
500 μg m-3). Occupational exposures require different regulations to limit PM in specific
work related environments. Threshold Limit Value (TLV) is the average 8-hr occupational
exposure limit and is calculated to be safe exposure for a working lifetime (Salvato et al.,
2003). Occupational Safety and Health Organization (OSHA) in the United States
determined the threshold limit values for several agricultural sources (Table 2).
Feature Limit values (μg m³) Particle size

Lower respiratory system nuisance limit 5000 PM2.5
Total nuisance limit 15000 PM10
Grain dust (wheat, barley, rye) 15000 PM10
5000 PM2.5
Raw cotton 1000 PM10
Spinning 200 PM2.5
Weaving 750 PM2.5
Table 2. TLVs for some agricultural pollutants for PM10 and PM2.5 (OSHA, 2010)
The criteria to evaluate occupational environment have been established by national

institutions in different countries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) in the United States uses recommended exposure limits (RELs); the American
Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) uses threshold limit values
(TLVs); American Thoracic Society uses permissible exposure limits (PELs); and
Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) are used in some European countries. Table 3 shows
the current permissible exposure levels currently set by organizations in the United States.
Hazard OSHA PEL NIOSH REL ACGIH TLV Animal Confinement Research
Nuisance total 15 mg m-3 NE 10 mg m-3
dust
Nuisance hazard 5 mg m-3 NE 3 mg m-3
respirable dust
Grain dust 10 mg m-3 4 mg m-3 4 mg m-3
Organic dust NE NE NE 2.4-2.5 mg m-3
Respirable organic NE NE NE 0.16-0.23 mg m-3
Endotoxin NE NE NE 640-1000 ng m-3
Ammnonia 50 ppm 25 ppm 25 ppm 7.5 ppm
Table 3. Recommended maximum exposures in agriculture (Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000)
As far as quartz exposure is considered, reference values of respirable dust and quartz
concentrations are 2 mg m-3 for respirable dust and 100 μg m-3 (South African Occupational
Exposure Limit), 50 μg m-3 (NIOSH REL), and 25 μg m-3 (ACGIH TLV) (Swanepoel et al.,
2010).
Grain dust, as defined by HSE (1998), has been assigned a maximum exposure limit (MEL)
of 10 mg m-3, 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). Also the exposure should not exceed 30
mg m-3 over any 15-minute period. Even then, exposures should still be kept as low as
reasonably practicable. Additionally, grain dust has been given a workplace exposure limit
(WEL) by Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH, 2002). It was
noted that WEL is a maximum concentration value, not a target limit. The exposures should
be reduced far below the WEL if possible (HSE, 1998). In order to advise on indicative limits
in EU, The Health and Safety Directorate of the Directorate-General of Employment,
Industrial Relations, and Social Affairs of the Commission of the European Union formed a
Scientific Expert Group. PELs are legal standards, buy they do not apply to farms and most
agricultural field operations. But TLVs are consensus exposure guidelines.
Scientific data have not been accumulated enough to set threshold limit values for some
specific particulate matters. General nuisance levels are known (Table 2) and may vary
depending on the institution that sets the standard. Threshold limits for mineral or organic
PM concentrations do not exist due to the difficulties to characterize the PMs found in the
soil and in agricultural products since they are made up of different sources. Because of
such complexities exposure limits for soil-implement interactions for PM10 and PM2.5 are
not known yet. Another important difficulty in determining threshold limists for coarse and
fine dust exposure comes from the fact that the combined effects of dusts with toxic gases
and other microorganisms are not known.
Literature has dealth more with PM10 while PM2.5 exposure studies are gaining more
attraction. On the other hand threshold levels for very fine particles (PM1.0) have rarely
been published in agriculture.
2.6. PM health effects in agriculture

Exposure to PM has been related to a series of respiratory and cardiovascular health
problems (EPA, 2012a): “The key effects associated with exposure to ambient particulate
matter include: premature mortality, aggravation of respiratory and cardiovascular disease,
aggravated asthma, acute respiratory symptoms, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung
function, and increased risk of myocardial infarction. Recent epidemiologic studies estimate
that exposures to PM may result in tens of thousands of excess deaths per year, and many
more cases of illness among the US population.” The exposure to dust in agriculture is a
combination of occupational and environmental exposures with widely varying work
practices. The specific respiratory hazards related to different commodities and related work
practices are given in Table 4 (Kirkhorn and Gary, 2000) and a list of respiratory hazards by
American Thoracic Society is given in Table 5 (Schenker, 1998).
Categories Sources Environment Conditions

Organic dusts Grain, hay, Animal confinement Asthma, asthmalike
endotoxin, silage, operations, barns, syndrome, ODTS,
cotton, animal feed, silos, harvesting and chronic bronchitis,
animal byproducts, processing operations hypersensitivity
microorganisms pneumonitis (Farmer’s
Lung)
Inorganic dusts Silicates Harvesting/tilling Pulmonory fibrosis,
chronic bronchitis
Gases Ammonia, hydrogen Animal confinement Asthmalike syndrome,
sulfide, nitrous facilities, silos, tracheobronchities, silo-
oxides, methane, CO fertilizers filler’s disease,
pulmonary edema
Chemicals Paraquat, Applicators, field Pulmonary fibrosis,
Pesticieds organophospates, workers pulmonary edema,
fumigatants Application in fields, bronchospasm
Fertilizers Anhydrous ammonia storage containers Mucous membrane
irritation,
Disinfectants Chlorine, Dairy barns, hog tracheobronchitis
quarternary confinement Respiratory irritant,
compounds bronchospasm
Others
Solvents Diesel fuel, pesticed Storage containers Mucous membrane
solutions irritation
Welding fumes Nitrous oxides, Welding operations Bronchitis, metal-fume
ozone, metals fever, emphysema
Zoonotic Microorganisms Animal husbandry, Anthrax, Q fever,
infections veterinary services psittacosis
Table 4. Agricultural respiratory hazards and diseases (Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000)
Maximum levels of indoor air contaminant levels, including total dust, ammonia, respirable
dust, and total microbes were determined for workers in swine buildings (Donham, 1995).
The levels given in the last column in Table 3 are for animal confinement research while
Table 6 relates maximum indoor levels for swine building, explaning the slight differences
in the two tables.
Maynard and Howard (1999) cited several literatures regarding PM effect on human health:
“PM10 is currently regarded as the size fraction best representing those particles most likely
to cause ill health (DoE, 1995). PM10 is not as long-lived as PM2.5, with a life-time of some
7±3 days, as the latter is less subject to efficient removal by gravitational settling or
scavenging by rain (DoE, 1993). However, particles have to be < 2.5 μm in order to penetrate
into the gas exchange regions of the lungs. Numerous epidemiological studies have found a
relationship between particulate air pollution and increased cardiorespiratory morbidity
and mortality (Pope et al., 1995), and hospital admissions for asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease (Schwartz, 1994; Schwartz et al., 1993)”.
Respiratory Reqion Principal Exposures Diseases/Syndromes
Nose and Vegetable dusts Allergic and nonallergic rhinitis

nasopharynx Aeroallergens Organic dust toxid syndrome (ODTS)
Mites
Endotoxins
Ammonia
Conducting Vegetable dusts Bronchitis

airways Endotoxins Asthma
Mites Asthma-like syndrome
Insect antigens ODTS
Aeroallergens
Ammonia
Oxides of nitrogen
Hydrogen sulfides
Terminal Vegetable dusts ODTS

bronchioles and Endotoxins Pulmonary edema/adult respiratory
alveoli Mycotoxins distress syndrome
Bacteria and fungi Bronchiolitis obliterans
Hydrogen sulfide Hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Oxides of nitrogen Interstitial fibrosis
Paraquat
Inorganic dusts (silica,
silicates)
Table 5. Agricultural respiratory disease common exposures and effects (Schenker, 1998)
Air contaminant Recommended 8-hour TWA for human health

Total dust (mg m-3) 2.40
Respirable dust (mg m-3) 0.23
Endotoxin (g m-3) 0.08
Ammonia (ppm) 7.00
Total microbes (cfu m-3) 4.3 x 105
Table 6. Maximum air contaminant levels for humans in swine buildings (Donham, 1995)
Air pollution has been thought of as an urban phenomenon, but it has been understood
better that urban–rural differences in PM10 are small or even absent in many regions of
Europe, implying that PM exposure is widespread (WHO, 2000). Although most studies
provided data on PM10 exposure, the data on fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been
increasing and the recent studies show that PM2.5 is a better predictor of health effects
compared to PM10 (WHO, 2000).
Agricultural and food industries introduce various dangers because organic dust in these
sectors is frequently associated with endotoxins, mycotoxins and microorganisms (Zock et
al., 1995). Granular products generate high quantities of particles during conveying, loading
and unloading from hoppers, trailers, and grain silos. Grain dust may also contain mould
spores and if inhaled they can cause a fatal disease called farmer’s lung (HSE, 2006).
Farmer’s lung caused by intoxicant dusts in the lower respiratory tract may result in labor
loss, increased health costs, and even death in severe cases (Sabancı, 1999). The wide variety
of different exposures may result in numerous respiratory diseases including bronchitis or
asthma that may result from or exacerbated by organic dust (grain dusts, animal dander,
plant dusts), toxic gases, and infectious agents whereas inorganic dusts and other irritants
may exacerbate, if not cause, asthma (Schenker, 2000). Early studies explained that dust
exposure might cause inflammation of the eyes, lungs, and the skin (Matthews and Knight,
1971), poisoning and allergy in the respiratory system (Witney, 1988), and grain fever (HSE,
2007). While allergic responses, such as asthma, are generally linked with exposure to
organic dust, nonallergic responses, such as bronchitis and chronic obstructive airways
disease, are usually associated with exposure to inorganic dust from agricultural origins
(Baker et al., 2005). Fine particles can pollute the blood by reaching air packets in the lung or
might start various disturbances and diseases. The disease called byssinosis is due to
chronic PM inhalation of high levels of microbial products such as endotoxin from cotton
processing (Lane et al., 2004).
Jimenes (2006) reports detrimental health effects due to both chronic and acute exposures to
biomass smoke (EPA, 2004), which includes both vapor and mostly particulate phase
material with PM2.5 fraction. Reduced lung function, depressed immune system and
increased risk of respiratory diseases were listed as the effects of chronic exposure to
biomass smoke, as cited from Sutherland (2004), Sutherland and Martin (2003), and acute
health effects in susceptible people, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD) patients, and asthmatic children, as cited from Romieu et al. (1996); Pekkanen et al.
(1997); Peters et al. (1997). It was stated that coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and
shortness of breath were among the health effects. Long et al. (1998) conducted a survey in
Winnipeg, Canada and reported that straw burning had more effect on individuals with
asthma or chronic bronchitis. In another study on children, a relationship was found
between PM10 from rice straw burning and increased asthma attacs in Niigata, Japan
(Torigoe et al., 2000). Another effect of PM10 emissions is the visibility impairment (e.g.,
Brown Cloud) (Arizona Air Quality Division, 2008).
According to numerous researchers, as cited by Baker et al. (2005), diseases such as asthma,
pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer are associated with dust inhalation. Additionally,
organic PM exposure is related with allergic responses, including asthma. Inorganic PM is
generally generated during agricultural field applications and causes non-allergic diseases
such as bronchitis and chronic obstructive airways disease. Fume and dust exposures are
predominant in animal buildings and barns and the main elements related to respiratory
health are dust, bacteria, moulds, endotoxin and ammonia (Omland, 2002).
Farming characteristics were determined through a questionnaire study in 1468 cattle

farmers in Schleswig-Holstein, showing a high correlation between the ventilation systems
in the cattle house and respiratory symptoms (Radon et al., 2002). Other important factors
affecting the symptoms were climatic factors and the size of the animal house. In their
study, the pig farmers were found to be at the highest risk for developing respiratory
symptoms associated with asthma-like syndrome whereas an increased risk of wheezing
was found in poultry farmers. The dose-response relationship was significant between daily
hours inside the animal buildings and symptoms. The study also found that the sheep
producers had excess cough with phlegm.
Schenker (2000), by citing numerous research papers, summarized the types of hazards
arising from agricultural dust as follows: Scientific work generally dealt with dust exposure
as it relates to respiratory diseases in terms of allergic diseases resulting from inorganic
dusts, namely occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. However, inorganic
(mineral) dust exposure may be substantial in the agricultural work force. The frequency of
exposure to mineral dust may be more in dry-climate regions. Soil tillage operations such as
plowing, chiseling, and harrowing disturb the soil, causing operators to be exposed to 1-5
mg m-3 respirable dust and >20 mg m-3 total dust in dry regions. The soil composition is
usually reflected by the inorganic dust in the soil. For instance, 20% of particles in the soil
are made up of crystalline silica and 80% is of silicates. Such high levels of inorganic
concentrations possibly explain some of the increase in chronic bronchitis reported in
farmers’ studies. A disease called pulmonary fibrosis (mixed dust pneumoconiosis) was
found in agricultural workers. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease morbidity and
mortality have also been observed in farmers living in different geographies. It is likely that
inorganic dust exposure is to some extent related with chronic bronchitis, interstitial fibrosis,
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease however the individual effect of mineral dusts
beyond the effects of organic dusts is unknown. Some cross-sectional surveys showed
increased prevalence rates of chronic bronchitis among swine confinement farmers and
poultry workers independent of the effects of cigarette smoking. Workers in animal
production are predominantly exposed to organic dusts compared to field workers. In
addition to the the physical, chemical and biological properties of particles, the factors
affecting worker’s health as a result of PM exposure include concentration level, duration of
exposure, gender, age, weight, smoking habits, etc.
A cross sectional study called the European Farmers’ Project was conducted in two stages to
determine the prevalence and risk factors of respiratory diseases in farmers in seven centers
across the Europe (Radon et al., 2003). About 8000 farmers in Denmark, Germany,
Switzerland, the UK, and Spain were administered a standardized questionnaire to
determine the characteristics and respiratory symptoms of the farmers in the first stage
while the second stage studied the exposure assessment and lung function determination in
four of the seven centers. Among animal production farmers, pig farmers were found to be
at high risk of asthma-like syndrome compared to others. When plant production was
considered, greenhouse workers were found to be at higher risk of asthma-like symptoms.
According to the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, animal farmers had
lower prevalence of allergy symptoms while the prevalence of chronic bronchitis symptoms
was significantly higher in animal farmers. It was found that the ventilation in the animal
production facilities and greenhouses was the major risk factor for respiratory symptoms. It
was shown that the highest median total dust (7.01 mg m-3) and endotoxin (257.58 ng m-3)
concentrations occurred in poultry houses in Switzerland. Also, growing vegetables,
tomatoes, fruits or flowers in greenhouses was a secondary risk factor for asthma.
Elci et al. (2002) did not observe any dose-response relationship with asbestos, grain, or
wood dust exposure. They found 958 larnyx cancer stories in 6731 patients diagnosed with
cancer at Okmeydani Hospital, Istanbul. Patients exposed to silica and cotton dusts had
more cancer rates but there was no correlation between larnyx cancer and asbestos, wood or
grain dusts. They found “an excess risk of laryngeal cancer among workers exposed to silica
and cotton dust in a large study in Turkey”.
Müller et al. (2006) determined sociodemographic and farming-production parameters of

1379 poultry farmers from Southern Brazil, and determined that workers were exposed to
high levels of organic and mineral dusts. Their findings present the significance of income
level, gender, age, and smoking habits. The low income farmers had higher prevalence of
respiratory symptoms and chronic respiratory disease symptoms were more in poultry
workers. Additionally, woman had significantly (p<0.01) higher (15%) asthma symptoms
compared to men (10%), but the difference was not statistically significant in chronic
respiratory disease symptoms with 24% in women and 20% in men (p=0.09). Mülller et al.
(2006) also found more prevalence among persons over 40 years of age and children under
four years of age. Furthermore, smokers, particularly ex-smokers showed more chronic
respiratory disease. Also, smokers consuming more than 182 packs per year had more
respiratory symptoms.
3. Future research and perspectives

Dust emissions from agriculture and the personal exposure to generated particulates are
two major issues to be addressed for both policy makers and researchers. Dust emission
results in outdoor and indoor air pollution threatening public health. Occupational exposure
to dust, on the other hand, is associated with respiratory health in the work environments.
The researchers and health organizations have focused on both aspects in order to reduce air
pollution and occupational health hazards.
One of the most important and challenging issues is differentiating between the effect of
dust components. The management choices in a feed operation, for instance, affect the
compounds in the mixture of emissions and complex mixes of various particles create
difficulties to regulation, given the lack of information on the effect of individual
components (Mitloehner and Calvo, 2008). However, it would be difficult to separate the
individual health effect of a component; also it may be somewhat artificial to separate
inorganic mineral dusts from other respiratory toxins (Schenker, 2000). The combined health
effects of dust components (both mineral and organic) and microorganisms such as
exdotoxins deserve to be further studied thorougly in different sectors and subsectors of
agriculture. The scientific studies regarding the relationships of gaseous and particulate
mixtures in biosystems is still in its infancy (Mitloehner and Calvo, 2008), requiring more
exploration in agricultural operations.
The emissions from agriculture may create local and regional problems in terms of air
quality in Europe and such problems may include PM exposure, eutrophication and
acidification, toxics and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, causing numerous
environmental impacts and hence PM emissions should be investigated not only for PM10
but PM2.5 with NH3 as precursor (Erisman et al., 2007).
Spatial distribution of contaminants is of importance when sampling locations are to be

determined in confined buildings in agriculture and the same should apply for sampling to
assess the emissions during field operations. The researchers tend to make the sampling
near the center of buildings or at the breathing zone of workers or animals however the
sampling location might be random only if the distribution of the pollutants is homogenous
throughout the sampling volume; otherwise the spatial distribution across the building
needs to be measured first to accurately determine the best sampling locations (Jerez et al.,
2011).
It was suggested that, in Australia, each major animal production industry (pigs, poultry,
dairy, horses and sheep) should be investigated in a range of climate and seasonal
conditions to determine worker exposure to a range of contaminants. Other issues to deal
with are changes in respiratory function before and after exposure, respiratory symptoms
for at least a week after exposure, both exposure and respiratory function and symptoms
over time, long term changes in respiratory function and symptoms, species of bacteria and
fungi to which workers are exposed in the different animal industries, the toxicity, and if
needed developing appropriate approaches to occupational hygiene (Reed et al., 2006).
Further studies were recommended to explore the independent effects on symptoms of
smoking, gender and farm characteristics in Australia and was concluded that the relatively
high prevalence of asthma in Australian pig and poultry farmers compared with overseas
farmers also requires further investigation.
Dust exposure in and near farm fields is of increasing concern for human health and may
soon be facing new emission regulations. Dust plumes have rarely been documented due to
the unpredictable nature of the dust plumes and the difficulties of accurate sampling of the
plumes, requiring further research on dust dispersion measurements and simulations to
better assess the dust emissions (Wang et al., 2008). Also more focus should be put on the air
quality during agricultural burning and related health effects because few studies have been
conducted on air quality during stubble burning and even fewer studies on characterization
of exposure (Jimenes, 2006).
Kline et al. (2003) discussed that thoroughness and frequency of cleaning enclosed cabins,
the work practices, training, and behavior of operators are important variables in future
studies because these factors have direct effects on the sources of chemical contamination.
The authors emphasized that further studies were needed in carbon bed air filtration
systems in cabin to assess efficiency and specificity of chemical removal, particularly in
relation to bed size and chemical breakthrough trends.
Crystalline silica may make up to 20% of the soil composition, representing a risk for
interstitial fibrosis and other silicates up to 80% may also result in or contribute to mixed-
dust pneumoconiosis (pulmonary fibrosis) (Schenker, 2000). Since the prevalence and
clinical severity of pulmonary fibrosis is unknown, more research is needed in this area
(Schenker, 2000).
It is emphasized that worker exposure studies should be conducted with a link to health
outcomes and similarly health studies should be associated with personal exposure
measurements (Reed et al., 2006). Additionally, when occupational exposure studies are
conducted, personal sampling should be preferred because stationary sampling estimates of
airborne allergens are lower (Lee et al., 2006).
Since poultry workers are exposed to high dust concentrations resulting in increased risk of
occupational respiratory symptoms, respiratory protection programs should be
implemented and should include poulty production workers (Müller et al., 2006).
As previously discussed, different institutions have set different threshold or permissible
exposure levels for the same particulates. For instance, ACGIH limits the personal exposure
concentration for PM10 and PM2.5 to be 10000 μm m-3 and 3000 μm m-3, respectively
whereas NIOSH recommends 4000 μm m-3 concentration for granular dust. However, health
effects might be seen at concentrations just above 2400-2500 μm m-3 in pig production
whereas health effects may be observed in poultry at concentrations as low as 1600 μm m-3
(Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000). The composition of dust may vary substantially along with
accompanying microorganisms in animal production compared to crop production or agro-
industry since more toxic gasesous particles might be generated in animal confinements.
This could result in adverse health effects in animal production with less concentration
compared to other subsectors in agriculture. Therefore research should continue until health
organizations set more practicable limits for a wide variety of compounds in order to protect
workers from both short term and long term health hazards of occupational dust exposure.
The differences in threshold levels determined by different organizations also imply the
need for further research in organic and mineral dust exposure.
Much research is required to characterize the nature and pathogenicity of exposure to

agricultural dust, particularly on inorganic dusts and actual dose (Schenker, 2000).
Numerous questions raised by Schenker (2000) still seeking answers, to varying degrees in
different countries/geographies/climates/subsectors of agriculture, are as follows: “What is
the composition of mineral dusts to which agricultural workers are exposed? How do
climatic conditions, agricultural operations, soil conditions, and personal characteristics
affect dust exposure? What are average and extreme cumulative exposures to inorganic dust
among agricultural workers, and where do they occur? What cumulative dust exposure
occurs with agricultural work? What is the pulmonary response to inorganic dusts, and
what is the mechanism of that response? What are the critical components and relative
potency of different inorganic dusts? Does chronic exposure cause pulmonary fibrosis? Is
airway inflammation a critical component of the response? If so, by what mediators? Is the
response similar to that seen for organic dusts? How do personal characteristics such as age,
gender, smoking atopy, and genetic factors affect the response to inorganic dusts? Is there a
similar pattern of acute cross-shift change in pulmonary function, and is it predictive of
long-term pulmonary function decline? What are effective measures to reduce exposure and
other control methods suitable for the agricultural setting? This should include educational
strategies, engineering controls, and regulatory interventions. Should the occupational silica
standard be applied to the agricultural workplace? What is the role of the practicing
physician in recognizing, treating, and preventing respiratory disease among agricultural
workers?” The research in air quality and personal health seem to be advanced in industries
such as mining, but more research in agriculture and related industries is needed to address
all the questions above.
Previous research clearly shows that more scientific studies are needed to accumulate
sufficient data to determine dose-response relationships so as to improve engineering
control systems and personal protective devices or to increase awareness and
implementation of prevention techniques in agriculture.
4. Policies and prevention

The implementation of air quality policies in rural areas usually lags urban settings,
resulting in poor monitoring and weak inspection in agricultural work environments. The
awareness in air quality issues, the effects of personal exposure to dusts, and personal
protective measures hence is generally not strong among farmers and farm workers. An
important cause should be related to the fact that the jobs requiring less than 11 people are
not subjected to routine inspections by OSHA, resulting in poor awareness, lack of
engineering controls and irregular personal protection among agricultural workers in the
US (Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000) and the situation is probably similar in other countries.
Policies to reduce air pollution or work-related exposure to dust and microorganisms are of
utmost importance. Different countries may impose different measures to improve air
quality or may recommend methods to reduce exposure levels. For improved public health
the emissions from all industries should be kept as low as possible but may not be
economical or practicable under given conditions. For instance, the contribution of

particulate matter from agriculture was considered a pressing issue in emissions and to
accomplish the objectives on acidification, eutrophication and PM concentrations, much
greater reductions should be targeted in EU (Erisman et al., 2007).
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the US redesignated the Moderate PM10

Nonattainment Area to Serious in 1996 to include unregulated sources including unpaved
roads, unpaved parking lots, vacant lots and agriculture, requiring emission reduction
programs for these areas (Arizona Air Quality Division, 2008). Arizona Legislation required
all farmers to comply with PM10 program by the end of 2007, imposing that farmers with 4
ha of contiguous land located within the Maricopa PM10 Nonattainment Area and
Maricopa County Portion of Area A must comply with the agricultural PM10 general
permit. To aid farmers the Arizona Legislature defined Best Management Practices (BMPs)
and farmers are required to implement at least one of BMPs for each of the three categories
defined, including tillage and harvest, non-cropland and cropland (Arizona Air Quality
Division, 2008).
The personal protection is not common in agriculture mainly due to the fact that they are
hot and uncomfortable, but in dusty and mouldy conditions two-strap dust and mist
respirators approved by NIOSH may be used (Arizona Air Quality Division, 2008).
The use of sixteen types of engineering controls and thirteen types of personal protective
equipment (PPE) was studied using the information obtained from 702 certified pesticide
applicators (Coffman et al., 2009). The results of this study showed that 8 engineering
control devices were used out of 16 by more than 50% of the applicators. The adoption of
engineering control was affected by the crop produced, field size, and type of pesticide
application equipment. Engineering devices were usually adopted on large farms, when
hydraulic sprayers are used. Most respondents used PPE with chemical-resistant gloves
resulting in the highest level of compliance. Appropriate headgear use also increased in
pesticide applicators.
Mitchell and Schenker (2008) surveyed 588 farmers longitudinally from 1993 to 2004 to
determine respiratory protective behaviors and the personal characteristics of farmers. They
identified some characteristics related to smoking and farm size, and found that about 75%
of the farmers were not "very" concerned about respiratory health risks. Interestingly, the
use of a dust mask or respirator decreased significantly from 54% in 1993 to 37% in 2004,
whereas 20% was consistent in use of respiratory protection. From 1993 to 2004 closed-cabin
useage increased slightly from 14% to 17%. Those who regularly used a dust mask or
respirator were ex-smokers or the ones concerned about the health risks. Also, closed-cabin
tractors were used in larger areas and were related to higher salary and the farmers
preferred using personal protection in small areas. The researchers recommended that
farmers be educated about the long term respiratory health risks.
Some practices in the field can be helpful in reducing dust emissions and hence personal
exposure levels. Some of these practices include no tillage or soil preparation if wind speed
exceeds 40 km h-1 at 2 m height, adopting reduced tillage including minimum tillage system,
mulch tillage system, and reduced tillage system (Arizona Air Quality Division, 2008). These
practices should also incorporate other preventions such as avoiding conditions in which
soil is susceptible to produce PM10, reducing vehicle speed, planting vegetative barriers to
the wind (tree, shrub, or windbreak planting), managing residues to reduce soil erosion and
maintain soil moisture (Arizona Air Quality Division, 2008).
Some of the technical preventive measures may include appropriate technology for drying,
storage, conservation and handling of granular materials and hay; vacuum cleaning; water
sprinkling; mist sprinkling; addition of vegetable oil to flour feed; sprinkling of fine oil
aerosol over the animals; and design and ventilation of the premises however the materials
should be carefully selected and the design of the equipment, process, and the work should
be done properly to reduce dust generation (The Swedish National Board of Occupational
Safety and Health, 1994).
When the dust concentrations are high enough respiratory protective equipment should be
used to avoid upper and lower respiratory disturbances and diseases. HSE (2005) warns that
the use of nuisance dust masks (NDMs) may prevent only from large particles during
handling grain, and are inappropriate since they cannot prevent fine particles from reaching
the lungs. Recommended RPSs are disposable filtering face piece respirator to BS EN 149 or a
half mask respirator to BS EN 140 with particle filters to BS EN 143 (HSE, 2006). Nevertheless,
oxygen sufficiency in the work environment may be an important factor to choose the best
type of mask since the use of a mask could be hazardous when oxygen level is less than 17%
(Hetzel, 2010). Powered filtering equipment (helmets or hoods) should be used when large
quantities of dust are released during agricultural operations. Some examples of such
operations include manual weighing of animals, the transfer of poultry to and from battery
cages, the cleansing of grain hoppers from mouldy grain, and threshing with a cabinless
threshing machine (The Swedish National Board of Occupational Safety and Health, 1994).
The cost effectiveness of engineering solutions might be important in implementing various
methods to reduce emissions and work-related exposures. Technical solutions are usually
poor in developing countries due to low level of technologies used such as cotton sawgins in
Turkey (Aybek et al., 2010). Lahiri et al. (2005) estimated a cost of 5000-10000 $ to eliminate
the risks for silicosis in factories working in three shifts with 5 workers in each shift for stone
grinders in construction sector. In other areas ventilation cost was only 650 $. Lahiri et al.
(2005) suggested that an annual cost of 106 $ would be required to improve ventilation in
these sectors both in developing and developed countries. It was noted that these estimates
were based on reducing silicosis and did not account for the effect of smoking.
In crop production the most advanced technical solution is the use of enclosed cabin with
appropriate filtering sytems. An original cabin might sufficiently filter the air and reduce
PM concentrations from 2000-20000 μg m-3 to 100-1100 μg m-3 (Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000).
Thus an enclosed cabin is important especially in soil tillage operations generating silica.
Concentration of grain dust may widely vary and can be as high as 72500 μm m-3 in
threshing and cleaning, implying the need for both technical and personal preventions.
However, the masks could feel hot and uncomfortable and are not routinly used in
agriculture (Kirkhorn and Garry, 2000).
Author details
Department of Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam
University, Turkey
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Chapter 4
Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases Emissions

Produced by Tourism Life Cycle: Possible
Solutions to Reduce Emissions and to
Introduce Adaptation Measures
Francisco A. Serrano-Bernardo, Luigi Bruzzi,

Enrique H. Toscano and José L. Rosúa-Campos
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50418
1. Introduction
Tourism and Travel (T & T) is a vital contributor to the global economy and considered
particularly important for developing countries. It is regarded as an effective way of
redistributing wealth and, if conducted according to sustainability directions, may promote
cultural heritage conservation and contribute to nature preservation. Tourism industry has
experienced a significant development in the last 50 years and, presently, represents around
260 million jobs worldwide, 100 million of whom work directly in the tourism industry and
the rest in induced activities. Moreover, tourism accounts for about 9% (direct & induced) of
the global GDP [1,2] (more than the automotive industry, 8.5% and slightly less than the
banking sector, 11%). The economic and cultural importance of tourism is now widely
recognized.
However, negative impacts from tourism may take place, for instance, when the level of
visitor use is greater than the capability of the environment to cope with this use, operating
beyond the acceptable limits of change or regeneration capacity of a given territory, e.g., by
the sheer effect of the number of visitors [3]. A good example is constituted by the
Mediterranean coast, where in a narrow strip (50-100 km) about 130 millions of residential
habitants are incremented seasonally by about 100 million of tourists. In marine areas tourist
activities such as diving or cruising, may cause damage of fragile ecosystems such as coral
reefs, which are also affected by CO2-emissions due to the change in the pH-value of
seawater (coral bleaching).
© 2012 Serrano-Bernardo et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms
of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits
Waste handling and disposal, increment of noise (related mainly to transportation to and at
destinations), increased use of water resources [4], loss of biodiversity and wild life habitats
by tourism leisure activities, represent part of the stresses put on visited areas, beside the
pressure on local resources like energy, food, and other raw materials that might be locally
already in short supply.
One of the most negative impacts of tourism is on climate through so-called Greenhouse
Gases (GHG) emissions, in particular CO2 [3,5]. In fact, it is now widely recognized that
climate change is a global issue and one of the most serious threats to society, the economy
and the environment, being by now for decades a constant issue of concern [6]. The Inter-
Governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has reported that warming of the global
climate system is unequivocal and that it is likely that anthropogenic GHG production
(mainly from energy conversion) have caused most of the observed global temperature rise
since the middle of the 19th Century. Hence, ambitious emissions reduction targets for
developed countries and an effective framework that addresses the needs of developing
countries has been already adopted (e.g., the objectives 20/20/20 in the European Energy
Program for Recovery).
Relating these two important issues, it is now recognized that T & T constitutes also a vector
of climate change since, according to current estimations, tourism accounts for
approximately five per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions, establishing in this way the
synergy between T & T and climate, which – on the other side - may define the length and
quality of tourism seasons, affect tourism operations, hence attracting or deterring visitors
depending on climate conditions. It can be, then, asserted that tourism is a highly climate
sensitive economical sector, being of paramount importance the assessment of the possible
influence of tourism on climate change through emissions and on environment in general
through its implementation.
The principal environmental impact of GHG emissions is climate change but many
secondary effects which affect, for instance, coastal areas, have been identified. These are sea
surface temperature and sea level rise, changes in temperature and precipitation, as well as
biodiversity loss mainly in the marine environment. These changes threaten the quality of
destinations, which is at the core of the tourism product. It therefore makes sense for
stakeholders in tourism and tourism mobility, not only environmentally but also from the
point of view of business, to act more sustainably.
In the tourism sector, energy consumption at destinations and the related GHG emissions
strongly depends, e.g., on the infrastructure of the accommodation, particularly installations
for heating, cooling and hot water [7]. On the other hand, by definition tourism is
impossible without transportation. At destinations the impact of the GHG emissions can be
challenged by improving new concepts and/or changing existing infrastructure.
On the other side, for tourism mobility, the type of transport and the distance to be covered
determine the amount of energy consumed and, consequently, the emissions generated.
Transport to and on destinations represents a high percentage of energy consumption
Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases Emissions Produced by Tourism Life Cycle:
Possible Solutions to Reduce Emissions and to Introduce Adaptation Measures 107
(currently about 30%), and a large fraction of it is represented by travels for tourism. If we
consider that almost all transport vehicles are fuelled by liquid fuels, such as diesel oil,
kerosene and gasoline, it appears clear that travels are certainly responsible of large
quantities of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Hence, for transportation the
number of journeys, the distribution over transport modes, total passenger kilometrage
travelled, the efficiency of transport means, etc., are the most important parameters to be
taken into consideration in assessing emissions.
In this chapter the focus is concentrated on the significant contribution to the emissions of
pollutants and greenhouse gases both in the destination and in travels needed to reach the
destination and around the destination itself. The approach followed in this analysis is
based on the Life Cycle Assessment [8], including the effects produced in reaching the
destination, the staying in the destination for a certain number of days and travel back to the
starting point. The quantification of emissions is performed for different distances between
the starting place and the destination, for different period of staying in the destination and
for different means of transportation (car, bus, train, ship and airplane). In addition, Tourism
Indicators [9] are introduced to establish the sustainability level of tourism. Finally, founded
on studies and research on the effects produced by pollutants and GHG emissions into the
atmosphere, changes that T & T should undergo to improve its sustainability are proposed.
2. Tourism market
Motivations for tourism are multiple; they include: travel, leisure, business, cultural,
educational and/or religious purposes. Religion and culture have been key stimulants for
many tourist destinations; religious travel has been popular for decades and has allowed for
scores of people to take pilgrimages. For example, many Roman Catholics visit the Vatican
City annually, while Hindus trek to the Ganges and other spiritual spots across India.
Jerusalem and Israel are also popular spots for Christian pilgrims, as well as the Mecca for
the Muslims. Due to these reasons, the countries benefit from tourist arrivals and, in many
cases, also neighboring countries or cities. Different nations have various histories and
unique cultures and traditions that accompany them. The cultural distinctiveness and
‘unusual’ traditions attract curious or interested travelers to certain places. In addition, if
one visits a country for other reasons, the cultural aspects contribute toward a unique
experience. The various art forms (song, dance, sculpture and artwork, drama, opera, etc.)
and festivities have great influence on visitors’ experiences. Often overlapping with other
types of tourism, food tourism plays an important part in the industry. Visitors generally
prefer sampling local cuisine and many set off on trips to experience food made by locals.
As a result, local restaurants and food stands thrive off this. Locals benefit from
employment opportunities either directly (servers, cooks and managers for example) or
indirectly (e.g., agriculturists and aquaculturists) and the economy of surrounding
communities, are boosted.
The economic contribution of tourism has two elements: direct and indirect. The direct
contribution is solely concerned with the immediate effect of expenditure made by visitors.
This, for example, accounts for expenditures in hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops, transport
services and attractions entrance fees. Indirect contributions are often underestimated: they
include, for example, expenditures on fuels for transport and power generation, utility bills
for hotels and guest houses (to maintain the electricity and water supply), purchase or rental
of equipment for various activities (such as diving, hiking and beach sports), among others.
Tourism in its various forms is currently recognized as the world’s largest single industry
with a direct worldwide contribution to GDP of about 6% [10]. A world forecasts for the
near future estimates a number of international arrivals by the year 2020 of about 1.6 billion.
Figure 1 shows the contribution to the global tourism activities of different geographical
areas together with the forecasted increase up to 2020.
Figure 1. Evolution of world tourism from 1950, in billions of arrivals. Source: [11]
Tourism is one of the strongest economic sectors in the member states of the European
Union (EU), where it involves around 2 million businesses (mostly small and medium-sized
enterprises) generating up to 12% of the GDP (directly plus indirectly), 6% of employment
(directly) and 30% of external trade. All of these figures are expected to further increase as
tourism demand is expected to experience a substantial growth. An analysis of changes in
tourism in the EU over the past 20 years shows that the numbers of bed-places and
overnight stays have increased by almost 64%.
An important sector of tourism is the coastal [12], based on a unique resource combination
of the appealing of landscape and sea environment: sun, water, beaches, outstanding scenic
views, rich biological diversity (birds, whales, corals, etc.), sea food and good transportation
infrastructure. In the middle of the 20th century coastal tourism in Europe turned into mass
tourism and became affordable for an increasing portion of the population. Today, more
than 60% of the European tourists favor the seashore for vacation. Coastal tourism sector in
Europe is getting increasingly competitive, with tourists expecting increasing quality for
lower price [13]. Nowadays tourists expect more than sun, sea and sand, demanding a wide
variety of associated leisure activities and experiences, including sports, cuisine, culture and
natural attractions. Tourism is becoming more and more important for the economy of the
communities at the destinations; it is also a strong employment generator with a total of
almost 20 million jobs (direct and indirect employment, in Europe).
Mass tourism is the most common aspect of the industry. It is an assembly of standardized
low cost tourism packages appealing to tourism masses traveling to popular geographical
areas. It involves tourists on pilgrimages or visiting places of religious interest, tourists
visiting beaches or coastal areas, visitors to popular nightlife and casino areas, tourists to
popularized landmarks or structural wonders and tourists seeking shopping and leisure in
internationally hyped locations.
The growth in world tourism is related to three main factors: increased personal incomes
and leisure time; improvements in transportation systems and greater public awareness of
other areas of the world due to improved communications. Many destinations have a
wealth of assets to give them a distinctive appeal: combinations of activities (leisure
activities, sports, cultural and natural heritage, cuisine, etc.); at the same time, local people
are increasingly anxious to preserve their own identity, their environment and their natural,
historic and cultural heritage, from the impact of unrestrained tourism. In this context, it has
been acknowledged that the global tourism industry is a "massive consumer of energy and
resources" and, since it is expected to continue to grow significantly in the future, the
question of its sustainability has been recognized.
3. Tourism sustainability
3.1. Need for tourism to be sustainable
In the last two decades there has been growing recognition of the importance for tourism to
be sustainable. Tourism is one of the oldest industries, it has become integrated into
everyday life for many countries and, as discussed in the previous paragraph, is undeniably
a major contributor to economic and social development. However, increasing tourist
pressure and overexploitation of natural resources endangers the existence of this industry
in many countries. In fact, one of the most diffused types, mass tourism, often leads to
severe degradation of natural landscapes (e.g., through construction of massive
infrastructure), pollution of coastal zones and reduction in water supply. Ecological
development with respect to tourism is known as sustainable tourism and it encompasses
the development of an industry in such a manner that can sustain itself while improving the
quality of life for all concerned stakeholders, such as indigenous populations. Hence,
sustainable tourism entails the search for a more productive and harmonious relationship
between the visitor, the host community and the residents [14]. In addition, tourism to be
sustainable must remain competitive and attract first time as well as reiterate visitors. In this
context, recognize, accept and implement limits on tourism development is one way to
counteract the potential overuse and exploitation of destinations natural resources and
cultural heritage.
Sustainable tourism (ST) can be, hence, defined as an industry which attempts to make a
low impact on the environment and local culture, while aiming to generate income,
employment, and the conservation of the local environment. ST should be both, ecologically
and culturally sensitive, producing minimum impact on the eco-system and culture of the
host community. According to The World Tourism Organization, sustainable tourism is a
sort of tourism that leads to the management of all resources in such a way that economic,
social and aesthetic needs can be fulfilled while maintaining cultural integrity, essential
ecological processes, biological diversity and life support systems. The United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP) refers to the environmental, economic, and socio-cultural
aspects of tourism development, and recommends a suitable balance between these three
dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability [15]. The United Nations World
Tourism Organization (WTO) defines ST as an activity that meets the needs of present
tourists and host regions while protecting and enhancing opportunities for the future. The
objective of ST is, hence, to retain the economic and social advantages of tourism
development while reducing or mitigating any undesirable impacts on the natural, historic,
cultural or social environment. This can be achieved by balancing the needs of tourists with
those of the destination. Summarizing, ST is a tourism that is economically, socio-culturally
and environmentally sustainable, with impacts are neither permanent nor irreversible.
3.2. Difficulties and opportunities in making tourism more sustainable

An increasing number of tourists are aware of the environmental impacts that tourism may
cause particularly in Europe. They expect a high environmental quality in their destination,
usually prefer eco-labeled accommodation services, look for certified products in the travel
catalogues and "green" destinations. The direct local impacts of tourism on people and
environment at destinations are strongly affected by concentration in space and time
(seasonality). There are different quality characteristics requested by tourists, such as clean
beaches and water, cleanness in the resorts and in the surrounding areas, reduce
urbanization of rural areas, nature protection in the destination, low noise pollution from
traffic or discothèques, reduce traffic and good public transport in the destination,
possibility of reaching the destination easily by bus or train, environmentally-friendly
accommodation, etc. Construction of hotels, recreation and other facilities often leads to
increased pressure on sewage facilities, in particular because many destinations have several
times more inhabitants in the high season than in the low season. Waste water treatment
facilities are often not built to cope with the dramatic rise in volume of waste water during
the peak [13]. In some locations, conventional tourism has been accused of failing to
integrate its structures with the natural features and indigenous architecture of the
destination. One of the most difficult challenges tourism is facing is the ability to combine
sound economic development with the protection of natural resources. There will be an
increasing need to analyze the trade-offs between native cultural integrity and the benefits
of employment, and the need to understand the impact of rapid climatic changes on prime
vacations sites, such as coast lines. Nevertheless, looking at the whole picture it can
recognize that tourism can help sustainability. In fact, tourism can facilitate the restoration,
conservation and protection of physical environments; it can provide the incentives and the
income necessary to restore and rejuvenate historic buildings and to create and maintain
national parks. Hence, tourism can be a force for the development of better infrastructure
such as improvements to roads, water supply and treatment and waste management
systems which can improve environmental quality, facilitating the development of
attractions through restoration and protection of natural and built heritage.
3.3. Mobility and sustainability of tourism

The knowledge and proper management of all adverse impacts are extremely important to
make tourism sustainable. Generally, they are factors contributing to create environmental
pressure exerted locally but not only. For instance, it can be surely asserted that that fuel
and electricity consumption in tourism are usually very high, but – as will be discussed
below - the travel to reach the destination is the most important contributor to GHG
emissions [14]. The approach to sustainability of tourism has been so far concentrated
mainly on destination, ignoring that tourism, increasingly oriented toward destinations far
away (many thousands km). Therefore fuel consumption and GHG emissions due to
mobility have become the most important factors for sustainability assessment.
4. Tourism life cycle

The evaluation or assessment of the “life cycle” of a product or a service in general can be
defined as the technique to assess the environmental impact associated with all the phases
of the product manufacturing or service provision. The assessment includes all the stages
needed to manufacture the product (or delivering the service): extraction of the raw
materials, processing, manufacturing of the product itself (or service delivery), distribution,
use, maintenances and repair, and – most important – perform its safe disposal or recycling
at the end of life. To accomplish the evaluation, the compilation of an inventory of relevant
energy and material inputs and environmental releases in each phase has to be performed.
Then, the impacts associated with the inputs and releases have to be evaluated and, finally,
an interpretation of the results has to be performed with the goal of allowing the decision
makers and stakeholders in general to adopt an informed decision [16]. This important
process is sometimes also called “Eco balance” and it is also described using the illustrative
expression “from the cradle-to-grave”.
The assessment process has been internationally standardized (ISO 14040 and 14044) by
including four main phases: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, assessment of the
impacts and, finally, interpretation of the results of the previous phases, as schematically
illustrated in Figures 2 and 3.
In order to assess tourism activities in terms of environmental effects, the possibility to

adopt the LCA process is analyzed. According to the scheme in Figure 2, goal definition and
scope could be interpreted as: the goal is the assessment of the environmental impacts of a
tourism activity (e.g., a vacation in a destination), whereas the scope is the ideal space in
which the touristic activities (travel, permanence, etc.) are performed.
Figure 2. Schematic view of LCA analysis. Source: [16]
Figure 3. Inventory energy and material. Source: [16]
Before continuing into what would be a life cycle analysis adequate for tourism, it is
worthwhile to remember that the concept of tourism life cycle has been already defined in
some previous papers. According to [8], tourism life cycle is a six stage model to be
performed for the assessment of a destination. It includes the exploration, involvement of
the local people, the development of a tourism resort in a given country, the consolidation
through the integration of the resort into the local economy, the stagnation (e.g., competition
from other resorts, saturation, etc.), and, finally, either the declination or the rejuvenation of
the tourism site. This approach, being essentially correct, takes into account only the life
cycle of a destination (in this sense, it should be called, tourism area life cycle), without
considering the whole cycle of the most classical tourism activity, the seasonal vacation
(reaching the destination, staying and traveling back).
The Butler model is strictly connected to the concept of carrying capacity (CC) of a site; it
represents the maximum burden that can be accepted by a territory without producing a
crisis of the local ecosystem. WTO has provided a specific definition of tourism CC [17]. [18]
defined Tourism Carrying Capacity (TCC) as “…the level of human activity an area can
accommodate without the area deteriorating, the resident community being adversely
affected or the quality of visitors experience declining”. Looking at this definition it appears
clear the connection with the Butler model: the stagnation of the area where the tourism is
taking place starts when the TCC is reached and the further development is not possible
without intervention addressed to a rejuvenation process.
The model proposed in the present paper does not completely fit into the concept contained in
the LCA, but has as its ultimate goal the purpose to quantify one of the most important factor,
consumption of fossil fuel and related CO2 and other emissions, mostly produced during
travels to reach the destination. The approach implemented in the present paper is an attempt
to adopt a methodology able to include all the aspects of a very common type of tourism
which consist in a vacation in a destination that can be reached by a traveling round trip.
To make the model operative, identification of the different phases in which pollutant
emissions are taking place have to be identified. This type of analysis can be done for
different destination and for given data characterizing the period spent in the destination.
One valuable approach is the comparison of different ways to spend vacations, trying to
select the solution which minimizes the CO2 emissions. To make the comparison meaningful
a functional unit has to be introduced, e.g. the amount of CO2 emitted for one day spent in
vacation (per person in a given place and for a given distance).
On the basis of what has been discussed hitherto, the concept of a vacation life cycle can be
schematically defined by the following parameters:
 Number of visitors arriving at a destination and from where.

 Distance from the tourist home to the destination.
 Diffe5rent scenarios for reaching the final destination (airplane, car, train, bus, ship, etc.).
 Differ5ent types of accommodation ranging from camping places, rented homes, mobile
homes, mountain huts to five star hotels, if present.
 Number of days staying in the destination.
 Different types of activities that can be performed at the destination, such as diving,
sailing, cruises, mobile homes or visiting zoos, cinemas, indoor pools, museums or
theatres.
 Mobility in the destination (private car, public transportation, sightseeing tours, etc.).
 Other issues related to the holidays (such as the practice of “zero km” food for
catering).
To assess the impacts of all these activities the classical LCA requests the assessment of all
the impacts related to the inputs and outputs of the mentioned items. Impacts are
calculated by dividing them into different categories: greenhouse effect (potential global
warming), stratospheric ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, summer smog,
natural resource depletion, aquatic toxicity, etc. The phases of classification,
characterization, and interpretation of the results and identification of significant issues
are very complicated and it is beyond the scope of this chapter (being its specific purpose
the assessment of the GHG emissions) to discuss all the impacts from tourism activities.
On the other hand, it is worthwhile to notice that tourism and vacations are often spent in
remote destinations and, therefore, large amount of fossil fuels for transportation are
requested, hence, to assess, e.g., the contribution of transport on the total impact
produced by GHG, the proposed model appears adequate and, hence, considered a
valuable approach, able to compare different types of vacation by quantifying the
parameters above.
To this goal, the different phases of tourisms related activities generating emissions have to
be identified. In the present chapter inventory analysis is limited to the amount of fuel
supplied to transportation means, the related CO2 emissions, neglecting other
environmental impacts due to, e.g., maintenance of the carriers.
The evaluation of potential impacts associated with the inputs of tourism life cycle and their
related impacts constitutes important information needed for the analysis of the observed
and predicted future climate change. In evaluating impact sources it appears clear the
paramount influence of the type of transportation means selected. For instance, aviation
emissions have a greater climate impact that the same emissions at ground level due to the
fact that, at altitude, they can activate a series of chemical and physical processes that can
have enhanced consequences on the climate change and have to be taken into account
through multiplying factors. By the same token, for automobiles not only their number but
also their age and technology, play a paramount role in evaluating emissions.
The outcome of this form of analysis appears useful for a better global managing of tourism
and, in general, for making sustainable choices towards a reduction of the atmospheric
pollution, limiting CO2 and other greenhouse gases emissions.
5. Tourism sustainability indicators

In the context of the present chapter it has to be mentioned that indicators are commonly
used by organizations to evaluate their success or the success of a particular activity in
which they are engaged. Because of their integrative and forward-looking features,
Sustainability Indicators (SI) are suitable to measure and evaluate human activities, and
more and more businesses, willing to align their activities with the principles of sustainable
development, are adopting SI as a powerful tool in addressing a satisfactory development in
relationship to the environment.
Some useful indicators to express the level of sustainability of tourism are: carrying capacity,
ecological footprint and carbon footprint. The carrying capacity has been already introduced
in the previous paragraph.
5.1. Tourism ecological footprint

The Ecological Footprint is a measure of the 'load' imposed by a given population on nature.
It represents the land area necessary to sustain a tourism activity in terms of resource
depletion and waste discharge by that population [19]. It represents the total area necessary
to satisfy all the needs of the population involved in terms of food, water, land, etc. It also
includes the large amount of the area necessary to neutralize the effects all the GHGs, e.g.,
by photosynthesis of plants. This area, (representing the carbon footprint in terms of area,
instead in terms of kg of CO2) results usually very large: the global average amounts at
about 50% of the ecological footprint. In the case of long distance tourism the fraction is
even more. It is worth to put into evidence that EF can be calculated both for the population
of a community and for a single individual. To measure the level of sustainability of
tourism it is worth to introduce another indicator able to express the role of GHG emission:
the carbon footprint.
5.2. The carbon footprint

The carbon footprint (CF) is usually measured in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent; in
the case of tourism the unit for this indicator could be kilograms of carbon dioxide
equivalent/ person [20]. Tourism, as any other human activity, has either direct or indirect
effects on the carbon footprint. The primary CF is the direct measure of carbon dioxide
emissions from burning of fossil fuels (such as energy consumption at the destination and
transportation). The secondary CF is a measure of the indirect carbon emissions from the
entire life cycle of commonly used products (related to their manufacture and eventual
disposal/breakdown).
In assessing the CF it should be kept in mind that electricity is an essential part of the
tourism industry. Hotels and accommodation for guests must be fully equipped for their
comfort; this includes proper lighting, water heaters, basic electronics, elevators, pool
pumps, etc. Restaurants are generally run on electric stoves and in some cases, electric
dishwashers (both currently considered negative for sustainability). For these reasons and
many more, high amounts of electricity is needed hence a readily available, efficient supply
is crucial. For electricity generation the CO2 specific production for different fuels is shown
in Table 1.
fc P Ps
Heat of Combustion
Fuel (Carbon Fraction [kgCO2/kWh] [kgCO2/kWh]
[kcal/kg]
in fuel) (Thermal) (Electrical)
Natural gas 0.75 11900 0.20 0.5
Petrol 0.87 10000 0.27 0.67
Coal 0.85 8500 0.31 0.77
Table 1. Specific CO2 emissions for different fuels.
It is, hence, evident that the specific emissions will depend on the relative amount of the
different fuel used for the electricity production (energy mix). In Table 2, the specific
production of CO2 per kilowatt-hour for some European countries is reported.
The analysis of the carbon footprint of tourism worldwide shows that the greenhouse
emissions are due to: transport (particularly air and motor vehicle) 82%, accommodation
4.5%; other activities 8.6% retail 3.4% [21]. The transportation of visitors to the destination
plays an important role in contributing to the carbon footprint. However it should not be
forgotten that transport is a promoter for the rest of the industry: if the number of trips
declines significantly then all businesses will be affected.
Emissions [kgCO2/kWh]
Country
Coal Petrol Natural Gas TOTAL
Italy 0.118 0.130 0.178 0.426
Austria 0.097 0.019 0.076 0.192
Germany 0.382 0.011 0.046 0.439
Spain 0.223 0.057 0.081 0.361
France 0.036 0.007 0.015 0.057
Sweden 0.005 0.009 0.004 0.018
Table 2. Specific emissions of CO2 for some EU countries.
6. Role of transportation in tourism

In modern societies mobility plays a fundamental and increasing role in shaping our daily
life: the way people interact, work, play, manufacture, and get access to services, leisure
amenities and goods, is inextricably linked with transport. Mobility lies at the heart of
tourism and, noticeably, there are synergies between transportation and tourism [22], with
technological developments and lower prices for the mobility promoting tourism and,
conversely, tourism encouraging the expansion of new transportation possibilities.
Furthermore, transportation is the link between home, destination, accommodation,
attraction, and all other stages of a tourist journey. Its efficiency, comfort and safety
determine to a large extent the quality of the tourist’s experience and in many cases its cost
comprises the largest portion of a tourist’s total expenses. Tourism represents a strong sector
for the demand of transportation and prospective studies foresee a further increase and,
consequently, in the request for mobility to reach the termini and even at the destination
itself. The trend to select far destinations has made the travel phase the prevalent part of the
total economic and environmental cost.
On the other side, in evaluating emissions - as will be discussed in detail in the next
paragraph - there is no doubt that tourism is an important contributor to the emission in
general and of GHG in particular. Indeed, data from the WTO Climate Report shows that
total CO2 from tourist activities amounts to 4.9% of total world emissions, with mobility
playing a relevant role. A recent study made by the Direction des Études Économiques et de
l'Évaluation Environnementale (D4E), revealed that mobility of French tourists gives a
contribution to the GHG emissions of about 6% of the total amount (2006) [23]. Moreover,
this study concluded, analysing the duration of the permanence in the destination in the last
40 years, that the average duration has changed from 20 to 12 days and that the portion of
tourists spending vacation abroad changed from 12 to 19%, implying more frequent
travelling and increased use of the airplane to reach abroad destinations.
Transportation is accomplished by different means, such as car, train, bus, ship, or aircraft.
According to a study by [24], out of the total car transport, 20%-30% are used for tourism
mobility. Similarly, 20%-40% of rail travel serves tourism purposes, whereas 60%-90% of air
travelling passenger accounts for tourism mobility. At global level, tourism mobility causes
around 75% of total CO2 emissions out of all emissions from touristic activities, with
aviation representing the bulk of it (40%). According to a research performed by [25] GHG
emissions from international aviation grew by 87% between 1990 and 2004 (73% increase for
1990-2003), while total GHG emissions decreased by 5.5% between 1990 and 2003. Air traffic
is furthermore expected to double in the next 15 years and is anticipated to counteract the
reduction of CO2 emissions achieved in other sectors.
Actually, the development of the air travel industry, especially low-cost airlines, has made
affordable and thereby increased the utilization of this type of mobility, making travelling
accessible to a growing number of the world’s population. The air-travel industry has
substantially reduced travel time and travel costs as compared to other transport modes. The
most popular air-travel models are the Low Cost Carriers (LCCs) focusing on sea, sand and
sun tourism, short stay city trips and cultural destinations [26]. To make flights to a destination
cheaper, it is important flying non-stop. The contribution to emission given by the flights used
for tourism is the highest (if expressed in terms of kg CO2/person and km), even if it is not the
most selected way to reach destinations for vacations: In France (2006) only 6% of tourists have
selected the airplane to reach the destination, usually located very far away. Nevertheless,
automobiles are still the most common way used for tourism travels (75%).
Energy consumption for transportation depends on two factors: the type of transport used
and the distance to be covered. Due to the overwhelming use of fossil fuels, mobility
generates GHG emissions which can cause climate change and engender impacts that harm
the environment and is believed to be a primary cause of climate change. Hence, it can be
concluded that transport represents an important phase of tourism but is, on the other hand,
responsible of a outstanding amount of emissions. Nevertheless, when looking at tourism
mobility we have to keep in mind that transport for tourism only accounts for a fraction of
all transport. A large portion of general transport serves for moving freight and non-tourist
passengers [27].
7. Emissions produced in tourism

Tourism activities, besides the necessary mobility to reach the destination briefly discussed
in the previous paragraph, generate emissions also in other phases of its development such
as of residing at a destination as a result of the use of energy for heating or air conditioning,
illumination, and other services (cooking, cleaning, office, etc.). All these aspects have to be
considered to assess the energy consumption and related emissions during the tourism life
cycle. In Figure 4, the different phases of tourism and its associated fuel and energy
consumption are schematically depicted, substantiating that a touristic activity generates
emissions in all the phases of its development. The figure evidences that energy
consumption is partly due to travel (to the destination and back home) and partly to the
activities performed in the destination. It has been determined that, if the distance from the
departure location and the destination are relatively short (less than 1000 km) the preferred
way for transport is the private car whereas, for long distances, air transportation is
preferred. In the last years the relatively low costs of flights for long distance have
encouraged journeys to destinations far away.
As already stated, energy consumption and its associated emissions in tourism depends on
the type of services offered, the type of accommodation and the energy management
approach. For instance, hot water supply, heating and air conditioning, account for a large
part of hotels total energy consumption. As will be discussed later, appliances and utilities
represent an area where large savings can be made through efficiency improvements.
Accommodation providers should have a particularly strong interest in reducing energy
consumption in order to save costs and ensure the sustainable future of the destination.
Although there are different ways to provide energy to tourism activities, large amounts of
CO2 are produced mainly due to the fact that energy is largely converted by burning fossil
fuels. In Figure 5, the global GHG emissions per economic sector and particularly those due
to the mobility, discussed in what follows, are shown.
Figure 4. Schematic representation of fuel and energy consumption in the different tourism phases.
Figure 5. Global and sectorial emissions. Source: [28]
In Table 3, the amount of CO2 emissions (in millions of metric tons) and the share of tourism
in the different phases (in percentage of the total), is presented.
CO2 - EMISSIONS
MT SHARE OF TOURISM [%]
Air transport 515 40
Car 420 32
Other transport 45 3
Accommodation 274 21
Other activities 48 4
Total tourism 1302 100
Total world 26400 -
Share of tourism in total world (%) 4.9
Table 3. Emissions of the different sectors, according to the WTO. Source: [29]
7.1. Emissions due to mobility

Transportation means emit large quantities of carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO),
hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM), and very dangerous
substances such as benzene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, 1,3-butadiene, and lead (where
leaded gasoline is still in use). Each of these pollutants, along with secondary by-products
(such as ozone), can cause adverse effects on health and the environment. Recognizing the
danger the atmospheric pollutants can generate, many developed countries have issued
strict emissions controls especially for particulate matter produced by road dust, tire wear,
brake wear etc. In recent times much attention has been devoted to non-combustion
substances and the so-called Particulate Matter (PM), both of which appear to be dangerous
for the human health.
Transportation is a typical system belonging to the so called mobile sources: pollutants

emitted are spread out along the pathway followed by the source. For part of the emissions
this might represent an advantage since they are diffused in the environment and pollutants
undergo to a dilution process (e.g., particulate matter). This is not the case for GHG due to
the fact that their effect belongs to the category of global impacts.
7.1.1. Emissions from air transport

Air traffic in the world is growing, and will likely continue to grow. A large part of the
expansion of the number of flights is due to tourism, especially to far destinations (more
than 1000 km). The majority (60 to 90%, depending on different studies) of air travelling
passengers are ascribed to tourism mobility. The total contribution of aircraft emissions to
total anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions was considered to be about 2 percent in
the IPCC 4th Assessment Report [28].
Although the contribution of aviation operations to total global CO2 emissions is relatively
small, forecasted traffic growth (4.7% per year) raises questions on the future contribution of
aviation activity to emissions and, hence, to climate change, and on the most effective way
to address CO2 releases from the sector.
The effect of emissions from aircraft at high altitudes (especially nitrogen oxides (NOx) and
water vapor) is of particular concern. CO2 and H2O are the main combustion products but
also products such methane, nitrous oxide and other gases have an important effect on the
climate change. The fuel consumption and emissions will be dependent on the fuel type,
aircraft type, engine type, engine load and flying altitude.
Emissions from aircraft originate from fuel burned in aircraft engines with two types of
fuels used. Gasoline is used in small piston aircraft engine only. Most aircraft run on
kerosene, and the bulk of fuel used for aviation is this type of fuel. In an effort to improve
efficiency, part of the energy contained in the hot discharged gas is used to drive the turbine
that in turn drives the compressor.
GHG emissions of the airplane strongly depend on the type of aircraft and on the distance
covered. In analyzing the emissions due to air transport, it is usual to distinguish between
the different phases of a flight. The cycle is named Landing/Take-Off (LTO); it includes
phases located below 1000 meter (taxi/idle, take -off and landing). The phases of a flight
cycle are shown schematically in Figure 6.
In short travels the contribution of LTO to fuel consumption and of CO2 emissions is very
high. This is the reason why flights covering long distance become more convenient in terms
of amount of CO2 emitted per km. In fact, an analysis conducted for many types of aircraft
show the indicative data for LTO cycle gathered in Table 4.
In order to understand better the effect of LTO on the fuel total consumption in covering the
distance and the related CO2 emissions, a modern airplane, traveling a distance of 2000 km
with a number of passengers of 200 people is taken as reference. For such a plane, a specific
emission of 5 kg/km passenger and a LTO emission of 2000 kg can be assumed. If the travel is
performed non-stop 2000 km total emissions will be 10000 (cruise flight) + 2000 for LTO, this
means that LTO weight 20%. Obviously, if the number of km is increased to 4000, the
percentage of LTO will become only 10%. It appears clear that for short distances the choice of
airplane is not favored in comparison with train, bus and car both from economical neither
ecological point of view. Obviously, for a long haul a non-stop trip is strongly recommended.
Figure 6. Standard flying cycle. Source: [30]
POLLUTANT (kg/LTO)
CO2 3000 – 10000
CH4 0.1 - 4
N 2O 0.1 – 0.3
NOx 5 - 15
CO 10 - 50
NMVOC 10 - 50
SO2 1-3
Fuel 1000 – 3000
Source: [30]
Table 4. Indicative pollutants and related fuel consumption ranges for different aircraft
Concerning the fuel consumption, passenger airplanes in the year 1998 averaged 4.8 l/100
km per passenger (1.4 MJ/passenger-km). In this context it has to be mentioned that, on
average, 20% of seats are left unoccupied. Jet aircraft efficiencies are improving: between
1960 and 2000 there was a 55% overall fuel efficiency gain. Companies using Airbus state a
fuel rate consumption of their A380 at less than 3 l/100 km per passenger.
7.1.2. Car transportation

In particular, in developed countries people rely heavily and increasingly on private mobility
and the vehicles are expected to become safer but, disappointingly, also more luxurious and
powerful. In addition, automobiles and other means of transportation are driven and used
progressively more frequently. This individual and collective attitude often does not take into
account the resulting consequences: increased traffic congestion land occupation for parking
lots in urban areas, increased fuel consumption, greater emissions of air pollutants and greater
exposure of people to hazardous contaminations that might cause serious health problems.
As awareness concerning the potential health effects of air pollutants has grown, many
countries have implemented more stringent emissions controls and made steady progress in
reducing the emissions from cars, buses, airplanes in a perspective of improving air quality
and limiting GHG emissions. However, the rapid growth of the world’s transportation fleet
due to population and economic growth, the expansion of metropolitan areas, and the
increasing dependence on motor vehicles because of changes in land use, has resulted in an
increase in the fraction of the population living and working in close proximity to busy
highways and roads, counteracting to some extent the expected benefits of pollution control
regulations and technologies. Pollution produced by cars, buses and ships in tourism
activities are giving a great contribution to total GHG emissions. According to a study by
[24] out of total car transport, 20%-30% are used for tourism mobility.
Pollutants from vehicle releases are related to vehicle type (e.g., light- or heavy-duty
vehicles) and age, operating and maintenance conditions, exhaust treatment, type and
quality of fuel, wear of parts (e.g., tires and brakes), and engine lubricants used. Concerns
about the health effects of motor-vehicle combustion emissions have led to the introduction
of regulations and innovative pollution control approaches throughout the world that have
resulted in a considerable reduction of exhaust emissions, particularly in developed
countries. These reductions have been achieved through a comprehensive strategy that
typically involves emissions standards, leading to the introduction of cleaner fuels and
accurate vehicle inspection programs.
The European Union has introduced stricter limits on pollutant emissions from light road
vehicles, particularly for emissions of nitrogen oxides and particulates. In order to limit
pollution caused by road vehicles, specific regulations have been introduced for emissions
from motor vehicles. The European Regulation No 715/2007 deals with vehicles with a mass
not exceeding 2610 kg. It includes both positive-ignition engines (petrol, natural gas) and
compressed ignition (diesel engines). In order to limit as much as possible the negative
impact of road vehicles on the environment and health, the regulation covers a wide range
of pollutant emissions: carbon monoxide (CO), non-methane hydrocarbons and total
hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulates (PM). It covers tailpipe emissions,
evaporative emissions and crankcase emissions. For each category of pollutant and for the
different types of vehicle limits are given. In Table 5 the limits (Euro 5 Standard) fixed for
light road vehicles are shown. The regulation in force for European cars requires the respect
of the limits.
An important figure for all transportation means is the CO2 emission directly connected to the
chemical composition (carbon %) of the fuel and to the efficiency of the engine. If a car needs 5
liter of gasoline to travel 100 km this means that emissions are 5*0.86*(44/12) = 15.8 kg CO2 per
100 km, or 158 g CO2/km. Usually CO2 specific emissions are expressed in g/km, so our car
would have emissions not particularly good i.e. 158 g CO2/km. Designer of modern cars are
giving utmost attention to this performance of cars, advertising of new models with specific
emissions of less than 100 g CO2/km. If this target will be reached for a large portion of car
park, the global problem of climate change would be strongly reduced. Emission less than 100
g/km are considered acceptable for the environment and above 200 g/km have to be
considered too high. Obviously, the lower the CO2 output, the lower environmental impact. In
the following some characteristic of small cars with low specific emissions are shown. In Table
6, the advertised CO2-emissions for some commercial small cars are gathered.
EURO 5 EMISSION
POLLUTANT
LIMIT (mg/km)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 500
5
(80% reduction of
Particulate Matter (PM) emissions in
comparison to the
Euro 4 standard)
180
EMISSIONS FROM DIESEL VEHICLES (20% reduction of
Oxides of Nitrogen
emissions in
(NOx)
comparison to the
Euro 4 standard)
Combined emissions of
Hydrocarbons and
230
nitrogen oxides
(HC+NOx)
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1000
Non-Methane
68
Hydrocarbons (NMHC)
Total Hydrocarbons
100
(THC)
60
EMISSIONS FROM PETROL
(25% reduction of
VEHICLES OR THOSE RUNNING ON Oxides of Nitrogen
emissions in
NATURAL GAS OR LPG (NOx)
comparison to the
Euro 4 standard
Particulates (solely for

lean burn direct- 5
injection petrol vehicles)
Table 5. Limits for diesel and petrol vehicles. Source: [31]

MODEL CAR (STANDARD) emissions (CO2) range (g/km)

Italian small car 109-113
French small car 87-153
Japanese small car 95-125
Table 6. Specific emissions of modern small cars according to the advertising
7.1.3. Other transportation means

Among the carriers used for tourism also cruise ships, able to transport several thousands of
people, have to be included.
Apart from aviation, the worldwide booming cruise ship industry has also come under
increased criticisms. Cruise ships that can carry up to 5000 tourists are not only notorious for
creating tremendous amounts of waste and sewage but also belong to the biggest
contributors to greenhouse gas emissions within the travel and tourism industry. A single
cruise ship can generate emissions equivalent to more than 12400 cars. The ship smokestacks
release toxic emissions that lead to acid rain, global climate change, and damaging health
effects to communities situated near ports. Despite the fact that ocean cruise liners are more
energy efficient than other forms of commercial transportation, marine engines operate on
extremely dirty fuels, known as ‘bunker oil’. To compound the problem, engines on these
ocean-going ships are currently not required to meet the same strict air pollution controls, as
cars and trucks are required to do.
Referring to the fuel consumption per single passenger and unit of distance covered (Table
7), it is found out that the specific consumption and the related CO2 emissions are greater
than the emissions of an airplane. Rough estimates indicate for cruise liner emissions of
about 0.27 kg of CO2 per passenger and kilometer, as compared to 0.16 kg for a long-haul
flight. The cruise industry is the fastest growing sector of the travel industry. In 2003, 9.3
million passengers took a cruise. These figures indicate that if not enough attention is paid
to carbon emissions, due to the increased popularity of this type of vacation, the
contribution will become not negligible without appropriate improvements in the design of
cruise liners.
Concerning railway transportation, it has been estimated that 20%-40% of rail travels serve
tourism purposes. Taking into account that most of the rail traces are electrified, rail
transportation seems good for the environment. Nevertheless, taking into account the whole
cycle, the source of electricity has to be considered, then, if fossil fuels are used, the
emissions at the basis has to be included.
The impact of air transportation on climate is exacerbated by the fact that the emissions
happen largely during cruise phase and, hence, mainly in the higher layers of atmosphere.
Here the impact is due not only to CO2 but also to other emissions, such as water vapour
and nitrogen oxides. The increase of the effect on climate is usually given through a
coefficient called radiative forcing, defined as the change in the net irradiance in the
different layers of the atmosphere. The Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change

estimates that the warming effect of aircraft emissions is about 1.9 times that of carbon
dioxide alone, due to the other gases produced by planes.
The contribution of tourism to global climate change through GHG emissions from the
transportation of millions of tourists was first discussed in the middle of 90’s. Subsequently,
a direct interest by the IPCC has started, devoting attention to tourism in the some regional
such as Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and small island states. Later on, a
tourism-focused climate change assessment was commissioned by some international
organizations to evaluate the relative regional vulnerability of tourism destinations,
discussing the state of adaptation within the sector and providing the first quantitative
estimate of the contribution of the global tourism sector to climate change, aiming to set out
options for decoupling future growth in the tourism sector from GHG emissions. Although
recent events such as seismic incidents, hurricanes and tornadoes, the Asian tsunami, and
even terrorism attacks, suggest a relatively high adaptive capacity of the sector, whether the
touristic sector will be able to cope successfully with future climate regimes and the broader
environmental impacts, remains relatively unknown.
KILOMETRES PER
EMISSIONS
MEANS OF TRANSPORT LITRE
[g CO2/km passenger]
[kpl]
Car - the most efficient 18-23 130-100
Car - average models 9–16 260-145
Car large models, SUVs, etc. 3-9 500-250
Rail - normal suburban 18-52 130-145
Rail - high speed, few stops 14-28 165-180
Bus - well used service 28-50 80-145
Airplane - (below 500 miles) 4–8* 460-330
Airplane - (long journeys) 8–12* 330- 210
* including radiative forcing index at 1.9
Table 7. Summarizes the present situation concerning mobility. Source: [32]
7.2. Accommodation
The emissions due to the consumption of energy in the destination can be expressed in
terms of heat and electricity consumption in the period of staying (number of days). The
electricity consumption in the destination can be safely assumed equivalent to the typical
consumption of a user at home, which amounts 3 kWh per person and per day. This figure
changes with the type of hotel or resort and depends also from the existing degree of energy
saving of the accommodation. Heating consumption can also be estimated taking into
account meteorological conditions and the thermal isolation provisions isolation of the
building. Sound figures for modern building range between 70 to 100 kWh per m2 per year.
Data in kg of CO2 can be obtained by conversion factors.
Pollutants produced in tourism destinations have a limited importance if we consider only

the impact produced in the accommodation structures. Pollution produced by electricity is
not a local problem since its effect takes place directly on the site where the power stations
are located; the small amounts of pollutants produced locally can be controlled by adequate
systems based on high efficiency and right behavior. Moreover, a complete analysis of local
air pollution should take into account the contribution given by cars of tourists circulating in
the destination determining an overburden of air pollution, noise and traffic jams.
8. Sensitivity of tourism to climate change

From what we have discussed in the previous paragraphs, the synergy between tourism and
environment results evident, particularly due to the interrelation between energy
consumption for tourism in all its phases and the emissions produced in the process of
energy conversion, believed to be the cause for climate change. In fact, the previous
paragraphs demonstrated that tourism activities produce a significant amount of
greenhouse gases, contributing thereby to global warming which, in turns, may affect the
local climate. Moreover, it is now widely recognized that, among the different causes of
greenhouse gases emissions due to tourism activities, travels to long distance destinations
(which are increasingly requested in the current tourism market) generate most greenhouse
gas emissions and are, thus, supposed to contribute strongly to climate change.
Many research studies consider climate as an essential resource for tourism, and especially
for beach, nature and winter sport tourism, and the phenomenon of global warming already
severely affects the sector in an increasing number of destinations. It is thereby recognized
that the impacts of global warming pose a serious threat to tourism, which constitutes one of
the world's largest and fastest growing economic sector [1], according to the World Travel
and Tourism Council (WTTC) [33]. As already stated, the relationship between climate
change and tourism is two-fold. Not only is tourism affected by a changing climate, at the
same time it contributes to climate change by the consumption of fossil fuels and the
resulting emissions. Hence, additional efforts are underway to develop environmental
policies for the tourism sector that can offer adaptation and, where possible, mitigation.
The predicted modifications caused by the climate change in the tourism destinations due to
global warming, are anticipated to be predominantly strong for coastal areas, whose
environmental conditions appear particularly sensitive. It has been estimated that about
25% of the CO2 emitted from all anthropogenic sources currently enters the ocean, where it
reacts with water to produce carbonic acid. Carbonic acid dissociates to form bicarbonate
ions and protons (see Figure 7A).
The protons react with carbonate ions to produce more bicarbonate ions, reducing thereby
the availability of carbonate to biological systems (e.g., corals). This decalcification
phenomenon might affect both skeletal growth and density, with consequences on the
extension of the coral reefs and their mechanical endurance (less resistance to storms and
erosion). This phenomenon is evident in many coastal zones, particularly in the Australian
coralline barrier, manifesting itself through the so-called coral bleaching (Figure 7B).
Figure 7. Ocean acidification process (A) and the resulting coral bleaching (B). Source: [34, 35]
Since sea-coast tourism remains one of the dominating market segments, giving a high
contribution to the economy of many developing countries, the vulnerability of coastal
destinations becomes of paramount importance [1]. In addition to the particular example
discussed, it is expected that local effects of global warming, such as the increase of local
extreme events (storms, coastal erosion, sea level rise, flooding, water shortages and water
contamination), can put in danger beach destinations. As already mentioned, the enhanced
vulnerability is often accompanied by a low adaptive capacity, which is particularly true for
coastal destinations of developing countries. The seasonality of coastal tourism is an
additional facet to be taken into account in the panoply of problems created by the climate
change. Generally, coastal areas tourism is concentrated in few months, coinciding e.g., with
low water availability, high consumption of fuels, electricity, etc. In some expected
conditions global warming could also play a positive role; this could be the case for
Mediterranean destinations where the season could be enlarged and the winter period
might be more appealing to tourists, providing opportunities to reduce seasonality and
expand the tourism product. In addition to the absolute amount of change, the rate at which
change occurs is critical to whether organisms and the ecosystem in general will be able to
adapt or accommodate to the new conditions.
On the basis of the few examples discussed, it is evident that the interaction between
tourism and climate is very complex and has only recently been established as the subject of
scientific studies and recognized as the cause of growing contribution to climate change and,
hence, the main reason for regional vulnerabilities. In this sense, a recently declaration of
UNWTO-UNEP-WMO stated that “climate change must be considered the greatest challenge to
the sustainability of tourism in the twenty-first century” [29]. Although the interaction between
tourism and climate change has been studied to some extent in the last 20 years, there are
only few recommendations in specific issues and a real strategy of approach is not yet
available.
9. Making tourism more sustainable

Tourists’ increasing concerns for environmental issues have also stimulated operators in the
sector to adopt sustainability strategies. It is now widely recognized that tourism is in many
cases not sustainable, even if some sorts of sustainable tourism and ecotourism are making
efforts to enhance and promote local development while simultaneously protecting the
natural environment, maintaining traditional and cultural heritage. In fact, many tour
operators cooperate with local tourism authorities and environmental agencies to promote
ecotourism and other forms of sustainable tourism. Making tourism more sustainable is not
just about controlling and managing the negative impacts of the industry; tourism is in a
very special position to benefit local communities, economically and socially, and to raise
awareness and support for conservation of the environment and cultural heritage, even
providing in some cases the basis for scientific research.
Tourism was once viewed as an independent activity, having no impact on environmental

resources but in reality, this seldom occurs. Therefore, it is urgent that civic movements
concerned with environmental and climate change issues, monitor and respond to these
type of activities, since T & T is, for many countries one of the most important industries,
not only because of its size and foreseeable growth but also due to the fact that it is
considered a driver of globalization and trade liberalization. Nevertheless, in this context,
the argument of tourism as a poverty alleviation strategy is doubtful in view of the
increasing foreign take-overs of tourism businesses as a result of globalization and
liberalization.
In general, the main requirements for improving sustainability in tourism are: to limit
resource depletion and degradation including loss of biological diversity, loss of habitat and
resources, loss of water resources; fisheries; forests and timber; energy resources; mineral
resources. Moreover, improvement of sustainability could be pursued by reducing pollution
and wastes production. The process of enhancing sustainability also includes actions
addressed at improving the quality of life of host communities, at preserving
intergenerational and intra-generational equity and ensuring the cultural integrity and
social cohesion of communities, giving at the same time the opportunity to provide a high
quality experience for visitors. Other interventions to improve sustainability deal with the
promotion of the economic growth connected to tourism activities (hotels, restaurants, beach
facilities, entertainment initiatives, etc.).
The measures proposed to reduce environmental impacts at destinations include: avoiding

exhaustion and degradation of water resources; deterioration/loss of habitats (i.e. sand
dunes), deterioration of terrestrial ecosystems; abandonment of agricultural land,
urbanization with loss of urban landscape character, landscape deterioration, soil erosion,
desertification, depletion/ significant decrease of fish stock, loss of historic settlements,
depletion of low-commercial-value sectors, replacement of pre-existing architecture,
concentration of vehicles in the urbanized areas, high level of noise pollution during the day
and at night, degradation and fragmentation of natural spaces, loss of open spaces,
oversized public services and infrastructures; increased production of waste; deterioration
of the shoreline marine environment, bad relations between local population and tourists,
depletion of pre-existing economic activities, high human density in the areas generally
used by the tourists.
It is evident from what reported in the previous paragraphs that, evaluating the
sustainability of tourisms, a major problem is represented by the quantification of tourism
GHG emissions. One of the recommendations, suggested in some analysis of the sector, is
the possibility to apply the indicator “carbon footprint” (discussed in paragraph 4) to
tourism activities to make more comprehensible the role of tourism on GHG emissions. This
parameter could be useful to improve the behavior of tourists and tourism operators,
guiding them toward “greener forms” of tourism and mobility, such as “slow tourism
travel” and different types of ecotourism. Among the different solution to reduce GHG
emissions there are some oriented toward a specific goal, the so called carbon neutrality for
tourism, proposed by the administration of some famous tourism destinations: carbon
neutral tourism implies the offsetting of a destination’s carbon footprint by means of processes
balancing carbon emissions, such as planting trees or investing in new, renewable, energy sources.
10. How to reduce emissions and the environmental impact of tourism

Aiming to reduce air pollution and GHG emission, the tourism industry is usually divided
into different sectors: accommodation, catering services, recreation and entertainment,
transportation and travel services, etc. In all these sectors actions to reduce the carbon
footprint are possible. However, it is widely recognized that two these phases are the main
responsible for emissions of pollutants: energy consumption and related emissions at the
destination and fuel consumption and related emissions during traveling [36].
10.1. Reduced emissions and environmental impacts at the destination

To diminish emissions at the destination, reduction can be achieved by simple interventions
that can be very valuable also from an economic point of view, reducing costs. To this goal,
better use of electricity, water and handling of waste can greatly contribute in terms of
sustainability and economy, as well as reducing emissions. Some examples for electricity
saving are to turn off power of lights and equipment when not in use; install energy efficient
fluorescent bulbs; use natural ventilation and fans where possible and when using air
conditioning, set it to between 24°C and 28°C in summer. Appreciable amount of heat flow
can be reduced by controlling the temperature in the inner spaces, and by an efficient
thermal insulation of the wall, doors and windows. An important contribution to the
reduction of air pollution and GHG emission can be obtained by limiting the private
transport in the destination both for tourist’s mobility and freight. An additional important
measure is to eat food produced in the destination itself, what it is called “zero km”. Other
recommendations are concerned with the use of public transport and car-pooling, use of low
consumption cars such as hybrid or electric vehicle, encourage cycling and walking where
possible, use phone/video conferencing to reduce travel requirements. A further measure to
reduce emissions is to change the fuel used for energy conversion from fossil fuels to the
adoption of renewable sources such as biomass, eolic and photovoltaic systems. When
staying in a hotel turn the lights and air-conditioning off when leaving the room, ask for
room towels not to be washed every day which increasingly proposed in many hotels. Main
factors taken into account for low consumption energy are the supply devices used for
electric lamps, motor-driven appliances and electronic devices as well as heating systems.
To these goals, a new kind of eco-tourism is developing with specific requirements in terms
of reduced energy consumption dictated by an extremely high contact with nature in remote
destinations. Accommodation is made by the so-called eco-lodges, typical structures
designed to have the least possible impact on the natural environment in which it is
situated. Since there is no connection with the electricity grid, the eco-lodges are equipped
with renewable and non-renewable energy sources and technologies for off-grid facilities.
Energy consumed in eco-lodges is very low if compared with the specific consumption of
hotels (25 kWh per guest and night in hotel vs. 0.5 kWh per guest and night in eco-lodge).
10.2. Reduce emissions due to mobility

The most advanced program to reduce GHG emissions in tourism have been done in the
aviation sector. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has advanced a range of
very ambitious goals [37], including an average annual aviation fuel efficiency improvement
of 1.5%, carbon-neutral growth from 2020 and the reduction of emissions from aviation by
50% by 2050 (compared with 2005 levels).
A reduction of flights would limit the profitability and growth of the tourism sector.
However less drastic measures are possible, such as avoiding stops between the starting
point and the destination. The question thus arises if it is possible to reduce the fuel
consumption of airplanes with technological innovations. The gains reached and expected
by technological innovation are represented in Figure 8 [41] showing a reduction in fuel
consumption of about 70% in the period 1960 – 2010. Further improvements are expected in
the coming years but with a decreasing steepness of the slope of the curve.
Comparing the fuel consumption of a modern airplane (Airbus A380) with that of an
efficient car offers interesting conclusions about the technological improvements in airplane
design. The Airbus A380 is a four-engine airliner manufactured by the European
corporation Airbus and the largest passenger airliner in the world. It provides seating for
525 people in a typical three-class configuration or up to 853 people in all-economy class
configurations. Airbus A380, known under the nickname Superjumbo, is the first aircraft to
surpass the 3 liter per 100 seat-km barrier. Taking into account a typical occupancy rate of
70% this translates into 4 liter per 100 km per passenger, about the same as a small car with
an average load of 1.25 passengers.
A recent study made in France has analyzed the different ways to reduce fuel consumption
[39] arriving to the conclusion that a reduction of 50% can be achieved in the year 2020.
Measures that should be adopted to reach this goal are:
- Use of composite materials and ameliorate the aerodynamic design (5 to 15% efficiency
improvement)
- Better motors or turbines, such open rotor turbines (15 to 25% efficiency improvement)
- Green taxi of planes (using electrical motors), optimize the traffic management and
navigation system (10 to 25% efficiency improvement)
Figure 8. Long haul aircraft fuel efficiency gains since 1950 as an index (100) of De Havilland DH106
Comet 4. Source: based on Peeters et al. (2005) [38]
In Europe the air transportation cost is due for one third to the kerosene, but if the price of
oil continues to increase at the present pace, the contribution of fuel could become 50%. A
typical aircraft A320 consumes about 15000 litres for a travel of 2000 km. As already
mentioned, a considerable saving of energy for the airplane sectors could be obtained by the
use of systems operated with electricity instead of using the engines of the aircraft for
displacing the airplanes on the taxiway. Further saving can be expected from the reduction
of the weight of the aircraft by employing lighter materials and aerodynamic shapes.
Other possibilities to reduce energy consumption from tourism mobility are related to a
marginal portion of the tourism market: these include the idea of “slow tourism” or other
forms of responsible tourism. In some cases, the use of bus or a train rather than private cars
or domestic flights can be advantageous. To fuel cars, airplanes and buses liquid biofuels
such as bioethanol and biodiesel can be used.
In tourism activities a further contribution can be obtained with the so called carbon offsets,
a process able to reduce a corresponding amount of carbon in the atmosphere by planting
trees. If the destination is not far away the contribution to the total emissions can be limited,
the production of CO2 being done in the destination. If the distance is far away, the major
part of the emissions are due to transportation, particularly if the travel is by flying.
A comparison of the emissions from different transportation means can be performed by
introducing the relationship existing between the specific consumption (X) in km per liter of
fuel and passenger and the specific amount of CO2 in kg per km and passenger (Y); the
calculation of the CO2 emissions from different means of transportation can be performed as
follows:
X Y  k
Where k is constant that can be expressed for 1000 grams of fuel as:
k  1000  C  D  MW / AW
Where C is the fraction of carbon in the fuel, D the density of the fuel, MW is the molecular
weight of CO2 and AW the atomic weight of carbon, respectively.
Representative values for three different fuels: gasoline (cars), kerosene (airplanes) and
diesel (cars) are gathered in Table 8, and presented together with the calculated specific
constant k and the typical range and average CO2-emissions.
SPECIFIC CO2 - EMISSIONS

k
DENSITY RATIO CONSUMPTION [g CO2/km·passenger]
FUEL [g CO2/liter
[kg/dm3] C/CH [km/liter· TYPICAL
[km/liter] fuel] AVERAGE
PASSENGER] RANGE
gasoline
0.752 0.86 15 - 25 12 - 20 2371 110 - 183 146
(cars)
kerosene
0.795 0.86 - 4 - 12 2507 210 - 460 335
(airplanes)
diesel fuel
0.850 0.86 15 - 25 12 - 20 2680 86 - 95 90
(cars)
Table 8. Typical values of CO2 emissions for the three different fuels.
The relationship just introduced can be graphically represented in a series of parametric

curves (see Figure 9), where the points represent the average values for cars and airplanes
and are solely indicative of typical conditions. More accurate figures have to be referred to
specific conditions, which will depend on the number on passengers, the length of the
travel, the stops in between (for air transportation), the percentage of the seats occupied, etc.
For instance, if for cars traveling long distance an average of 1.25 passengers per automobile
is assumed, for distances below 1000 km, the best choice seems to be diesel car (due to the
more efficient diesel engine) followed by gasoline car and finally by air transportation.
Furthermore, the curves indicated in the graphic can be used to assess the energy
requirement for different vacation scenario, assuming a hypothetical destination 1000 km
away from the starting point and a resident time for a single tourist of 7 days. According to
the data gathered in Table 9 and Figure 10, the way to make a vacation more sustainable from
the point of view of emissions is to combine a limited CO2 emission in the phase of staying
at the destination and to travel with a high efficient transportation means such a diesel car.
The use of airplane is usually the worst choice from an environmental point of view, since it
produces more than three times the emissions of a medium size car.
Figure 9. Specific CO2 emissions for different type of fuel and transportation means.
kg/person emi tted for var ious means
90 0
80 0
70 0
60 0 t rav el
50 0 st ay
40 0
30 0
20 0
10 0
0
A B C D
D if ferent sc en ario o f v ac at io n c yc le
** Energy consumed at hotels. Source: [40]
Table 9. Specific CO2 emissions different vacation scenarios.

kg/person emitted for various means
travel
stay
Different scenario of vacation cycle
Figure 10. CO2 emissions from vacation cycle (according to Table 9).
It appears that the best way to make sustainable T & T, from the point of view of climate
change is to combine a limited CO2 emission in the phase of staying and to travel with a
high efficient transportation means such a diesel car. The use of airplane is usually the worst
from an environmental point of view, even if it is more comfortable having a lower duration
of the travel, but it produces more than 3 times the production of a medium size car.
11. Conclusions
T & T is a vector of climate change due to the GHG-emissions during the different phases of
its development. On the other hand, the resulting climate change can compromise the
environmental quality of a tourist destination, since climate conditions co-determines the
suitability of locations for a wide range of tourist activities (sun, sea, snow, etc.). Hence,
reduction of emissions constitute an essential component of T & T sustainability,
particularly in the phase of mobility.
The analysis presented in this chapter shows that the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions
from tourism mobility is economically unsustainable. The conclusion that air travel is the
main cause of carbon footprint of tourism could bring to a reduction of this kind of
transportation but a reduction of flights, would probably limit the profitability and
growth of the tourism sector. Such a position would negatively affect the air
transportation sector and would also produce a significant negative impact on tourism.
However less drastic measures are possible, such as avoiding stops between the starting
point and the destination. In addition, in order to reduce the threat of emissions, the
aviation sector has already responded with a range of measures able to reduce fuel
consumption such as fleet upgrades and changes in environmental practices. The
question, thus, arises if it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption of airplanes with
technological innovations.
At the destination, the application of different policies and measures to increase the
sustainability of the T&T supplies to the consumers solutions that can be easily
implemented, with the additional advantage of economic rewards. From a more general
point of view, helping local communities to adopt practical strategies to deal with impacts
of a changing climate, approach to a holistic, sustainable management through
programmes for local development, e.g., protecting children, combating epidemics and
promoting healthy eating, and adopting measures that include reduction of water and
energy consumption, improvement of waste sorting, recycling and disposal, measures to
preserve biodiversity, etc., can significantly improve T & T sustainability.
Author details
Francisco A. Serrano-Bernardo* and José L. Rosúa-Campos
Department of Civil Engineering. University of Granada, Spain
Luigi Bruzzi
Department of Physics. University of Bologna, Italy
Enrique H. Toscano
Joint Research Centre (JRC), European Commission, Karlsruhe, Germany
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Section 2
Air Pollution Monitoring and Health Effects

Chapter 5
Time Series Analysis of Surface Ozone

Monitoring Records in Kemaman, Malaysia
Marzuki Ismail, Azrin Suroto and Nurul Ain Ismail
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50033
1. Introduction
Tropospheric ozone is known as environmental air pollutants that arise from photochemical
reaction among various natural and anthropogenic precursors that are volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) and organic nitrogen (NOx). Accumulation of the ozone may highly
happen under favorable meteorological conditions and will have an adverse effect on human
health and ecosystem [1]. Chan & Chan, 2001 concluded that people in Asia also cannot escape
from the adversely impact ozone pollution as there were elevated ozone level being detected.
Nevertheless, the long-term ozone trend has been less researched, especially in Malaysia.
The time series analysis is one of the best tool in understanding cause and effect relationship
of environmental pollution [3, 4,5]. Its applications in many studies were done to describe
the past movement of particular variable with respect to time. However, there were several
different techniques applied by researcher so that the change of air pollution behavior
through time period can be determined [6, 7]. A study by Kuang-Jung Hsu,2003 was done
by using autoregression variation (VAR) in order to establish interdependence between
primary and secondary air pollutants in area of Taipei. Besides, Omidravi et al., 2008 had
applied the time series analysis in their investigation in order to find the answer that relate
to extreme high ozone concentrations for each season in Ishafan by using Fast Fourier
Transform. Therefore, this study aims to determine qualitative and quantitative aspect of the
tropospheric ozone concentrations so that prediction on future concentration of the
anthropogenic air pollutant can be achieved in the study area, i.e. Kemaman, Malaysia.
2. Material and method

This study was conducted in Kemaman (04°12'N, 103°18'E), a developing Malaysian town
located in between the industrializing of Kertih Petrochemical Industrial Area in the north
and industrializing and urbanizing of Gabeng Industrial Area in the South (Figure 1). In this
© 2012 Ismail et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
area, there are dominant sources of ozone precursors related to industrial activities and road
traffic.
Figure 1. Locations of air monitoring station in Kemaman
In this study, ozone trend was examined using ozone data consisting of 144 monthly
observations from January 1996 to December 2007 acquired from the Air Quality Division of
ASMA for Sekolah Rendah Bukit Kuang station located in Kemaman district; one of the
earliest operational stations in Malaysia. The monitoring network was installed, operated
and maintained by Alam Sekitar Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (ASMA) under concession by the
Department of Environment Malaysia [10]. Tropospheric ozone concentrations data was
recorded using a system based on the Beer-Lambert law for measuring low ranges of ozone
in ambient air manufactured by Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (Model 400E). A 254
nm UV light signal is passed through the sample cell where it is absorbed in proportion to
the amount of ozone present. Every three seconds, a switching valve alternates
measurement between the sample stream and a sample that has been scrubbed of ozone.
The result is a true, stable ozone measurement [11].
Time series analysis was implemented using STATGRAPHICS® statistical software

package. A time series consists of a set of sequential numeric data taken at equally spaced
intervals, usually over a period of time or space. This study provides statistical models for
two time series methods: trend analysis and seasonal component which are both in time
scale.
Time Series Analysis of Surface Ozone Monitoring Records in Kemaman, Malaysia 143
The seasonal decomposition was used to decompose the seasonal series into a seasonal
component, a combined trend and cycle component, and a short-term variation component,
i.e,
Ot = Tt x St x It (1)
where Ot is the original ozone time series, Tt is the long term trend component, St is the
seasonal variation, and It is the short-term variation component or called the error
component. As the seasonality increase with the level of the series, a multiplicative model
was used to estimate the seasonal index. Under this model, the trend has the same units as
the original series, but the seasonal and irregular components are unitless factors,
distributed around 1. As the underlying level of the series changes, the magnitude of the
seasonal fluctuations varies as well. The seasonal index was the average deviation of each
month's ozone value from the ozone level that was due to the other components in that
month.
In trend analysis, Box-Jenkins Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model

was applied to model the time series behavior in generating the forecasting trend. The
methodology consisting of a four-step iterative procedure was used in this study. The first
step is model identification, where the historical data are used to tentatively identify an
appropriate Box-Jenkins model followed by estimation of the parameters of the tentatively
identified model. Subsequently, the diagnostic checking step must be executed to check the
adequacy of the identified model in order to choose the best model. A better model ought to
be identified if the model is inadequate. Finally, the best model is used to establish the time
series forecasting value.
In model identification (step 1), the data was examined to check for the most appropriate
class of ARIMA processes through selecting the order of the consecutive and seasonal
differencing required to make series stationary, as well as specifying the order of the regular
and seasonal auto regressive and moving average polynomials necessary to adequately
represent the time series model. The Autocorrelation Function (ACF) and the Partial
Autocorrelation Function (PACF) are the most important elements of time series analysis
and forecasting. The ACF measures the amount of linear dependence between observations
in a time series that are separated by a lag k. The PACF plot helps to determine how many
auto regressive terms are necessary to reveal one or more of the following characteristics:
time lags where high correlations appear, seasonality of the series, trend either in the mean
level or in the variance of the series. The general model introduced by Box and Jenkins
includes autoregressive and moving average parameters as well as differencing in the
formulation of the model.
The three types of parameters in the model are: the autoregressive parameters (p), the
number of differencing passes (d) and moving average parameters (q). Box-Jenkins model
are summarized as ARIMA (p, d, q). For example, a model described as ARIMA (1,1,1)
means that this contains 1 autoregressive (p) parameter and 1 moving average (q) parameter
for the time series data after it was differenced once to attain stationary. In addition to the
non-seasonal ARIMA (p, d, q) model, introduced above, we could identify seasonal ARIMA
(P, D, Q) parameters for our data. These parameters are: seasonal autoregressive (P),
seasonal differencing (D) and seasonal moving average (Q). Seasonality is defined as a
pattern that repeats itself over fixed interval of time. In general, seasonality can be found by
identifying a large autocorrelation coefficient or large partial autocorrelation coefficient at a
seasonal lag. For example, ARIMA (1,1,1)(1,1,1)12 describes a model that includes 1
autoregressive parameter, 1 moving average parameter, 1 seasonal autoregressive
parameter and 1 seasonal moving average parameter. These parameters were computed
after the series was differenced once at lag 1 and differenced once at lag 12.
The general form of the above model describing the current value Zt of a time series by its
own past is:
1  1B  1  1B12  1  B  1  B12  Zt  1  1B  1   B  

1
12
t (2)
Where:
 = non seasonal autoregressive of order 1

 = seasonal autoregressive of order 1
Zt = the current value of the time series examined
B = the backward shift operator BZt = Zt-1 and B12Zt= Zt-12
1-B = 1st order non-seasonal difference
1-B12 = seasonal difference of order 1
 = non seasonal moving average of order 1
γ = seasonal moving average of order 1
For the seasonal model, we used the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) for model selection.
The AIC is a combination of two conflicting factors: the mean square error and the number
of estimated parameters of a model. Generally, the model with smallest value of AIC is
chosen as the best model [12].
After choosing the most appropriate model, the model parameters are estimated (step 2) -
the plot of the ACF and PACF of the stationary data was examined to identify what
autoregressive or moving average terms are suggested. Here, values of the parameters are
chosen using the least square method to make the Sum of the Squared Residuals (SSR)
between the real data and the estimated values as small as possible. In most cases, nonlinear
estimation method is used to estimate the above identified parameters to maximize the
likelihood (probability) of the observed series given the parameter values [13].
In diagnose checking step (step 3), the residuals from the fitted model is examined against
adequacy. This is usually done by correlation analysis through the residual ACF plots and
the goodness-of-fit test by means of Chi-square statistics . If the residuals are correlated,
then the model should be refined as in step one above. Otherwise, the autocorrelations are
white noise and the model is adequate to represent our time series.
The final stage for the modeling process (step 4) is forecasting, which gives results as three
different options: - forecasted values, upper, and lower limits that provide a confidence
interval of 95%. Any forecasted values within the confidence limit are satisfactory. Finally,
the accuracy of the model is checked with the Mean-Square error (MS) to compare fits of
different ARIMA models. A lower MS value corresponds to a better fitting model.
3. Results and discussion

The first step in time series analysis is to draw time series plot which provide a preliminary
understanding of time behavior of the series as shown in Figure 2. Trend of the original
series appear to be slightly increasing. Nonetheless, this needs to be tested and conformed
through descriptive analysis and trend modeling.
Figure 2. Original monthly ozone concentration for Kemaman
In seasonality of ozone, a well-defined annual cycle was consistent with the highest ozone
means occurring in August, and the lowest ozone means in November (Figure 3). Table 1
show the seasonal indices range from a low of 80.047 in November to a high of 122.058 in
August. This indicates that there is a seasonal swing from 80.047% of average to 122.058% of
average throughout the course of one complete cycle i.e. one year. The seasonal variation
pattern in Kemaman differed from other countries, such as United States, United Kingdom,
Italy, Canada, and Japan, in that the peak ozone concentration did not correspond to
maximum photochemical activity in summer [14,15,16].
For the purpose of forecasting the trend in this study, the first 132 observations (January
1996 to December 2006) were used to fit the ARIMA models while the subsequent 12
observations (from January 2007 to December 2007) were kept for the post sample forecast
accuracy check. Ozone concentrations data has been adjusted in the following way before
the model was fit: - simple differences of order 1 and seasonal differences of order 1 were
taken. The model with the lowest value (-11.8601) of the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC)
Figure 3. Annual variation of monthly ozone means
Month Seasonal Index

January 107.199
February 90.8259
March 84.7179
April 80.7204
May 101.135
June 105.618
July 115.073
August 122.058
September 117.771
October 93.0941
November 80.0473
December 101.741
Table 1. Seasonal Index of Ozone

is (ARIMA) (0, 1, 1) x (1, 1, 2)12 was selected and has been used to generate the forecasts
(Figure 4). This model assumes that the best forecast for future data is given by a parametric
model relating the most recent data value to previous data values and previous noise. As
shown in Table 2, The P-value for the MA (1) term, SAR (1) term, SMA (1) term and SMA (2)
term, respectively are less than 0.05, so they are significantly different from 0. Meanwhile,
the estimated standard deviation of the input white noise equals 0.00277984. Since no tests
are statistically significant at the 95% or higher confidence level, the current model is
adequate to represent the data and could be used to forecast the upcoming ozone
concentration. Therefore, we can assume that the best model for ground level ozone in
Kemaman is the mathematical expression:
Z(t)  a(t)  0.53a(t  12)  0.82(t  1)  1.67a(t  12)  0.73a(t  24)

(3)
0.82(1.67)a(t  13)  0.82(0.73)a(t  25)
Figure 4. Model predicted plot of ozone concentration with actual and 95% confidence band
Parameter Estimate Stnd. Error T P-value

MA(1) 0.818786 0.0478133 17.1246 0.000000
SAR(1) 0.531745 0.146213 3.63678 0.000400
SMA(1) 1.67374 0.092474 18.0996 0.000000
SMA(2) -0.728689 0.081741 -8.91461 0.000000
Table 2. ARIMA (0, 1, 1) x (1, 1, 2)12 model parameter characteristics

Model* RMSE MAE MAPE ME MPE AIC

(A) 0.00337 0.00249 13.526 0.000004 -1.5017 -11.2253
(B) 0.00271 0.00206 11.086 0.000002 -1.8498 -11.6431
(C) 0.00269 0.00201 10.786 0.000002 -1.8157 -11.6409
(H) 0.00267 0.00198 10.707 0.000003 -1.7185 -11.6712
(I) 0.00271 0.00201 10.870 -0.000050 -1.9817 -11.6423
(J) 0.00270 0.00199 10.671 0.000206 -0.5469 -11.6286
(M) 0.00258 0.00206 11.250 0.000031 -1.5638 -11.8601
(N) 0.00257 0.00204 11.192 -0.00009 -2.0636 -11.8478
(O) 0.00258 0.00206 11.298 -0.000053 -1.9673 -11.8392
(P) 0.00259 0.00207 11.260 -1.7473 -11.8382
(Q) 0.00259 0.00207 11.267 0.000030 -1.5789 -11.8335
*Models
(A) Random walk; (B) Constant mean = 0.0190056; (C) Linear trend = 0.0184806 + 0.00000789502 t
(H) Simple exponential smoothing with α= 0.109; (I) Brown's linear exp. smoothing with α = 0.0572
(J) Holt's linear exp. smoothing with α = 0.1291 and β = 0.0301; (M) ARIMA(0,1,1)x(1,1,2)12
(N) ARIMA(1,0,1)x(1,1,2)12; (O) ARIMA(0,1,1)x(1,1,2)12 with constant
(P) ARIMA(0,1,1)x(2,1,2)12; (Q) ARIMA(0,1,2)x(1,1,2)12
Table 3. Model Comparison
According to plots of residual ACF (Figure 5) and PACF (Figure 6), residuals are white noise
and not-auto correlated. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7 of normal probability plot,
residuals of the model are normal.
Figure 5. Residual autocorrelation functions (ACF) plot

Figure 6. Residual partial autocorrelation (PACF) functions plot
Figure 7. Residual normal probability plot

Based on the prediction for ozone concentration (Figure 4), there is a statistical significant
upward trend at Kemaman station. The detection of a steady statistical significant upward
trend for ozone concentration in Kemaman is quite alarming. This is likely due to sources of
ozone precursors related to industrial activities from nearby areas and the increase in road
traffic volume.
4. Conclusion
Time series analysis is an important tool in modeling and forecasting air pollutants.
Although, this piece of information was not appropriate to predict the exact monthly ozone
concentration, ARIMA (0, 1, 1) x (1, 1, 2)12 model give us information that can help the
decision makers establish strategies, priorities and proper use of fossil fuel resources in
Kemaman. This is very important because ground level ozone (O3) is formed from NOx and
VOCs brought about by human activities (largely the combustion of fossil fuel). In
summary, the ozone level increased steadily in Kemaman area and is predicted to exceed 40
ppb by 2019 if no effective countermeasures are introduced.
Author details
Marzuki Ismail*, Azrin Suroto and Nurul Ain Ismail
Department of Engineering Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Malaysia
Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia
Acknowledgement
The researchers would like to thank DOE Malaysia for providing pollutants data from 1996-
2007 and the Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for allocating a research grant to
accomplish this study.
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Chapter 6
Particulate Air Pollutants

and Respiratory Diseases
An-Soo Jang
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/51363
1. Introduction
Air pollution is composed of a mixture of toxins, consisting of particles and gases emitted in
large quantities from many different combustion sources, including cars and industries. A
variety of anthropogenic and natural particle sources are present in ambient air. Throughout
the past decade, the composition of air pollution has changed in developed countries from
classical type 1 pollution, consisting of sulfur dioxide and large dust particles, to modern
type II pollution, characterized by nitrogen oxides, organic compounds, ozone, and ultra-
fine particles (Schäfer & Ring, 1997).
Particulate matter (PM) is the principal component of indoor and outdoor air pollution. PM
is a complex, multi-pollutant mixture of solid and liquid particles suspended in gas
(Ristovski et al., 2011). PM originates from a variety of manmade and natural sources.
Natural sources include pollen, spores, bacteria, plant and animal debris, and suspended
materials. Human-made sources include industrial emissions and combustion byproducts
from incinerators, motor vehicles, and power plants. Indoor sources include cigarette
smoking, cooking, wood and other materials burned in stoves and fireplaces, cleaning
activities that resuspend dust particles, and the infiltration of outdoor particles into the
indoor environment (2003, McCormack et al., 2008).
Vehicle emissions are the predominant source of fine PM (2.5 PM with an aerodynamic
diameter <2.5 m) in urban areas, where most people live globally (Ristovski et al., 2011).
Airborne PM less than 10m in aerodynamic diameter (PM 10) is a complex mixture of
materials with a carbonaceous core and associated materials such as organic compounds,
acids, and fine metal particles (Pagan et al., 2003).
The physical properties of PM including the mass, surface area, and number/size/
distribution of particles, as well as their physical state, influence respiratory health in
© 2012 Jang, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
different ways (Ristovski et al., 2011). The primary exposure mechanism to PM and other
particle sources is by inhalation (Ristovski et al., 2011).
Growing epidemiologic evidence indicates that inhalation of airborne PM increases

respiratory and cardiac mortality and morbidity, and produces a range of adverse
respiratory health outcomes such as asthma, lung function decline, lung cancer, and chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (Ayres et al., 2008, Ristovski et al., 2011).
Epidemiologic data indicate that air pollution also aggravates asthma, with the exacerbation
correlating with levels of environmental particles (Schwartz et al. 1993). Likewise, the rate of
decline seen in COPD patients correlates with the level of air pollution where the patients
live (Pope & Kanner, 1993).
PM induces inflammation, innate and acquired immunity, and oxidative stress. It also
increases innate and adaptive immune responses in both animals and humans. That derived
from traffic and various industries is associated with allergic airway disorders, including
asthma. Understanding the mechanisms of lung injury from PM will enhance efforts to
protect at-risk individuals from the harmful respiratory effects of air pollutants. PM
functions as an adjuvant inducing lung inflammation to allergens or respiratory viruses.
Inhalation of PM aggravates respiratory symptoms in patients with chronic airway diseases,
but the mechanisms underlying this response remain poorly understood. This review
focuses on the adverse effects of exposure to ambient PM air pollution on the exacerbation,
progression, and development of asthma, COPD, and respiratory diseases. It also attempts
to offer insights into the mechanisms by which particles may influence airway
inflammation, and several mechanisms that may explain the relationship between
particulate air pollutants and respiratory diseases are discussed.
2. Adverse effects of PM on respiratory diseases identified in

epidemiologic studies (Figure 1)
PM is a mixture of organic and inorganic solid and liquid particles of different origins, size,
and composition. It is a major component of urban air pollution and greatly effects health.
Penetration of the tracheobronchial tract is related to particle size and the efficiency of
airway defense mechanisms (D'Amato et al., 2010). Particles smaller than 10 m can get into
the large upper branches, just below the throat, where they are caught and removed (by
coughing and spitting or swallowing). Particles smaller than 5 m can get into the bronchial
tubes at the top of the lungs, while particles smaller than 2.5 m in diameter can penetrate
the deepest (alveolar) portions of the lung. If these particles are soluble in water, they pass
directly into the blood in the alveolar capillaries. If they are insoluble in water, they are
retained deep within the lungs for extensive periods of time. About 60% of PM10 particles
(by weight) have a diameter of 2.5 m or less.
According to the World Health Organization, 24% of the global disease burden and 23% of
all deaths are attributable to environmental factors (Pruss-Ustun & Corvalan, 2006). The
cause of, and route of exposure that lead to, disease and death is often complex and poorly
Particulate Air Pollutants and Respiratory Diseases 155
Figure 1. Particulate matter effect on respiratory diseases.
understood. The increased air pollution emanating from traffic and various industries has
caused an increase in the incidence of allergic diseases. In children, acute exposure to air
pollution is associated with increased respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function.
Chronic exposure to increased levels of inhalable particles is associated with up to a
threefold increase in non-specific respiratory symptoms, such as chronic cough, asthma, and
chronic airway diseases (Nicolai, 1989). Exposure to heavy traffic leads to significant
increases in respiratory symptoms, while a direct effect of traffic on asthma initiation has
been documented (Nicolai, 1989). Indeed, outdoor air pollution levels have been associated
with adverse health in asthma subjects (Nicolai, 1989). Exposure to traffic-related air
pollution, in particular diesel exhaust particles (DEP), may lead to reduced lung function in
children living near major motorways (Brunekreef et al., 1997). The prevalence of airway
hyper-responsiveness (AHR) has increased over the last few decades, potentially because of
environmental factors. Air pollution is convincingly associated with many signs of asthma
aggravation, including pulmonary function decrease, increased AHR, additional visits to
emergency departments, increased hospital admissions, increased medication use, and more
reported symptoms. It is also associated with inflammatory changes, interactions between
air pollution and allergen challenges, and changes in immune response (Koenig, 1999).
There is a significant association between traffic-related air pollution and wheezing in
children (Hisch et al., 1999), and exposure to DEPs may reduce lung function in children
living near motorways. DEPs account for most airborne PM in the world’s largest cities
(Rield & Diaz-Sanchez, 2005), and are composed of fine (2.5–0.1m) and ultra-fine (<0.1m)
particles, although primary DEPs can coalesce to form aggregates of varying sizes. Acute
exposure to DEPs causes irritation of the nose and eyes, headache, lung function
abnormalities, fatigue, and nausea, while chronic exposure is associated with cough, sputum
production, and diminished lung function (McCreanor et al., 2007).
There is strong evidence that episodes of air pollution aggravate respiratory disease,
especially asthma. A study of the relationship between fine PM and emergency room visits
for asthma in the metropolitan Seattle area was designed to substantiate that air pollution
was a risk factor for asthma (Mortimer et al., 2002). Using Poisson regression analyses that
controlled for weather, season, time trends, age, hospital, and day of the week, a significant
association was found between fine particles measured at the monitoring station and visits
to emergency departments in eight nearby participating hospitals (Mortimer et al., 2002).
There are relatively few studies on the correlation between indoor PM and asthma. A sub-
group of 10 children not using inhaled corticosteroids in Seattle were found to have
decreased pulmonary function associated with indoor PM2.5 exposure (Koenig et al., 2005).
Moreover, PM2.5 originating from indoor sources was more potent in decreasing lung
function than was PM exposure outdoors (Koenig et al., 2005). A California study of 19
predominantly white children found significant decreases in lung function (FEV1)
associated with indoor PM. While this study found associations between ambient PM and
lung function, a stronger association was found with indoor central site PM concentrations
than outdoor PM (McConnellet et al., 2003). Significant determinants of indoor PM
concentrations include smoking, sweeping, and stove use (McCormack et al., 2008),
activities that are modifiable and provide opportunities for exposure reduction. Smoking
has been a major source of indoor particulates over the last several decades, with more than
30% of all U.S. children exposed to secondhand smoke (Winickoff et al., 2005).
Asthma symptoms are associated with indoor coarse PM. For example, in a previous study,
every 10 mg/m3 increase in indoor PM 2.5–10 concentration led to a 6% increase in the number
of days of coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness, after adjusting for age, race, sex,
socioeconomic status, season, indoor fine PM, and ambient fine and coarse PM concentrations
(Breysse et al., 2010). This study also found that higher indoor coarse PM concentrations were
also associated with increased incidences of symptoms severe enough to slow a child’s
activity, cause wheezing that limited speaking ability, nocturnal symptoms, and rescue
medication use; and although outdoor coarse PM was not associated with increased asthma
symptoms or rescue medication use, fine PM was positively associated with respiratory
symptoms and rescue medication use (Breysse et al., 2010). These findings demonstrate that
both indoor coarse and fine PM distinctly affect respiratory health in children with asthma.
Although fine PM may be capable of reaching the alveoli, the regions responsible for gas
exchange, the deposition of coarse PM in upper airways and subsequent bronchial hyper-
reactivity may be responsible for the symptomatic response measured in preschool children
(Breysse et al., 2010).
In asthmatic children attending school in urban Amsterdam, black smoke was the most
important air pollution indicator associated with acute changes in lung function, respiratory
symptoms, and medication use (Gielen et al., 1997). In one polluted area (Jang et al., 2003),
670 schoolchildren (100%) had normal pulmonary function, while 257 (38.3%) had AHR. A
significantly greater proportion of children had AHR in the polluted area (45.0% [138/306],
6.50±0.48) than in rural (31.9% [52/163], 9.84±0.83) or coastal (33.3% [67/201], 7.17±0.68) areas.
Schoolchildren with atopy had lower PC20 levels than those without (5.98± 0.60 vs.
8.15±0.45, p < 0.001). In a multiple logistic regression model, a positive allergy skin test and
living in the polluted area near a chemical factory were independently associated with AHR
(odds ratio for location=2.4875, CI 1.6542-3.7406, P < 0.01; odds ratio for allergy skin
test=1.5782, CI 1.1130 - 2.2379, p < 0.05), when adjusted for sex, parents' smoking habits, age,
body mass index, nose symptoms, and lung symptoms. This suggests that air quality near
the polluted area contributes to the development of AHR, and that controlling air pollution
is important for preventing the development of asthma. Asthma, a complex disease
influenced by both environmental and genetic factors, is common and the prevalence is
increasing worldwide (Holgate, 1999). Indoor environmental factors thought to modify
asthma severity include pollutants such as PM, nitrogen oxides, secondhand smoke, and
allergens from pests, pets, and molds (Diette, 2008). In contrast to the outdoors, individuals
have a greater ability to modify indoor environmental exposure risks, making indoor air
pollution an attractive target for disease prevention (Breysse et al., 2010).
DEP plays a role in increasing asthma prevalence, although a causal relationship has yet to
be established. In a modification of the classical ovalbumin sensitization and challenge
model, mice were exposed to intranasal DEP and challenged with aerosolized DEP on days
6–8 (Song et al., 2008). Delivery of aerosolized DEP, following exposure with intranasal
DEP, induced a significant increase in methacholine-induced airway hyper-responsiveness.
Pope and Dockery (Pope & Dockery, 2006) suggested that there is a 0.6–2.2% increase in
respiratory mortality risk for a 10 g/m3 increase in ambient PM. Indeed, many cohort
studies have demonstrated that airborne PM, of which PM is a major contributor (Robinson
et al., 2010), causes respiratory mortality and morbidity (Pope & Dockery, 2006).
A cross-sectional study of 20,000 children between 6 and 12 years old found a weak association
between decreased pediatric lung function and secondhand smoking (Moshammer et al.,
2006). Also, children living in homes that use organic fuels for cooking, heating, and lighting
are exposed to much higher levels of PM than children living in homes where parents smoke
and use clean fuels (e.g., a mean indoor level of 200 mg/m3 PM per 24 h; Jiang & Bell, 2008).
There are many sources of air pollution in the home environment. Air pollution inside
homes consists of a complex mixture of agents penetrating from ambient outdoor air, and
agents generated by indoor sources. Indoor pollutants can vary in their potential health
hazard and intensity, as well as in their distribution across geographic areas, cultural
backgrounds, and socioeconomic status (Breysse et al., 2010).
In a British cohort of 4,400 preschool children, a significant association was found between
exposure to primary PM10 at the home address and prevalence of coughing without a cold
(Pierse et al, 2006). Data from the Third U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
(1988–1994) found that exposure to environmental tobacco smoke is associated with increased
prevalence of pediatric asthma, wheezing, and chronic bronchitis (Gergen et al., 1998).
Entering adulthood with impaired lung function is a non-specific risk factor for respiratory
disease in adulthood. Lower lung function predisposes children to further structural
damage to the developing lung (Grigg, 2009). COPD is the non-specific terminology
commonly used to describe the spectrum of diseases limiting respiratory airflow, e.g.,
asthma, chronic bronchitis, and emphysema (Matthay, 1992). There are several reasons why
environmental exposures in childhood are relevant to the pathogenesis of COPD (Grigg,
2009). First, attenuation of lung growth due to air pollution in childhood is a risk factor for
adult-onset respiratory disease. Second, there may be common cellular and molecular
mechanisms underlying impaired pulmonary innate host defenses in children exposed to air
pollution, and susceptibility to infection in COPD. Third, lung damage initiated in
childhood may contribute to an emerging global health issue, namely, COPD due to smoke
exposure.
Studies showing an association between lifelong organic smoke and the development of
COPD in nonsmoking women provides a direct link between exposure of children to PM
and increased vulnerability to respiratory disease in adulthood (Grigg, 2009). Chronic
exposure to PM (Grigg, 2009) likely interferes with maximal lung function attainment in
childhood, accelerates lung function decline in adulthood, stimulates airway mucus
production, and impairs pulmonary innate immunity. Similar associations between air
particulate pollution (PM10 or PM2.5) and hospital admissions for COPD have been
reported for a variety of urban areas (Yang et al., 2005). The strong association between
respiratory hospital admissions and PM10 pollution (Pope, 1991) supports the role of PM10
in the incidence and severity of respiratory disease.
Long-term studies usually use a cohort design when comparing mortality across
populations, and vary in their long-term exposure to air pollution. An overall reduction in
PM 2.5 levels over time results in reduced long-term risk of death due to cardiovascular
and/or respiratory disease (Laden et al., 2006). A large European cohort study of mortality
and air pollution showed smaller effective estimates, which were significant only for all-
cause and respiratory mortality (Beelen et al., 2008). Epidemiological studies from controlled
human exposure to toxins have identified characteristics of populations that may be more
susceptible to PM-related health issues (Sacks et al., 2011): children and older adults with
preexisting cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, populations with lower income and less
education, and the presence of genetic polymorphisms. In addition, PM-related health
effects are sometimes observed in individuals with diabetes, COPD, and increased body
mass index. A cohort study of Swiss adults demonstrated that a decrease in ambient PM10
was associated with reduced respiratory symptoms (Schindler et al., 2009).
Given the increasing evidence that air pollution has both short- and long-term effects on
health, the public health impact of reducing pollutant levels has gained attention. A large
study across 211 U.S. counties demonstrated significant improvements in life expectancy
related to reductions in PM2.5 concentrations (Pope et al., 2009).
3. Molecular mechanisms in in vitro and in vivo studies (Figure 2)

Because the lung interfaces with the external environment and is frequently exposed to air
pollutants, such as PM, it is prone to oxidant-mediated cellular damage (Nel et al., 2006).
The adverse health effects of particulate pollutants may be explained by several

mechanisms, including innate immunity, adaptive immunity, and the production of reactive
oxygen species (Nel et al., 2006).
Figure 2. Proposed mechanism of lung diseases by PM.
Innate immunity
The pathways associated with acute inflammation in response to particle exposure involve
an orchestrated sequence of events, mediated in part by chemokines and cytokines
(Seagrave, 2008). Particles larger than 10 m generally get caught in the nose and throat, and
never enter the lungs (Yang & Omaye, 2009). After inhalation of PM, phagocytic cells
including neutrophils and macrophages are recruited to the foreign particle by cytokines
and chemokines, and transported by the mucociliary escalator for removal (Donaldson and
Tran, 2002). PM induces the release of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, IL-8, GM-CSF,
and TNF-(Stone et al., 2007) from immune cells (e.g., macrophages) as well as structural
airway cells (Totlandsdal et al., 2010).
DEPs exert their effect through agents such as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The
particles are deposited on the airway mucosa; their hydrophobic nature allows them to
diffuse easily through cell membranes and to bind to cytosolic receptor complexes. Through
subsequent nuclear activity, PAHs can modify both cell growth and cell differentiation
programs.
Experimental studies have shown that DEP-PAHs can modify the immune response in
animals and humans and modulate airway inflammatory processes. In other words, DEPs
exert an adjuvant immunological effect on IgE synthesis in atopic subjects, thereby causing
sensitization to airborne allergens (Diaz Sanchez et al., 1997). They also cause respiratory
symptoms and modify the immune response in atopic subjects (Rield & Diaz-Sanchez, 2005,
Diaz Sanchez et al., 1997), and can interact with aeroallergens to enhance antigen-induced
responses, with the result that allergen-specific IgE levels are up to 50-fold greater in allergic
patients stimulated with DEPs and allergens than in patients treated with allergen alone
(Diaz Sanchez et al., 1997). A combined challenge of DEPs and ragweed allergen markedly
increases the expression of human nasal ragweed-specific IgE in vivo and skews cytokine
production to a type 2 helper T-cell pattern (Diaz Sanchez et al., 1997).
Chitin is commonly found in organisms including parasites, fungi, and bacteria, but does
not occur in mammalian tissues (Guo et al., 2000), allowing for selective antimicrobial
activity of chitinase. Macrophage-synthesized Ym1 and Ym2 are homologous to chitinase,
and have chitinase activity (Sun et al., 2001, Jin et al., 1998). Through the IL-4/STAT 6 signal
transduction pathway, Ym1 was implicated in allergic peritonitis (Welch et al., 2002). Acid
mammalian chitinase may also be an important mediator of IL13-induced responses in Th2
disorders, such as asthma (Zhu et al., 2004). Indeed, polymorphisms in acid mammalian
chitinase are associated with asthma, further supporting the involvement of acid
mammalian chitinase in asthma development (Bierbaum et al., 2005). DEP induces airway
hyper-responsiveness as well as Ym mRNA expression, a Th2 cell-biased response by
activated macrophages. The chitinase Ym1 is expressed in the spleen and lungs, with lower
expression in the thymus, intestine, and kidney, whereas Ym2 is expressed at high levels in
the stomach, with lower levels in the thymus and kidney (Ward et al., 2001). Conserved
STAT6 sites probably account for the similar, striking induction of Ym1 and Ym2 expression
in Th2-type environments. In a murine model of DEP exposure, with BALB/c mice exposed
intranasally to DEP followed by a DEP challenge, upregulation of lung-specific expression
of Ym1 and Ym2 transcripts was seen relative to mice that were not exposed nor similarly
challenged (Song et al., 2008). Alveolar macrophages play an important role in particle-
induced airway and lung inflammation via direct production of IL-13. Treatment of
epithelial cells with bovine serum albumin-coated titanium dioxide particles led to 20
altered proteins on two-dimensional gels, which were further analyzed by nano-LC-MS/MS.
These proteins included defense-related, cell-activating, and cytoskeletal proteins implicated
in responses to oxidative stress (Kang et al., 2005). Titanum dioxide (TiO2) treatment
increased macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA levels. MIF was expressed
primarily in the epithelium and was elevated in lung tissues and bronchoalveolar lavage
(BAL) fluids of TiO2-treated rats, compared to sham-treated rats. Carbon and DEPs also
induce the expression of MIF protein in epithelial cells. The regulation and function of
chitinase has not been well explored in air pollution asthma models. However, in one study,
Ym1 was one of the most highly induced IL-4 target genes, exhibiting at least a 70-fold
increase in macrophage populations (Kang et al., 2005). Nitric oxide (NO) was shown to be a
short-lived molecule that causes vasodilation and bronchodilation (Moncada et al., 1991). In
that study, the nitrite concentration in BAL fluids, indicative of the in vivo generation of NO
in the airways, was significantly greater in DEP-exposed animals than in the control group.
In another study, alveolar macrophages produced nitrite during in vitro exposure to DEP
particles (50 g/ml), with maximal induction 4 h after exposure (Song et al., 2008). The
inflammatory effects of PM 10 were demonstrated in experimental animal studies following
direct instillation into the lung, prior to human studies that showed the pulmonary effects
after experimental exposure to PM (Ghio & Devlin, 2001). Clinically, PM 10 particles likely
provoke airway inflammation via the release of mediators that exacerbate lung disease in
susceptible individuals (Seaton et al., 1995); even a single exposure compromises a host’s
ability to handle ongoing pulmonary infections (Zelikoff et al., 2003). Fine and ultra-fine
particles directly stimulate macrophages and epithelial cells to produce inflammatory
cytokines such as TNF-, TGF-1, GM-CSF, PDGF, IL-6, and IL-8 (Fugii et al., 2001), and
reactive oxygen species are responsible for acute and chronic lung inflammation (Li et al.,
2003).
Adaptive immunity
PM induces a Th2-like environment, with the overproduction of IL-4 and IL-13 (Kang et al.,
2005). We found that IL-13 mRNA levels in lung tissue extracts were significantly increased
24 h after treatment with TiO2 particles, compared to sham-treated rats (Kang et al., 2005).
IL-13 levels were also significantly increased in the BAL fluids of TiO2-treated rats 72 h after
treatment (n=8), relative to sham-treated rats (n=8). To investigate the time- and dose-
dependency of macrophage IL-13 production, purified alveolar macrophages were
stimulated with 1, 10, and 40 g/ml TiO2 for 24, 48, and 72 h (n=6 in each experiment). The
control group (n=6) consisted of untreated alveolar macrophages. IL-13 levels in the
supernatants of the macrophage cultures were measured by ELISA. Macrophages that were
cultured for 48 h with TiO2 produced IL-13 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 10
g/ml TiO2 significantly enhanced IL-13 production relative to controls. IL-13 protein
production increased in a time-dependent manner, and peaked 48 h after TiO2 exposure.
Using immunohistochemical staining, we also found that TiO2-engulfing macrophages were
the main source of IL-13 in TiO2-particle-induced lung inflammation. Taken together, our
results suggest that alveolar macrophages may be major effectors of innate immunity by
modulating inflammatory responses towards a Th2-phenotype by producing IL-13, as seen
in the adaptive immune response (Figure 3). Proteomics offers a unique means of analyzing
expressed proteins, and was successfully used to examine the effects of oxidative stress at
the cellular level. In addition to revealing protein modifications, this approach can also be
used to look at changes in protein expression levels (Blackford et al., 1997). In a previous
study, 20 proteins were identified (Table 1) whose expression levels in the human bronchial
epithelial cell line BEAS-2B changed in response to TiO2 particle exposure (Cha et al., 2007).
These proteins included defense-related, cell-activating, and cytoskeletal proteins implicated
in the response to oxidative stress, and can be classified into four groups according to the
pattern of their TiO2-induced change in expression over time (Figure 4). One protein, MIF,
was induced at the transcriptional level by stimulation of cells with any of three different
particulate molecules; expression of MIF increased in lungs of TiO2-instilled rats. These
results indicate that some of these proteins may serve as mediators of, or markers for,
airway disease caused by exposure to PM.
Figure 3. Time and dose responses of IL-13 production by macrophages exposed to TiO2 particles.
Purified alveolar macrophages stimulated with 1, 10, and 40 g/ml TiO2 for 24, 48, and 72 h (n=6 in each
experiment). The control group (n=6) consisted of unstimulated alveolar macrophages. The IL-13 in the
48-h culture supernatants is produced in a dosedependent manner after TiO2 treatment (A). TiO2
concentrations 10 g/ml significantly enhance IL-13 production when compared with the control group.
The production of IL-13 protein is increased in a time-dependent manner and peaks 48 h after TiO2
stimulation (B). The results are expressed as means ± SEM. * Significant difference (P< 0.05) when
compared with the control group.
Table 1. List of proteins identified by LC-MS/MS analysis

Figure 4. Cluster analysis of 20 proteins with significant differential expression (>2-fold change) at 8 or
48 h caused by TiO2 treatment of BEAS-2B epithelial cells. The expression profiles of the individual
proteins were classified by cluster analysis. Protein names (National Center for Biotechnology
Information (NCBI)) are displayed for each cluster.
However, there is a lack of evidence showing a direct relationship between particulates and
the induction of Th2-like cytokines, including IL-4 and IL-13. TiO2 particles are a
component of PM 10 found in dusty workplaces in industries involved in the crushing and
grinding of the mineral ore rutile (Templeton, 1994). Garabrant et al. (1987) reported that
50% of TiO2-exposed workers have respiratory symptoms accompanied by reduced
pulmonary function. Because acute and chronic exposures to TiO2 particles also induce
inflammatory responses in the airways and alveolar spaces of rats (Ahn et al., 2005, Kang et
al., 2005, Schapira et al., 1995, Waheit et al., 1997), TiO2-treated rats are good models for
studying epithelial responses to PM10 particles. Proteomics has been successfully used to
examine oxidative stress at the cellular level (Xiao et al., 2003). PM10 or DEP increase lung
inflammation by inhalant allergens or respiratory viral infection by acting as adjuvants. The
response may enhance already existing allergies or IgE responses to neo-allergens and
susceptibility to respiratory infection. This adjuvant effect is exerted by the enhanced
production of inflammatory Th2 and/or Th1 cytokines (Diaz-Sanchez et al., 1997). In animal
experiments and human studies, several cytokines and CC chemokines including IL-4, IL-5,
IL-13, GM-CSF, RANTES, MCP-3, MIP-1 were increased when lymphocytes and
macrophages/monocytes were co-stimulated with particulates in the presence of specific
allergens (Hamilton et al., 2004). The immune system responds in different ways depending
on the type of particulate. DEP favors a Th2 response, while asbestos fiber and carbon
particles upregulate both Th1 and Th2 cytokines produced by autologous lymphocyte
stimulated by antigen (Hamilton et al., 2004). In addition to the adjuvant effects, inhaled
inert particles cause a spectrum of pulmonary responses, ranging from minimal changes to
marked acute and chronic inflammation.
Oxidative stress
ROS production and the generation of oxidative stress are relevant to lung diseases. Oxygen
is readily reduced with an electron to form oxygen free radicals, such as superoxide (Bast, et
al., 2010, Finkel, 2011, Comhair & Erzyrum, 2010). Superoxide takes up a second electron,
leading to hydrogen peroxide, which will generate the extremely reactive hydroxyl radical
in the presence of iron ions. Hydroxyl radicals react very quickly with biomolecules, such as
proteins, fatty acids, and DNA (Bast, et al., 2010, Finkel, 2011, Comhair & Erzyrum, 2010).
All molecules in the direct vicinity of the hydroxyl radical will react with this reactive form
of oxygen (Bast, et al., 2010, Finkel, 2011, Comhair & Erzyrum, 2010). The various forms of
oxygen are called ROS (Bast, et al., 2010). Formation of ROS takes place constantly in every
cell during normal metabolic processes (Bast, et al., 2010, Finkel, 2011, Ballaban, et al., 2005,
Comhair & Erzyrum, 2010). Cellular sites for production of ROS include mitochondria,
microsomes, and enzymes (e.g., xanthine oxidase, P450 monooxygenase, cyclooxygenase,

lipoxygenase, indole amine dioxygenase, monoamine oxidase) (Nadeem, et al., 2008). One of
the most dangerous forms of PM pollution is diesel exhaust particles. Diesel exhaust
particles consist of polyaromatic hydrocarbons, hydrophobic molecules that can diffuse
easily through cell membranes. As free radicals cause oxidative damage to biological
macromolecules, such as DNA, lipids, and protein, they are believed to be involved in the
pathogenesis of many diseases (Tredaniel, et al., 1994). The particles are able to induce the
generation of free radicals, which may lead to an increase in oxidative stress, exacerbating
some respiratory symptoms. Metals present on the particle surface, including Fe, Co, Cr,
and V, undergo redox cycling, while Cd, Hg, and Ni, as well as Pb, deplete glutathione and
protein-bound sulfhydryl groups resulting in ROS production (Stohs, et al., 2001, Valko, et
al., 2005). Metal-induced oxidative stress has been shown to subsequently affect the immune
system, by causing neutrophilic lung injury and release of inflammatory mediators by
several lung cell types (Ghio & Delvin, 2001), and to act as the cornerstone for subsequent
particle-induced inflammation (Dye et al., 1999). Another mechanism involves phagocytosis,
characterized by the removal of microorganisms and pollutant particles (Forman & Toress,
2001), and an essential element of the immune defense system, which may mediate alveolar
macrophage binding of certain inert and environmental particulate matter, such as Fe2O3,
silicates, TiO2, quartz, and iron oxide (Cha et al., 2007). Redox reactions regulate signal
transduction as important chemical processes. The response of a cell to a reactive oxygen-
rich environment often involves the activation of numerous intracellular signaling

pathways, which can cause transcriptional changes and allow the cells to respond
appropriately to the perceived oxidative stress (Finkel, 2011, Comhair & Erzyrum, 2010).
Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and activation protein-1 (AP-1) are regulated and influenced by
the redox status and have been implicated in the transcriptional regulation of a wide range
of genes involved in oxidant stress and cellular response mechanisms (Beamer & Holian,
2005). In the nucleus, redox affects histone acetylation and deacetylation status, which at
least partly regulates inflammatory gene expression by activation of redox-sensitive
transcription factors (Liu, et al., 2005). NF-κB is activated in epithelial cells and
inflammatory cells during oxidative stress, leading to the upregulation of a number of
proinflammatory genes (Beamer & Holian, 2005). NF-κB is a protein heterodimer made up
of p65 and p50 subunits. There is evidence of activation of NF-κB in bronchial mucosa and
sputum inflammatory cells in asthmatic patients (Rhaman, et al., 1996). Many of the
inflammatory genes responsible for the pathogenesis of asthma are regulated by NF-kB. AP-
1 is a protein dimer composed of a heterodimer of Fos and Jun proteins. AP-1 regulates
many of the inflammatory and immune genes in oxidant-mediated diseases. Gene
expression of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting enzyme for GSH
synthesis, is induced by the activation of AP-1. In addition, the family of mitogen-activated
protein kinases (MAPKs) is directly or indirectly altered by redox changes (Ciencewicki, et
al., 2008). Oxidative stress and other stimuli, such as cytokines, activate various signal
transduction pathways leading to activation of transcription factors, such as NF-kB and AP-
1 (Rahman & Adcock, 2006). Binding of transcription factors to DNA elements leads to
recruitment of CREB-binding protein (CBP) and/or other co-activators to the transcriptional
initiation complex on the promoter regions of various genes (Rahman & Adcock, 2006).
Activation of CBP leads to acetylation of specific core histone lysine residues by an intrinsic
histone acetyltransferase activity (Rahman & Adcock, 2006). Redox changes also can activate
members of the MAPK, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, c-jun N-terminal
kinase, p38 kinase, and phosphoinositol-3 kinase, all of which may ultimately promote
inflammation (Carvalho, et al., 2004). Both STAT1 and STAT3 activation are regulated by
redox (Carvalho, et al., 2004). NF-E2-related factor 2, a basic leucine zipper transcription
factor, involved in induction of the antioxidant element (ARE)-mediated transcriptional
response is known to play an important role and binds to the ARE and upregulates the
expression of several antioxidant genes in response to a variety of stimuli (Nguyen, et al.,
2003). ROS (Nadeem, et al., 2008) can influence airway cells and reproduce many of the
pathophysiological features associated with asthma by initiating lipid peroxidation, altering
protein structure, enhancing release of arachidonic acid from cell membranes, contracting
airway smooth muscle, increasing airway reactivity and airway secretions, increasing
vascular permeability, increasing the synthesis and release of chemoattractants, inducing the
release of tachykinins and neurokinins, decreasing cholinesterase and neutral
endopeptidase activities, and impairing the responsiveness of ß-adrenergic receptors
(Barnes, et al., 1998). Asthma attacks and experimental allergen challenge are associated
with immediate formation of superoxide that persists throughout the late asthmatic
response (Calhoun, et al., 1992). Allergen challenge in the airways of atopic individuals
caused a twofold increase in superoxide generation (Calhoun, et al., 1992). Spontaneous and
experimental allergen-induced asthma attacks lead to eosinophil and neutrophil activation,
during which NADPH oxidase is activated and ROS such as superoxide and its dismutation
product H2O2 are rapidly formed (Klebanoff, 1980). ROS production by asthmatics correlates
with the severity of airway reactivity (Calhoun, et al., 1992). Asthma is characterized by
oxidative modifications (Sansers, et al., 1995). Increased levels of EPO and MPO parallel the
numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils, respectively, and are found at higher than normal
levels in asthmatic peripheral blood, induced sputum, and BAL fluid (Sansers, et al., 1995).
Malondialdehyde and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances have also been detected in
urine, plasma, sputum, and BAL fluid in relation to the severity of asthma (Mondino, et al.,
2004, Wood, et al., 2005) In addition, 8-isoprostane, a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, is also
elevated in exhaled breath condensate from adults and children with asthma (Mondino, et
al., 2004, Wood et al, 2005). Generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species is markedly
increased during acute asthma attacks (MacPherson, et al., 2001, Wu, et al., 2000). The loss of
SOD contributes to oxidative stress during acute episodes of asthma exacerbation
(MacPherson et al, 2001, Wu et al, 2000). Oxidative modification of MnSOD is present in
asthmatic airway epithelial cells (Malik & Storey, 2011).The loss of SOD activity reflects the
increased oxidative and nitrative stress in asthmatic patients, suggesting that SOD may
serve as a surrogate marker of oxidant stress and asthma severity (Takaku, et al., 2011). ROS,
such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide, enhance vascular endothelial growth factor
(VEGF) expression (Kuroki, et al., 1996), while exogenous SOD prevents VEGF expression
(Kuroki, et al., 1996), suggesting that the increased vascularization found in asthma may be
due to the involvement of oxidative stress via effects on hypoxia-inducible factors (Ghosh, et
al., 2003). The catalase activity was found to be 50% lower in BAL fluid of asthmatic lungs
than that in healthy controls (Ghosh, et al., 2003). Tyrosine oxidant modifications of catalase
occur in asthma, such as chlorination of tyrosine by peroxidase-catalyzed halogenation, and
oxidative cross-linking of tyrosine as monitored by dityrosine, a product of tyrosyl radicals
(Ghosh, et al., 2003). The most extensive modification found in asthmatic lungs is tyrosine
chlorination, which is 20-fold more extensive than tyrosine nitration (Ghosh, et al., 2003). In
contrast to SODs and catalase, extracellular GPx is present at higher than normal levels in
the lungs of individuals with asthma (Comhair, et al., 2002). This increase is due to
induction of GPx mRNA and protein expression by bronchial epithelial cells in response to
increased intracellular or extracellular ROS [94]. During asthma exacerbation in humans, the
levels of serum TRX1 increase and are inversely correlated with airflow (Yamada, et al.,
2003). Cigarette smoke can induce increased oxidant burden and cause irreversible changes
to the antioxidant protective effects in the airways (van Der Troorn, et al., 2007). The smoke-
derived oxidants damage airway epithelial cells inducing direct injury to membrane lipids,
proteins, carbohydrates, and DNA, leading to chronic inflammation (Foronjy, et al., 2008).
Cigarette smoking delivers and generates oxidative stress within the lungs (Lin & Thoma,
2010) These imbalances of oxidant burden and antioxidant capacity have been implicated as
important contributing factors in the pathogenesis of COPD (Lin & Thoma, 2010) However,
smoking also causes the depletion of antioxidants, which further contributes to oxidative
tissue damage (Lin & Thoma, 2010) The downregulation of antioxidant pathways has also
been associated with acute exacerbations of COPD (Lin & Thoma, 2010). Disruption of the
oxidant/antioxidant balance is important in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury and acute
respiratory distress syndrome. Different cytokines and growth factors play a role in the
pathogenesis of lung fibrosis (Hecker, et al., 2009). ROS mediate the formation of TGF-β in
lung epithelial cells (Hecker, et al., 2009). Fibroblasts of patients with idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis produce H2O2 upon stimulation with TGF-β. This interplay between H2O2 and TGF-
β leads to deterioration of re-epithelialization and fibrosis (Hecker, et al., 2009).
4. Conclusions
Epidemiological surveys and animal studies together suggest that air pollutants are
involved in the pathogenesis of airway inflammation and aggravate respiratory symptoms.
Avoidance of harmful exposures is a key component of national and international guideline
recommendations for the management of respiratory diseases. Controlling air pollution is
important for the prevention of airway diseases. Finally, in vitro and in vivo studies are
needed to further delineate the role of particulate air pollutants in airway diseases and the
molecular mechanisms involved.
Author details
An-Soo Jang
Division of Allergy and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhayg
University Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
Acknowledgement
This subject is supported by Korea Ministry of Environment (2012001360001) as "The
Environmental Health Action Program".
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Chapter 7
Air Pollution and Death Due to Cardiovascular

Diseases (Case Study: Isfahan Province of Iran)
Masoumeh Rashidi, Mohammad Hossein Rameshat and Hadi Gharib
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50416
1. Introduction
Complex interaction between anthropogenic activities, air quality and human health in
urban areas, sustains the need for the development of an interdisciplinary and integrated
risk-assessment methodology. Such study would help for the establishment of a sustainable
development in urban areas that can maintain the integrity of air quality and preserve
human health. For the last century, the worldwide development of anthropogenic activities
as well as modifications of spatial management and occupational uses in urban areas have
lead to considerable degradation of air quality through the production of a large number of
pollutants(1). Sustainable development introduced during the 1980 represents a sure mean
to withstand deleterious effects of pollutants observed in most large cities. However,
making effective such concept in urban areas requires the validation of a risk-assessment
methodology that can integrate and connect anthropogenic uses of urban areas, air pollution
and the occurrence of some pathologies. One actual and major challenge is how to
apprehend complexity of systems due to the interaction of multiple parameters at each level
of organization (anthropogenic or biological, individual or population) and scale (regional
or local). Such challenge can be facilitated by the development of a multidisciplinary and
integrative approach using tools from biology and geography that can allow the analysis of
complex systems For example, the introduction of biomarkers at the cellular and molecular
levels in the detection of early biological events induced by pollutants constitutes promising
tools in estimating exposure of human population. Cardiovascular disease is one of the most
prevalent diseases in the world and it is expected to be the main cause of death by 2020(2).
Nowadays, the cardiovascular diseases are one of the important issues in health care. The
prevalence of this disease in more countries has been rising as the third leading cause of
death and the first group of chronic diseases and concerns the health and treatment in the
Iran. New eating habits, increased smoking, increasing air population, and the older
demographic composition are the predisposing factors in increasing the cases of
© 2012 Rashidi et al.; licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
cardiovascular diseases. It is estimated that one third of cases of cardiovascular disease is

preventable and a third contingent on early diagnosis, are potentially treatable. Scientific
advances and progress in many cases of cardiovascular diseases have been caused to disease
containment and control of its causes and have provided the increase long-term survival for
patients with a wide range of types of invasive diseases(3). Despite the lack of attention to
air pollution, one of the main reasons is the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases (4). For
example, nearly one million ton of Plumb is added to the globe soils annually in which large
quantities of atmospheric dust, scattering ash, and chemical fertilizers used in agriculture,
industry and urban wastes are included. In many cases, air pollution factors affecting
disease is less under consideration (5). Isfahan province, with an area of about 107,045
square kilometers, equivalent to 6.3% of the total area of Iran is located between 30 degrees
43 minutes and 34 degrees 27 minutes north latitude and 49 degrees 38 minutes and 55
degrees 32 minutes east of the Greenwich meridian(6,7). The province is 1550 meters above
the sea level altitude (Figure1). This study aimed at mapping the distribution of death due
to Cardiovascular Diseases and its relationship with Air Pollution in this province.
Figure 1. Geographical situation of Isfahan province
2. Method used
The software of geographic information system (GIS) was used after entering data in the
mapping information table; spatial distribution was mapped and distribution of
Geographical Epidemiology of Death Due to Cardiovascular Diseases in the was determined
this case study, the rate of all the deaths in Isfahan province (Iran) within 2005 to 2009 was
Air Pollution and Death Due to Cardiovascular Diseases (Case Study: Isfahan Province of Iran) 177
provided. The collected data was used to find out the rate of deaths due to cardiovascular
diseases and preparing geographical distribution maps. Then, by putting down the death
rates for different sexes (men and women), the geographical distribution map for deaths
with regards to cardiovascular diseases was drawn.
3. Air pollution
Any visible or invisible particle or gas found in the air that is not part of the original,
normal composition. Generally any substance that people introduce into the atmosphere
that has damaging effects on living things and the environment is considered air pollution.
Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, is the main pollutant that is warming Earth. Though
living things emit carbon dioxide when they breathe, carbon dioxide is widely considered
to be a pollutant when associated with cars, planes, power plants, and other human
activities that involve the burning of fossil fuels such as gasoline and natural gas. In the
past 150 years, such activities have pumped enough carbon dioxide into the atmosphere to
raise its levels higher than they have been for hundreds of thousands of years. Other
greenhouse gases include methane—which comes from such sources as swamps and gas
emitted by livestock—and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which were used in refrigerants
and aerosol propellants until they were banned because of their deteriorating effect on
Earth's ozone layer. Another pollutant associated with climate change is sulfur dioxide, a
component of smog (9). Sulfur dioxide and closely related chemicals are known primarily
as a cause of acid rain. But they also reflect light when released in the atmosphere, which
keeps sunlight out and causes Earth to cool. Volcanic eruptions can spew massive amounts
of sulfur dioxide into the atmosphere, sometimes causing cooling that lasts for years. In
fact, volcanoes used to be the main source of atmospheric sulfur dioxide; today people
are(10). Industrialized countries have worked to reduce levels of sulfur dioxide, smog, and
smoke in order to improve people's health. But a result, not predicted until recently, is that
the lower sulfur dioxide levels may actually make global warming worse. Just as sulfur
dioxide from volcanoes can cool the planet by blocking sunlight, cutting the amount of the
compound in the atmosphere lets more sunlight through, warming the Earth. This effect is
exaggerated when elevated levels of other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the
additional heat.
3.1. Major classes of air pollution

 Carbon Oxides (CO and CO2)
 Sulfur Oxides (SO2)
 Nitrogen Oxides (NO and NO2)
 Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs – CFCs)
 Suspended Particulate Matter (soot, dust, asbestos, lead etc).
 Photochemical Oxidants (ozone O3)
 Radioactive Substances (Radon)
 Hazardous Air Pollutants (carcinogens, etc) (11).
3.2. Where do these pollutants come from?
Fuel
Combustion
6%
Miscellaneous
12% Industrial
Process
4%
on- road
Vehicles
56%
Non- road
Vehicles&
Enqines
22%
Figure 2. Source of Air Pollution (12)
Health and Effects of Air Pollution

Pollutant Health Effects
Ozone (O3) Decreases lung function and causes respiratory symptoms, such as coughing
and shortness of breath; aggravates asthma and other lung diseases leading to
increased medication use, hospital admissions, emergency department (ED)
visits, and premature mortality.
Particulate Short-term exposures can aggravate heart or lung diseases leading to
Matter (PM) symptoms, increased medication use, hospital admissions, ED visits, and
premature mortality; long-term exposures can lead to the development of
heart or lung disease and premature mortality.
Lead (Pb) Damages the developing nervous system, resulting in IQ loss and impacts on
learning, memory, and behavior in children. Cardiovascular and renal effects
in adults and early effects related to anemia.
Oxides of Aggravate asthma, leading to wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of

Sulfur (SOx) breath, increased medication use, hospital admissions, and ED visits; very
high levels can cause respiratory symptoms in people without lung disease.
Oxides of Aggravate lung diseases leading to respiratory symptoms, hospital
Nitrogen admissions, and ED visits; increase susceptibility to respiratory infection.
(NOx)
Carbon Reduces the amount of oxygen reaching the body’s organs and tissues;
Monoxide aggravates heart disease, resulting in chest pain and other symptoms leading
(CO) to hospital admissions and ED visits.
Ammonia Contributes to particle formation with associated health effects.
(NH3)
Volatile Some are toxic air pollutants that cause cancer and other serious health
Organic problems. Contribute to ozone formation with associated health effects.
Compounds
(VOCs)
Mercury Causes liver, kidney, and brain damage and neurological and developmental
(Hg) damage.
Other Toxic Cause cancer; immune system damage; and neurological, reproductive,
Air developmental, respiratory, and other health problems. Some toxic air
Pollutants pollutants contribute to ozone and particle pollution with associated health
effects.
Table 1. Effects of air pollution on human health (13)
4. Cardiovascular disease and air pollution

Diseases of the heart or blood vessels, or cardiovascular disease, and in particular coronary
heart disease (harm to the heart resulting from an insufficient supply of oxygenated blood)
are leading causes of death in the Iran (14). Prevention of these killers has traditionally
focused on controlling hypertension, cholesterol levels, and smoking and making healthy
choices in regard to diet, exercise, and avoiding second-hand smoke. However,
accumulating evidence indicates that air pollutants contribute to serious, even fatal damage
to the cardiovascular system – and air pollution is a factor that you can’t control just
through healthy lifestyle. Harmful air pollutants lead to cardiovascular diseases such as
artery blockages leading to heart attacks (arterial occlusion) and death of heart tissue due to
oxygen deprivation, leading to permanent heart damage (infarct formation). The
mechanisms by which air pollution causes cardiovascular disease are thought to be the same
as those responsible for respiratory disease: pulmonary inflammation and oxidative stress.
5. Finding in case study

The population includes 35273 records from death due to Cardiovascular Diseases in the
province. The period studied, according to the number of samples is sufficiently reliable and,
over 5 years (from 2005 until early 2009) was considered .Impaired synthesis of hemoglobin
and anemia, Cardiovascular Diseases, Respiratory Diseases, malignant disease, hypertension,

kidney damage, miscarriages and premature infants, nervous system disorders, brain damage,
male infertility, loss of learning and behavioral disorders in children are from the negative
effects of high concentrations of the Air Pollution in the body. Air Pollution exists naturally in
the environment, but in most cases the increase in quantity, is the result of human activities.
There were 19614 men (i.e. 56%) and 15659 women (44%) regarding the mentioned mortality
rate, showing more men than women. Analysis of the mortality conforming rate of
cardiovascular diseases in men shower to be highest in Isfahan, Najafabad, Borkhar&Meimeh,
Fereidan, Natanz, Ardestan, Mobarakeh, Lenjan&Naein, respectively and the lowest rates
were in Golpayegan, Tiran &Karvand, Falavarjan&Chadegan, that means that mortality rates
were higher in central counties of the province.This is observed for the total population, and
men and women separately. It was significant in most of the central counties of the province.
Figure 3. Graph of statistical comparison death due to cardiovascular diseases in Men& Women
After drafting the diagram for distribution of death due to cardiovascular diseases in Men&
Women (Figure 3). Death rate was higher in men than women.
6. Cities with higher air pollution

Cities such as Isfahan, Najafabadf, Borkhar&Meimeh, Ardestan and Natanz,… are
Population centers and air pollution in these cities, according to survey is more than the
other cities because human activity is higher in these cities, The following map shows the
cities with high pollution in Isfahan province(Figure4).
Air pollution levels in the study province are increased and with increased air pollution also
death due to cardiovascular disease has gone up (Figure5, 6).
Most of the mortality rates with regards to cardiovascular diseases in women was in Isfahan,
Najafabadf, Borkhar&Meimeh, Ardestan and Natanz that is much less in comparison to men
(Figure7, 8). This means that men have gone ahead of women in this respect. The role of
weather pollution in emergence of cardiovascular diseases in urban communities is
considered as an effective factor that could not be modified, such that comforting
environmental pollution has been considered relative to different cardiovascular effects
including angina, heart stroke and hearty failures. Heart disease is the bitter achievement of
advance technology. The useful role of technology somewhat allows people to have longer
life and the harmful role of technology provides the change in life style and immobility.
Figure 4. Levels of Air Pollution in Isfahan province
Figure 5. A comparison chart increase air pollution in the years 2005-2009

Figure 6. A comparison chart increase death due to cardiovascular disease in the years 2005-2009
Figure 7. Spatial distribution of death due to cardiovascular diseases in Men

Figure 8. Spatial distribution of death due to cardiovascular diseases in Women
7. Conclusion
By drawing the geographical distribution of mortality due to cardiovascular reasons (by the
use of GIS software), it was observed that the rate of mortality I higher in control and main
counties of the province, which could be due to two reasons: 1) Due to existence Air pollution
in the main cities of the province including Isfahan, Najafabad, Borkhar&Meimeh, More
vehicles are movement, in these cities than the other places in the province. 2) Improper diet
including saturated fat due to mechanized life and better welfare in these regions and
immobility, use of new technologies, and environmental pollutions including the existence of
some specific elements & hard urban life all express the verification of the hypothesis. Also, it
was observed that mortality in men is higher in the province than women and there could be
different reasons for that, which may include Most men work outside the home in , male
hormones, some social factors, increasing fat around stomach in men, stimulating behaviors
and sometimes offensive behavior, not observing the weight, stress in work places and
smoking. Since the basis for campaign against non-epidemic diseases, including
cardiovascular disease is changing the people’s life style, it seems that it can be achieved by
instructions and training people, making required polices and enacting laws and necessary
regulations to provide on environment that is suitable for promoting healthy behaviors in
life. By proper intervention in the society the effects of risk factors could be totally eliminated
or reduced. Even partial changes could be very useful. Prevention is possible by intervening
the risk factors in cardiovascular diseases such as identification of some elements in the
environment and finding the place of their distribution, avoiding the use of air pollutants or
using them as little as possible, proper use of technology, changing diets, behaviors, physical
habits, reducing anxieties and mental stresses and other environmental diseases.
Author details
Masoumeh Rashidi
Department of Geography, and Medicine Geography Researchers, the University of Isfahan, Iran
Mohammad Hossein Rameshat
Department of Geography, Isfahan University, Iran
Hadi Gharib
Iran Space Agency, Iran
8. References
Azizi, F, (2001), "Epidemiology and control of common diseases in Iran", Volume II, Tehran
University Press, 2001.
Braunwald E. (2005), Approach to the Patient with Cardiovascular Disease. In: Kasper DL,
Branwald E, Favci AS, Havser SL, Longo DL, Jameson JL. Harrison's Principles of
Internal Medicine. McGraw-Hill. New York, 1301-4.
Reddy KS, (2004), Cardiovascular Disease in Non-Western Countries Engl J Med. 350: 2438-40.
Nagavi, M. (2005), the pattern of mortality within 23 provinces of Iran in 2003, Health
Deputy, Iranian Ministry of Health. Tehran.
Rezaeian M, Dunn G. St. Leger, S. Appleby L. (2007), Geographical epidemiology, spatial
analysis and geographical information systems: a multidisciplinary glossary. J Epidemiol
Community Health; 61: 98-102.
Rezaeian, M. Dunn, G. St. Leger, S. Appleby L. (2004), the production and interpretation of
disease maps: A methodological case study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol.; 39: 947-54.
Rezaeian, M. (2004), an introduction to the practical methods for mapping the geographical
morbidity and mortality rates.Tollo-e-behdasht. 2: 41-51.
Isfahan Health Center, Center for death Statistics, 2009.
Samet, J. M., Zeger, S. L., Kelsall, J., Xu, J., and Kalkstein, L. (1997), "Air Pollution, Weathera
nd Mortalityi n Philadelphia,"in ParticulateA ir Pollution and Daily Mortality: Analyses of the
Effects of Weather and Multiple Air Pollutants, The Phase IB report of the Particle
Epidemiology Evaluation Project, Cambridge, MA: Health Effects Institute.
Schwartz, J. (1994), "Air Pollution and Daily Mortality: A Review and Meta Analysis,"
EnvironmentaRl esearch, 64, 36-52.
Zeger, S. L., Dominici, F., and Samet, J. M. (1999), "Harvesting-Resistant Estimates of Pollution
Effects on Mortality,"E pidemiology, 8 9, 171-175.
Research Centre for Atmospheric Chemistry, Ozone and Air Pollution in Isfahan province.
WHO (2007). Health risks of heavy metals from long-range transboundary air pollution.
Copenhagen, World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe.
Rashidi M, Ramehsat M.H, Ghias, M(2011), Geographical Epidemiology of Death Due to
Cardiovascular Diseases in Isfahan Povince, Iran; Journal of Isfahan Medical School, Vol 29,
No 125, 1st week, April.
Chapter 8
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Surface Ozone

in Urban Area: A Multilevel and Structural
Equation Model Approach
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50417
1. Introduction
Photochemical smog, first identified in Los Angeles in the late 1940s, nowadays is a widespread
phenomenon in many of the world’s population centers (Jenkin & Chemitshaw, 2000).
Photochemical smog occurs when primary pollutants (nitrogen oxides - NOx and volatile
organic compound – VOC created from burning of fossil fuel and biomass) interact in the
presence of sunlight to produce a mixture of hazardous secondary pollutants (Stern, 1973). Major
constituent of photochemical smog is surface (ground-level) O3, which is not emitted directly into
the atmosphere but formed as the product of photochemical reactions of its precursors, NOx and
VOC (Seindfeld & Pandis, 1998). At the same time, pollutants also interacts each other to form
other secondary pollutants as like acidifying substance and also particulates.
Concentration of atmospheric gases involved in forming O3 and nitrogen oxides (NOx)

changes rapidly with wind speed and direction, ambient air temperature, humidity and
solar radiation. Chemical reactions of O3 production and destruction progresses take place
at the same time. O3 concentrations are affected mainly by photochemical reactions,
transport and diffusion process. The photochemical reactions are related to meteorological
factors such as solar radiation, temperature and concentration of pollutants. In general, O3 is
closely related to the pollutants like NO2, NO and NOx according to photochemical oxide
interaction in local environment (Wang, 2003). The relationship between precursor
pollutants and O3, thus differ from one place to another due to the emission distribution and
meteorology (Zhang & Kim, 2002). It is critical to understand the variability of ozone
concentration across location and time.
In a spatial and temporal analysis, it is noteworthy to first clarify several technical

terms: heterogeneity, variability, variation and variance. Heterogeneity refers to
© 2012 Nugroho et al.; licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
phenomenon that actual concentration measured at monitoring station changes across

individual measurement. This study especially deals with the unobserved
heterogeneity. It is well known that variance is a statistical term, representing the
degree of variation. The variability means the fact that something being likely to vary.
In this study, the later three terms are especially an aggregate of measurement` (or
monitoring station`) heterogeneity. To quantitatively assess the properties of
unobserved heterogeneity at various situations, we focus on various components, which
correspond to the degree of variation caused by unobserved heterogeneity within
monitoring station and also among locations by using monitoring data. We use
regression-based method a multilevel model to capture temporal variations and spatial
heterogeneity caused by land-use characteristics surrounding monitoring stations and
its impact on surface ozone. A multilevel analysis was applied to analyze (a) daily event
when peak concentration of ozone occurred, (b) daily average concentration of ozone
and (c) possibility of phenomena of ozone weekend effect in Jakarta city represented by
systematically day-to-day variation of event of peak ozone and daily average
concentration of ozone.
In tropical regions, high O3 level may be expected due to high rate of precursor emissions
from anthropogenic and biogenic sources coupled with high sunlight intensity. Yet, there is
only a limited research about tropical tropospheric O3 focusing on Asian cities. The lack of
systematic monitoring data of O3 and its precursors is one of the barriers to scientific
research for photochemical smog in most of the developing Asian countries (Zhang & Kim,
2002). In the context of urban areas, NO2, NO and NOx, which are generally highly
associated with primary sources of air pollution, come from both mobile sources
(automobiles) and stationary sources (e.g., household sector and industrial sector). An
understanding of ozone (O3) behavior near surface layer is essential for a study of pollution
oxidation processes in urban area (Monoura, 1999). Ground level O3 is formed from its
precursors by complex and non-linear photochemical reaction in presence of sunlight. O3
concentrations are very difficult to model because of the different interactions between
pollutants and meteorological variables (Sousa, 2007).
Concerning the methods of analysis, although several multiple regression models are
available to analyze urban air pollution especially surface O3. It is however difficult to
apply these models to deal with the complex cause-effect relationships among
meteorological factors, primary pollutants under different wind conditions, and their
influences on surface O3. Therefore, our proposed structural equation model can flexibly
represent the aforementioned causal interactions aspects. The development of such models
usually involves the choice of appropriate model structures and nonlinear data
transformation methods. Then, a spatial and temporal analysis was performed based on
our structural equation model with latent variables. A spatial analysis based on spatial
pattern is also carried out at two major land use types (i.e., suburban area-SU and central
urban area (CA), and a roadside area-RA in central business district in Jakarta City. A
temporal analysis was done at roadside station in central Jakarta by considering seasonal
and weekly variations.
Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Surface Ozone in
Urban Area: A Multilevel and Structural Equation Model Approach 187
2. Literature review and methodology

2.1. Relationships between surface ozone and its precursors
In the O3-NOx system, the dominant chemical reactions in the atmosphere are described
below :
NO2 + hv → NO + O (1)
O + O2 + M → O 3 + M (2)
NO + O3 → NO2 + O2 (3)
M represents N2 or O2 or another third molecule that absorbs excess energy and

consequently stabilizes the O3 molecule formed (3). The time scale of reaction (2) is very
small (~10-6s) relative to the scales of reactions (1) and (3) (~100s and 30s, respectively)
(Monoura, 1999). This is the result of O3 destruction by NO in the nitrogen dioxide
photolytic cycle, which is effective at a close distance to NO source due to its short cycle
time (about several minutes) (Jenkin, 2000). Since the conversion from NO to NO2 involving
reactive hydrocarbons and the OH radical usually takes several hours, the higher
concentration of O3 is observed in both weekdays and weekend in dry season (Seinfeld &
Pandis, 1998).
It is known that O3 concentration and NO concentration show a logarithmic relationship,

and the relationship between O3 and NO2 observed at the same time shows a typical linear
function. A power function relationship is found between NO and NO2 observed at the
same time (Monoura, 1999). O3 levels are negatively relevant to nitric oxide and positively
to nitrogen dioxide, weakly affected by carbon monoxide (CO) and hardly affected by
sulphur dioxide (SO2) and respirable suspend particles (RSP). A case study in Hong Kong
confirms a strong linear relationship between O3 and NO2/NO concentration in 1999 and
2000 (Wang, 2003).
High emission of NO from automobile traffic should be the major reason for low O3 at the
curbside (roadside) and lower O3 at ambient monitoring station. In a city like Bangkok
where the emission of NO from traffic is rather uniformly spread over a large area, the
processes of O3 destruction (by NO) and formation should be competing at any locations.
Therefore O3 level is found to be high over the city except for the very heavy traffic center
and curbside where the O3 destruction by NO is significant (Zhang & Kim, 2002).
2.2. Meteorological factors influencing surface ozone

The meteorological conditions of a region (e.g., sunlight, temperature, wind speed, and
other factors) also directly affect the formation of O3. In general, episodes of high O3
concentration are associated with slow-moving, high barometer pressure weather system.
Clear skies, sunshine, and warm conditions usually accompany high-pressure system,
accelerating the photochemical formation of O3 (Rubin, 2001). The relationship between the
meteorological variation and daily maximum O3 concentration can be well represented by a

linear function (Gardner & Dorling, 1998).
Solar radiation
O3 production is dependent on solar radiation, and consequently solar radiation intensity
and O3 concentration usually show positive correlation (Monoura, 1999).
Ambient air temperature

Meteorologically, high temperature is frequently associated with high pressure, stagnant
conditions that lead to high O3 concentration at vertical level (Seinfeld & Pandis, 1998). The
rate of photochemical reaction increases as air temperature rises. In many O3 prediction
models, air temperature was found to be the strongest single predictor of O3 concentration
(Boriboonsomsin & Uddin, 2005). In urban and metropolitan areas, paved surface, high-rise
building and other constructed surfaces cause air temperature to be higher due to the heat
transfer of these surfaces.
Wind speed and direction

Wind speed associated with high-pressure system is typically low. Therefore pollutants stay
longer over urban areas and accumulate in the atmosphere (Rubin, 2001). Calm or light
winds allow more emissions to accumulate over large area, which result in higher
concentration of O3 precursors. O3 formation and transport is a complex phenomenon, and
O3 concentration depends on wind speed and direction among others (Hubbard & Cobourn,
1998). The dispersion of air pollutants is roughly inversely related to wind speed (Zhang,
2002). Higher wind speeds promote the dispersion of O3 concentrations (Sanchez-ccoyllo,
2006). Wind direction is also highly related to O3 level, for example, downwind locations of
precursor emission sources are strongly inclined to high concentration of surface O3.
Precipitation
Precipitation is one of O3 destruction mechanisms due to a wet deposition. In this study,
precipitation is expressed as relative humidity level. Most tropical rain forest countries such
as Indonesia have high relative humidity, especially during night time and wet season.
2.3. Development of surface ozone model in urban areas

2.3.1. Existing model
Various models have been developed to describe the relationship among factors to surface
ozone. These models include simple contingency tables, multiple linear and non-linear
regression models, time series techniques (Benarie, 1980), artificial neural network
approaches and fuzzy logic based methods (Wang, 2003). Linear regression model is a
classical and easily applied method. It uses a linear combination of factors to explain the
ozone behavior. Artificial neural network approach is capable of modeling complex
nonlinear phenomena, but its main drawback is that it results in a ‘black box’ model which
it isn’t easy to interpret or justify. Fuzzy logic also allows one to model complex nonlinear
phenomena (Peton, 2000). Since fuzzy logic is based on a set of empirical rules, the inherent
cause-effect relationships and interactions among factors of the ozone cannot be flexibly
incorporated. Time series technique is suitable to capture the temporal change of ozone
itself, but they are not capable of incorporating the influential factors into the models.
Multiple regression models have been commonly used for describing the ozone in the last
few decades (Boriboonsomsin, 2005). Gardner and Dorling (2000) found that the
relationship between meteorological variables analyzed and the daily maximum ozone
concentration could be well represented by a linear model. Linear regression gives a first-
order approximation of a non-linear function, is easy to calculate and very robust (Geladi,
1999). However, it is quite difficult to apply such linear regression models to properly
capture the nonlinear relationships among variables, and to represent the inherent cause-
effect relationships and interactions in the model structure. Therefore, it is required to
establish an alternative surface ozone model.
2.3.2. Multilevel analysis

Multilevel models are the expansion of classical regression model which data were classified
in groups, thus allow coefficients to vary for each group. This has been a popular approach
applied in many fields, such as properties and its relation to PM10 (Pattenden et al., 2000),
pure properties aspect (Gelfanda et al., 2007), and land use fields for crops (Overmars K.P.,
and Verburg P.H. 2006). The benefits of multilevel models are allows random variations and
explanatory variables to be incorporated inside the model at different levels.
Multilevel models are considered as a regression model in which the ultimate power lays
on the regression coefficients that are given a probability model (Gelman and Hill, 2007).
The second-level has parameters of its own which are estimated from data. Varying
coefficients across different levels are a critical difference from classical regression
models. Also, those varying coefficients serve as a model as well. Although classical
regression models sometimes are also able to accommodate varying coefficients by using
explanatory variables, however multilevel models has one ultimate attractive feature that
it allows for modeling of the variation between groups, which classical regression is
incapable off.
The multilevel model essentially treats multiple hierarchical and cross-classifications

unobserved heterogeneities by introducing corresponding variation components. To
describe the variations concentration pollutant i, in multilevel analysis, the model
buildings strategies can be either top-down and bottom-up (J.J Hox, 2010). In this study, we
select bottom-up approach in which analysis starts with a simplest model and proceed by
adding parameters. Concretely speaking, first, we start with model without explanatory
variables (called Null model). This model, the intercept-only model, can be defined as
follows:
Yij = γ00 + μoj + εij (4)

where γ00 is regression intercept and μoj and εij are residuals at group-level and individual-
level (Here, “group level” means monitoring sites, and “individual level” means
measurements within the same station), following the normal distribution with mean 0 and
variances σμ02 and σe2, respectively. Using Null model, it possible to clarify reason of “why
the concentrations are fluctuates?” based on the component of variance. It is also gives
estimate of interclass correlation (ρ) among measurements in stations. The interclass
correlation (ICC, δ) is estimated as follows:
σμ02 / (σμ02 + σe2) (5)
Second, we analyze a model with all explanatory variables (called as the Full model). This
model is expressed as follows:
Yijk = γ00 + γl0Xijk + μoj + εij (6)
Where Yijk is dependent variable concentration of pollutant i at monitoring station j of

measurement k. γ00 and γλ0 are unknown parameters, Xijk indicates explanatory variables
including monitoring station` j attributes (e.g., emission intensity which reflected by
systematically day-to-day variation, open space area nearby station, etc), atmospheric
situations (e.g., presence or concentration of other pollutants), temporal attributes (e.g.,
annual variation and seasonal variation). Parameters μoj and εij represent random
components which indicate inter- monitoring location variation and inter-measurement
variation within same location respectively. In this step, we assess the contribution of
explanatory variables. The significance of each predictor can be tested and also possible to
assess what changes occur in the first-level and second-level variance terms. We use chi-
square test based on the deviances of Null and Full models to test the assumption whether
variation across group is significant. Whenever explanatory variables introduced, we expect
the variance σμ02 and σe2 to go down or in other words the introduced explanatory variables
explain part of measurements and part of monitoring station variances.
2.3.3. Structural equation model with latent variables

This paper also proposes to apply a structural equation model with latent variables to
capture the complex cause-effect relationships and interactions in photochemical process.
Structural equation model (SEM) is a modeling technique that can handle a large number of
the observed endogenous and exogenous variables, as well as (unobserved) latent variables
specified as linear combinations (weighted averages) of the observed variables (Golob,
2003). The models play many roles, including simultaneous equation systems, linear causal
analysis, path analysis, structural equation models, dependence analysis, and cross-legged
panel correlation technique (Joreskoq, 1989). It is a confirmatory, rather than explanatory
method, because the modeler is required to construct a model in term of a system of
unidirectional effects of one variable on another. SEM is used to specify the phenomenon
under study in terms of putative cause-effect variables and their indicators. Following the
descriptions by Jöreskog and Sörbom (1989), the full model structure can be summarized by
the following three equations.
Structural Equation Model:
        (7)
Measurement Model for y:
y   y  
(8)
Measurement Model for x:
x   x   (9)
Here, η'  (1 ,2 ,...,m ) and ξ'  (1 , 2 ,...,  m ) are latent dependent and independent
variables, respectively. Vectors η and ξ are not observed, but instead y'  ( y1 , y2 ,..., y p ) and
x'  ( x1 , x2 ,..., xq ) are observed dependent and independent variables. ζ, ε, δ are the vectors
of error terms, and ,  ,  x ,  y are the unknown parameters.
An important feature of SEM is that it can calculate not only direct effects, but also total
effect (Golob, 2003). Direct effect is the link between a productive variable and the variable
that is the target of the effect, which corresponds to an arrow in a path diagram. These direct
effects embody the causal modeling aspect of SEM. Total effects are defined to be the sum of
direct effects and indirect effects, where the indirect effects represent the sum of all the
effects along paths between two variables that involve intervening variables. Advantages of
SEM compared to most other linear-in-parameter statistical methods include the following
capabilities: (1) treatment of both endogenous and exogenous variables as random variables
with error of measurement, (2) latent variables with multiple indicators, (3) test of a model
overall rather than coefficients individually, (4) modeling of mediating variables, (5)
modeling of dynamic phenomena such as habit and inertia (Golob, 2003). One can see that
SEM has a very flexible model structure to simultaneously represent various interdependent
variables. Therefore, in this study, we adopt the SEM to model and analyze surface ozone in
Jakarta City.
The model was built using 11 observed variables that consisted of three meteorological
factors (SR, T and RH), two wind factors (WS and WD), five primary pollutants (NO, NO2,
CO, SO2 and PM10) and a surface O3. The four latent variables 1 , 1 , 2 , 3 as shown in
Figure 1 represents these four groups of variables respectively. 1 indicates an exogenous
latent variable, and 1 , 2 , 3 are the endogenous latent variables. The latent variable 3 ,
which is defined by using both O3 and its precursor NO, describes the photochemical
matters in this study.
Since the SEM still possesses a linear model structure, to capture the non-linear relationship
between some variables, here several observed variables need to be properly transformed.
The empirical observations results of Jakarta air quality data indicates that the relationship
between O3 concentration and NO concentration may be explained by a negative logarithm
function and the relationship between NO and NO2 by a logarithm function. In addition, the
existing research (Monoura, 1999) suggests that the relationship between O3 and NO2 is best
described by a linear function. The non-linear phenomena is represented by a natural

logarithm (LN) function, therefore the pollutant NO is transformed into a new variable
LN_NO. LN_NO, NO2, CO, SO2 and PM10 are specified in one-to-one relationships with the
latent variables “Primary Pollutants” ( 2 ). This latent variable 2 is specified to represent
the influence of primary pollutants emitted from both gasoline and diesel vehicles. The
latent variable “Photochemical” ( 3 ) corresponds to several chemical reactions in
photochemical process (Seinfeld & Pandis, 1998).
For the structural equation model with multiple endogenous variables, especially with
latent variables, model estimation becomes more challenging, and quite a few different
methods have been developed (Golob, 2003). The most commonly used estimation methods
are maximum likelihood (ML), general least squares (GLS), weighted least squares (WLS),
asymptotically distribution free weighted least squares (ADF or ADF-WLS) and elliptical re-
weighted least squares (EGLS or ELS). The most often used estimation method is ML, which
maximizes joint probabilities that the observed covariance are drawn from a population that
has its variance-covariance generated by the process implied by the model, assuming a
multivariate normal distribution.
Figure 1. Air Pollutants Interactions Model for Jakarta City
Several criteria have been developed for assessing overall goodness-of-fit of a structural
equation model and are used to determine how well one model performs than others. Such
model accuracy indices includes: (a) root mean square residual (RMR), (b) standardized
RMR (SRMR), (c) the goodness-of-fit index (GFI), (d) adjusted goodness-of-fit index (AGFI)
which adjusts GFI for the degree of freedom in the model, and (e) the parsimony-adjusted
goodness-of-fit index (PGFI). In this study, the GFI and AGFI are used to assess the models
and to compare model results for different areas. Nowadays, there are several software that
can estimate the structural equation models. The Analysis of Moment Structure (AMOS)
software, which has a very attractive and user-friendly interface is used for this study.
In the work by Boriboonsomsin and Uddin (2005), they incorporated precursor emissions
(mobile sources and stationery sources) into the model and found that traffic is highly
associated with the change of O3 concentration. The traffic behaviors are strongly influenced
by land use type, which in the behavior of pollutant species are reflected as spatial and
temporal variables such as location of stations and systematically day-to-day variation. It
assumed that day-to-day variation has linear relationship with traffic data and it is expected
lower emission intensity occurs on weekend as result of decreasing vehicle usage on
weekend days. Furthermore, we also assumed that variation of emission intensity especially
in weekend days will affect simultaneously on concentration of primary pollutants in
weekend days. Then, this study examines those impact on secondary pollutants ozone.
3. Study area and data

3.1. Description of study area
Jakarta is comprised of 664 km2 land area and stretchs along the coast of the Java Sea. The
topography is very flat with a mean elevation of seven meters above sea level. Jakarta is a
part of the greater Metropolitan Jabodetabek (Jakarta, Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi)
area. Jakarta’s climate is generally tropical. The ‘rainy/wet’ season starts from November to
March and ‘dry’ season from May to September. A few weeks in April and October are the
transition period between dry and wet seasons, respectively.
The Jakarta Office of Environment (Bapedalda DKI Jakarta and later BPLHD DKI Jakarta)
has regularly monitored the air pollution in Jakarta since 1985. At the beginning, twelve
manual monitoring stations that are located at housing, industrial, recreation and mixed
areas measures sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and total suspended
particulate (TSP) (Haq, 2002). Those stations are operated on a rotational basis, and the
parameters are measured for twenty-four hours every eight days at each manual
monitoring station (Syahril, 2002). Since 1992, Jakarta has another six continuous
monitoring stations which consist of four ambient fix stations and two roadside fix stations.
The fix monitoring stations records air quality every 10 minutes. At the end of 2001,
another six new monitoring stations were activated which consist of five ambient fix
stations and one mobile roadside station. These stations equipped with measurement
analyzers to monitor NO, NO2, NOx, SO2, CO, O3 and PM10 every 30 second. The fix
stations are centrally connected to data computer at Jakarta Office of Environment and the
data are transferred every half an hour.
No Monitoring Stations Location Land-use

A Ambient Stations (Fixed Station)
City center-commercial
1 Gelora Bung Karno (Senayan) Central Jakarta
area (CBD)-
Commercial & Industry-
2 Kemayoran North Jakarta
Urban Fringe
3 Kantor Walikota Jakarta Timur East Jakarta Residential – Sub urban
4 Pondok Indah South Jakarta Residential – Urban fringe
Commercial and
5 Kantor Walikota Jakarta Barat West Jakarta
residential area-Sub Urban
B Roadside (Mobile) Station
Central business district
1 Casablanca Central Jakarta
(CBD)
Table 1. Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Jakarta City
Figure 2. Air Quality Monitoring Stations in Jakarta city
Nowadays, only the latest five fix stations that remains to provide air quality data on daily
basis for parameters CO, NO, NO2, SO2, PM10, and O3. The data are used to calculate the
Pollutants Standard Index (PSI), which are subsequently published on data displays to the
public. In-situ meteorological data i.e. solar radiation (SR), temperature (T), relative
humidity (RH), wind speed (WS) and direction (WD) are also recorded using the basic
meteorological sensors, which are installed at 10 meter height above the ground. Four data
displays are located at Gambir (central Jakarta), Kelapa Gading (east Jakarta), Pondok Indah
(south Jakarta) and Grogol (west Jakarta). Figure 2 and Table 1 provides detail information
on the stations location.
This study used air quality data for weekday and weekend at wet and dry season in 2001-
2003 from five fixed ambient monitoring stations and the roadside street-level ambient
monitoring station. The general ambient air quality monitoring stations are located more
than 100 meters away from main roads and the roadside street-level ambient air quality
monitoring station is located 5-10 meter from the main road. The five of monitoring stations
are Senayan (Central Jakarta), Kemayoran (North), Pondok Indah (South Jakarta), Walikota
Jakarta Barat and Walikota Jakarta Timur (East station). The West Station (SUW) is located
20 km from city center and represents suburban area at western part of Jakarta. The East
Station (SUE) is located 25 km from city center and represents suburban area in eastern part
of Jakarta. The Senayan Station (CA) is located at city sport facilities in Jakarta’s central
business district area. This station is nearby the heaviest traffic roads in Jakarta (Jl Sudirman
and Jl Gatot Subroto). The North Station (NUF) and South Station (SUF) are represents
urban fringe area non-CBD in north and south Jakarta. Finally, the Roadside Station (RA) is
located at the Jakarta Office of Environment on Jl Casablanca, which is also located in
central business district area.
These all stations were selected to make a spatial and temporal analysis of the surface O3
behavior in Jakarta city. Analysis was performed for several set situations as provided in
table 2.
No Type of Analysis Approach Data

Spatial and temporal
Events of peak concentration
variations of daily peak Multilevel
1 of ozone at five six stations on
concentration of ozone Analysis
2001 to 2003.
(analysis of events)
Daily average concentration at
Spatial and temporal
Multilevel five fixed station in 2001-2003.
2 variations of daily average
Analysis Parameter: PM10,SO2,CO,
concentration of
O3,NO2, and NO
Spatial Analysis: Three
stations at West Jakarta (SA),
Central Jakarta (DA) and
Spatial and temporal Analysis Structural mobile station (RA) in Dry
3 of causal interaction among Equation season 2003
pollutants Model Temporal Analysis: Seasonal
variation and weekly variation
at Roadside station (RA) in
2003.
Table 2. Distribution of data in Spatio-Temporal Analysis
3.2. Ambient air quality monitoring data in Jakarta city

Table 3 summarizes the data availability for diurnal analysis from six current monitoring
stations in Jakarta. Due to technical failure, the data from North and South Stations were
incomplete, therefore only the data from the four remaining stations were used in this diurnal
analysis. The weekly variation for dry and wet seasons in year 2003 that start from 00.30 a.m.
on Monday and end at 24.00 on Sunday were identified. The data time interval is 30 minutes,
therefore 336 average concentration data should be available in a week for each corresponding
hour and day in a week. The results of analysis for pollutants O3 is discussed below.
Locations Data Avialability

Dry Season Wet Season
Weekdays Weekend Weekdays Weekend
East 5520 2208 6240 2496

West 3648 2496 3456 2496
Central 5568 2160 4128 1632
Roadside (Central) 5760 2352 5520 2208
1 1 1 1
North NA NA NA NA
1 1 2 1
South NA NA 12 NA
Note: NA1: Not available for NO and NO2
122 : Limited data for NO and NO2
Table 3. Data availability for diurnal analysis
Figures 3 and 4 show weekly variations of average O3 concentrations at each station during
wet and dry seasons in year 2003, respectively. The concentrations of O3 increased after the
sunrise and reached the highest level at around 10:00-12:00 a.m. in all the locations. We found
only a single peak of O3 occurs in a day. It is obvious that the formation of O3 was coincided
with the abrupt dropped of NO concentrations after sunrise. During the daytime, the O3
production was faster than the O3 consumption. During this period, some O3 might be
transported from the upper atmosphere to the ground level accompanied by convection in
the mixing layer (Monoura, 1999). The highest average concentration for dry season was
identified at the Central Station (CA), but not for wet season. The average concentration of O3
showed a seasonal variation, which average concentrations for dry season were slightly high.
Although the highest daytime O3 concentration during wet and dry season is measured at the
East Station, the lowest concentrations were also measured at the same location.
The findings for O3 concentration variation seems in agreement with the Hubbard &
Cobourn (1998) finding that indicates that unlike primary pollutants, the O3 concentration
does not show obvious weekly cycles. Unlike CO and SO2 which showed a weekly cycle
with lower concentration during the weekend at the Roadside Station (RA), the O3
concentration remained stable. The findings reveal that the ambient air quality standard for
1-hour O3 (200 ug/m3-1hr, Governor Decree of DKI Jakarta no 551/2001) was exceeded
several times at all the locations.
Average Weekly Diurnal Concentration of Ozone

(SA-DA-RA-EA in Jakarta, wet season- 2003)
140.0
120.0
Concentration (ug/m3)
100.0
O3-W(SA)
80.0 O3-W(DA)
60.0 O3-W(RA)
O3-W(EA)
40.0
20.0
0.0
0 48 96 144 192 240 288 336
time (30 minutes)
Figure 3. Weekly variations of average O3 concentrations during wet season in 2003
Average Weekly Diurnal Concentration of Ozone

(SA-DA-RA-EA in Jakarta, dry
season- 2003)
200.0
180.0
Concentration (ug/m3)
160.0
140.0 O3-D(SA)
120.0 O3-D(DA)
100.0
O3-D(RA)
80.0
60.0 O3-D(EA)
40.0
20.0
0.0
0 48 96 144 192 240 288 336
time (30 minutes)
Figure 4. Weekly variations of average O3 concentrations during dry season in 2003
3.3. Observed causal interaction among pollutants

In order to enhance understanding of the surface O3 behavior in Jakarta, it is necessary to
examine the relationships among O3 precursors and meteorological factors. Figure 5 shows
the relationship between NO and O3 at the Roadside Station., A logarithmic relationship is
observed between O3 concentration and NO concentration as indicated in solid lines. The
highest R2 0.1319 is obtained for weekday-wet season. O3 formation is solar radiation (SR)
dependent. Figure 6 shows the relationships between O3 and SR that are linear at three
different areas. The highest R2 value is found for weekday-dry season. Some observed
relationships between O3-NO, NO2-NO and O3-SR might be derived from the reactions (1) ~
(3) as mentioned earlier in the paper and follow the basic photochemical cycle of NO, NO2,
CO, O3 and SR (Seinfeld & Pandis). These observations are helpful to develop and
understand the structure of surface O3 model for urban roadside in Jakarta city.
Relationship between NO-O3 (Weekdays)

350
y(weekdays-wet) = -11.072Ln(x) + 95.163
300 R2 = 0.1319
250
O3 (ug/m3)
200
150
100
50
0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450
NO (ug/m3)
Weekdays-Dry Weekdays-Wet Log. (Weekdays-Wet)
(a) Relationships between O3 – NO for Weekday Situations
Relationship between NO-O3 (Weekend)

300
y (weekend-dry)= -5.5458Ln(x) + 63.931

250 R2 = 0.0833
y (weekend-wet)= -6.6501Ln(x) + 85.77

200 R2 = 0.0908
O3 (ug/m3)
150
100
50
0
0 50 100 150 200 250
NO (ug/m3)
weekend-dry weekend-wet Log. (weekend-dry) Log. (weekend-wet)
(b) Relationships between O3 – NO for Weekend Situations
Figure 5. Relationships between O3 – NO at roadside station in 2003

Relationship between Solar radiation -O3 (Weekdays)

350
y(weekdays-dry) = 0.137x + 37.907
2
R = 0.5775
300
y(weekdays-wet) = 0.1505x + 50.736
2
R = 0.5084
250
O3 (ug/m3)
200
150
100
50
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
2
Solar Radiation (watt/m )
Weekdays-Dry Weekdays-Wet Linear (Weekdays-Dry) Linear (Weekdays-Wet)
(a) Relationships between O3 – SR for Weekday Situations
Relationship between Solar radiation -O3 (Weekend)

300
y(weekend-dry) = 0.1189x + 37.615
2
R = 0.4616
250
y(weekend-wet) = 0.1392x + 54.379
2
R = 0.4378
200
O3 (ug/m3)
150
100
50
0
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000
Solar Radiation (watt/m2)
weekend-dry weekend-wet Linear (weekend-wet) Linear (weekend-dry)
(b) Relationships between O3 – SR for Weekend Situations

Figure 6. Relationships between O3 – SR at roadside station in 2003
4. Result and discussion

This section discuss about estimation results for several issues mentioned in above. It is
organized as follows. First part discuss about spatial and temporal analysis by multilevel
approach and secondly spatial and temporal analysis of causal interaction among factors in
urban ambient air pollution. In the first part, there are two main topics to be analyzed which
are (a) daily event of peak concentration of ozone, when it happened and (b) analysis of
daily average ozone concentration. In the second part, spatial and temporal analysis was
done by using the proposed structural equation model.
4.1. Spatial and temporal analysis by multilevel approach

4.1.1. Spatial and temporal variation of Events of Daily Peak Concentration of ozone
The dependent variable, time of daily peak concentration of surface ozone is expressed in
minute counted from midnight as zero. First, the Null model is estimated for intercept (location)
only and the result is presented in Table 4. Estimation result show only small variation (1.7%) of
event of daily peak concentration due to different location in Jakarta city. Next step, it is
necessary to examine how much of unobserved variance of random component can be
explained by observed information. We use half model (spatial and temporal information) and
full model (spatial, temporal and systematic day-to-day variation) to examine unobserved
variance. Both two models show zero random component of inter-monitoring which means
there is no variation among locations. The selected variable of observed information
successfully explained all unobserved variance of random component (1.7%) of the Null model.
Comparing the Null, Half and Full models as shown in table 4, we could conclude that variation
of event when peak concentration of ozone happened mostly caused by locations. The dummy
variable of Sub-urban and Urban-fringe show the event of peak concentration ozone in Sub-
urban and Urban Fringe usually 38 and 40 minutes later than Central Business District (urban
core/central Jakarta) around 688 minutes from midnight or 11:28 am. The temporal variations
are insignificant in all temporal variables which are long-term (annual), seasonal and weekly
(day-to-day variation). Looking at systematically day-to-day variation, by using event peak on
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as the references, we could see there are insignificant
different among other days. This result support the findings for O3 concentration variation
seems in agreement with the Hubbard & Cobourn (1998) finding that indicates that unlike
primary pollutants, the O3 concentration does not show obvious weekly cycles.
4.1.2. Spatial and temporal variation of Daily Average Concentration of ozone

The dependent variable, daily average concentration of surface ozone is expressed in ug/m3
as also measured by automatic ambient air monitoring stations. First, the Null model is
estimated for intercept (location) only and the result is presented in Table 5. Estimation
result shows variation around 22.6% due to different specific characteristic among
monitoring station which contribute to the variation of daily average concentration. The rest
parts are due to variations inside the boundary nearby stations which influence on ambient
air pollution measured at the stations. Next step, it is necessary to examine how much of
unobserved variance of random component can be explained by observed information. We
use half model (spatial and temporal information) and full model (spatial, temporal and
interaction with other pollutants in ambient air) to examine unobserved variance. In the Half
model we could found there is no significant different among location (spatial impact). The
estimation results of dummy variable Sub-urban and Urban fringe are insignificant. As for
temporal aspect, long-term aspect (annual impact) shows positive and significant which
mean daily average concentration of ozone increase year by year significantly. It shows
consistent result (positive and significant) in the Full model. In the full model, we also found
the positive significant impact of dummy variable wet season on surface ozone
concentration.
No Description Null Model Half model: Full Model:

Spatial & With
Temporal systematic day-
to-day
I Fixed Part
A Intercept (Location) 706.243(84.95) 688.521(112.17) 687.298(104.22)
B Spatial
1 Sub-Urban (Dummy) 38.111(6.47) 38.147(6.48)
2 Urban Fringe(Dummy) 40.553(6.34) 40.614(6.35)
C Temporal
1 Long-term (Year) -3.013(-1.28) -3.007(-1.28)
2 Seasonal -7.862(-1.55) -7.894(-1.56)
(Dummy wet season)
3 Weekly 0.580(0.100)
Weekend (Dummy)
D Systematic day-to-day
variation
1 Monday -6.660(-0.86)
2 Friday 12.450(1.62)
3 Saturday -6.644(-0.86)
4 Sunday 10.316(1.33)
II Random Part
σe2 (Within monitoring) 21527.55 21518 21489
σμ02(Inter-monitoring) 374.16 0 0
III Model Performance
AIC 43456 16060 14499
BIC 43474 16104 14570
-2*Log likelihood 43450 43406 43382
Degree of freedom 3 8 11
No of Samples 3390 3390 3390
Note: ( )  t-statistic
Table 4. Model of Daily Event of Peak Concentration of Ozone (Peak O3)

Looking at Full model, the model performance is increase based on some indicators such as
AIC, BIC and log likelihood estimation. The inter-monitoring location` variances also
decrease from 22.5 % (Null model) to 8.2% in the Full model and selected observed variables
show meaningful information to explain unobserved variance properties. Instead of spatial
and temporal variables, the interaction effect of pollutants on surface ozone is also
significant. By using Full model, we successfully explore the significant impact of ozone
precursors (NO2 and NO) and PM10. We leave other two parameters (SO2 and CO) since the
estimation results show insignificant effects of these two parameters on daily average
concentration of ozone. Daily average concentration of PM10 slightly increase ozone
concentration while in contrast, NO2 will decrease ozone concentration. The ratio between
NO and NO2 is crucial factor since it give a negative and significant impact on ozone. This
result leads to policy maker to manage the ratio NO and NO2 to decrease ozone
concentration in urban area. Finally, we also found accumulation impact on surface ozone
concentration. By using dummy variable of prior day concentration (t-1), this dummy
variable significantly shows a positive sign which mean today`s average concentration of
ozone is significantly affected by yesterday` concentration, a time series dependent
concentration phenomena. We leave systematic day-to-day variation in Half and Full model
since this variables are insignificant. This result also support the findings for O3
concentration variation seems in agreement with the Hubbard & Cobourn (1998) finding
that indicates that unlike primary pollutants, the O3 concentration does not show obvious
weekly cycles. We can preliminary conclude that there is no ozone weekend effect
phenomena in Jakarta city.
4.2. Spatial analysis on causal interaction by structural equation model

4.2.1. Spatial analysis
The model for the Sub-urban west (SUW) shows the highest GFI (AGFI) value of 0.787
(0.629), followed by that for the RA with the value of GFI (AGFI) 0.770 (0.600). The model
for the CA has the lowest GFI (AGFI) of 0.731 (0.533). Peton (2000) highlights that
environmental data usually have some measurement and sampling errors. These errors may
due to the disordered operation of measurement equipments, some missing observations,
and some very small observed data that fluctuated around the detection limit of monitoring
equipments and also sometimes irrelevant measurements. Thus, this kind of measurement
issues might influence model performance. Indeed, the calculated GFI and AGFI values for
this model imply that the model is statistically acceptable. Among the three models, the sub-
urban model performance is the best.
For all of the structural equation models and measurement models, it is found that all the
parameters are statistically significant at the 1% or 5% level. This finding indicate the
validity of the postulated model structure in this case study. The log-transformed variable
LN_NO is also statistically a meaningful parameter. All the signs of the estimated
parameters are intuitive and consistent with expectations. It can be imagined that positive
parameter indicating the influence of “Primary Pollutants” on “Photochemical” might be
also logical, considering that at the SUW, other than the pollutants from mobile sources,
stationary sources (e.g., household and industrial emissions) also contribute to the air
pollutants. Indeed, this findings need to be further explored when the data is available.
No Description Null Model Half model: Full Model:

Spatial & With
Temporal pollutants
interactions
I Fixed Part
A Intercept (Location) 50.125(10.12) 42.627(3.848) 8.722(1.97)
B Spatial
1 Sub-Urban (Dummy) -13.255(-0.992) -4.513(-0.96)
2 Urban Fringe(Dummy) -18.743(-1.401) -6.873(-1.45)
C Temporal
1 Long-term (Year) 9.383(12.333) 3.410(6.27)
2 Seasonal -1.370(-1.472) 2.186(3.32)
(Dummy wet season)
3 Weekly 1.077(1.054) 0.909(1.370)
Weekend (Dummy)
D Interaction with other
pollutants
1 PM10 0.129(9.68)
2 NO2 -0.056(-2.76)
3 NO 0.050(1.50)
E Atmospheric Condition
Ratio NO/NO2 -2.046 (-4.02)
F Accumulation Impacts
Prior day concentration 0.669 (40.88)
II Random Part
σe2 (Within monitoring) 416.43 384.38 160.559
σμ02(Inter-monitoring) 121.47 118.34 14.333
III Model Performance
AIC 16060 16060 14499
BIC 16104 16104 14570
-2*Log likelihood 16213 16044 14473
Degree of freedom 3 8 13
No of Samples 1826 1826 1826
Note: ( )  t-statistic
Table 5. Model of Daily Average Concentration of Ozone (O3)

The latent variable “Photochemical” consistently receives the largest influence from the
latent variable “Meteorology” at all the locations (see Table 6). This is consistent with the
scientific evidences about photochemical reactions as described earlier in this chapter. O3 is
the secondary pollutant, which is chemically transformed from the primary pollutants and
the dominant driving forces for such chemical transformation are meteorological factors.
Among the meteorological factors, humidity has a negative effect on “Photochemical” in
contrast to solar radiation and temperature, which have positive effects. It is also found that
parameter of wind speed has a negative value and parameter of wind direction (i.e., degree
from the north) is positive. Since wind speed is usually slow, and major wind comes from
the north direction in Jakarta City, wind speed and direction works in the same way to
increase the O3 production. Primary pollutants, on the one hand, produce the O3, but on the
other, they cause O3 destruction too. The latent variable “Wind” shows the second largest
influence on the “Photochemical”, followed by the latent variable “Primary Pollutants”.
“Primary Pollutants” shows positive influence on the “Photochemical” at the SUW, but
negative at CA & RA because major precursors of O3 are NO, NO2 and CO, the increase in
“Primary Pollutants” usually results in the reduction of O3 production. Accordingly,
negative influence at city center (CA & RA) is intuitive. On the other hand, the higher
loading of PM10, then lower loading of major precursors NO, NO2 and CO at SUW. To verify
the influence of PM10 on major precursors NO, NO2 and CO, we also tried to incorporate
such influence in the model structure, but we failed to get reasonable estimation results.
Then it is difficult to clarify the reason why the influence of “Primary Pollutants” on the
“Photochemical” is positive at the SUW. However, because of the negative interaction
between PM10 and major precursors NO, NO2 and CO, it seems that the influence of
“Primary Pollutants” on the “Photochemical” is also dependent on the relative magnitude of
each pollutant. This should be further explored in the future.
Concerning the interactions among the “Meteorology”, “Wind” and “Primary

Pollutants”, it is found that “Meteorology” negatively affects “Primary Pollutants” at all
the locations, “Wind” has positive influence on “Primary Pollutants” at the SUW and the
RA, but negative at the CA. Looking at the total effects as shown in Table 7, one can see
that at the SUW and the RA, influence of “Meteorology” on “Photochemical” is clearly
larger than “Wind”, however, “Meteorology” and “Wind” have almost equal influence at
the CA.
4.2.2. Temporal analysis

Observing the model accuracy indices (i.e., GFI and AGFI), the model for weekdays-wet
season shows the highest GFI (AGFI) value 0.845 (0.724), followed by the model for
weekend-wet season with the value of GFI (AGFI) 0.822 (0.683) and than followed by the
model for weekdays-dry season with the value of GFI (AGFI) 0.783 (0.612). The model for
weekend-dry season has the lowest GFI (AGFI) 0.775 (0.599). Despite the possible
measurement and sampling errors, the GFI and AGFI values indicate the model is
statistically acceptable. Among all models, the model accuracy for the weekday-wet season
is the best.
Weekdays - Dry Season

Covariances Sub-Urban (SUW) CBD (CA) Roadside (RA)
Primary (ή2) <--- Met (ξ1)  21 -0.017 -0.142 *** -0.080 ***
Primary (ή2) <--- Wind (ή1)  21 0.547 *** -0.072 *** 0.180 ***
Photochem (ή3) <--- Wind (ή1)  31 0.420 **** 0.683 *** 0.156 ***
Photochem (ή3) <--- Met (ξ1)  31 0.816 **** 0.759 *** 0.743 ***
Photochem (ή3) <--- Primary (ή2)  32 0.109 *** -0.040 ** -0.142 ***
SR (X1) <--- Met (ξ1)  (x)11 0.685 *** 0.796 *** 0.793 ***
T (X2) <--- Met (ξ1)  (x)12 0.972 *** 0.969 *** 0.980 ***
RH (X3) <--- Met (ξ1)  (x)13 -0.967 *** -0.930 *** -0.952 ***
WD (Y1) <--- Wind (ή1)  (y)11 0.664 *** 0.494 *** 0.995 ***
WS (Y2) <--- Wind (ή1)  (y)12 -0.977 *** -0.672 *** 0.617 ***
LN NO (Y4) <--- Primary (ή2)  (y)24 0.548 *** 0.525 *** 0.719 ***
NO2 (Y5) <--- Primary (ή2)  (y)25 0.688 *** 0.659 *** 0.684 ***
CO (Y6) <--- Primary (ή2)  (y)26 0.790 *** 0.831 *** 0.944 ***
SO2 (Y7) <--- Primary (ή2)  (y)27 0.210 *** 0.311 *** 0.368 ***
PM10 (Y8) <--- Primary (ή2)  (y)28 0.777 *** 0.469 *** 0.449 ***
O3 (Y3) <--- Photochem (ή3)  (y)33 0.795 *** 0.879 *** 0.979 ***
(y)
LN NO (Y4) <--- Photochem(ή3)  34 -0.660 *** -0.642 *** -0.231 ***
GFI 0.787 0.731 0.770
AGFI 0.629 0.533 0.600
df 37 37 37
Sample Size 1916 3179 2145
Notes : *** Significant at 1 %; ** Significant at 5%
Table 6. Estimation Results of Spatial Analysis (comparison among locations)
Dry Season
Components Sub-Urban (West Jakarta-SUW) CBD (Central-CA) Roadside (JAM/Mobile-RA)
Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3) Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3) Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3)
Primary (ή2) -0.017 0.547 0.000 0.000 -0.142 -0.072 0.000 0.000 -0.080 0.180 0.000 0.000
Photochem (ή3) 0.814 0.480 0.109 0.000 0.765 0.686 -0.040 0.000 0.754 0.131 -0.142 0.000
O3 (Y3) 0.647 0.382 0.086 0.795 0.673 0.603 -0.035 0.879 0.738 0.128 -0.139 0.979
PM10 (Y8) -0.013 0.425 0.777 0.000 -0.066 -0.034 0.469 0.000 -0.036 0.081 0.449 0.000
SO2 (Y7) -0.003 0.115 0.210 0.000 -0.044 -0.022 0.311 0.000 -0.029 0.066 0.368 0.000
LN NO (Y4) -0.547 -0.018 0.476 -0.660 -0.566 -0.478 0.550 -0.642 -0.232 0.099 0.752 -0.231
NO2 (Y5) -0.011 0.376 0.688 0.000 -0.093 -0.047 0.659 0.000 -0.055 0.123 0.684 0.000
CO (Y6) -0.013 0.432 0.790 0.000 -0.118 -0.060 0.831 0.000 -0.075 0.170 0.944 0.000
WS (Y2) 0.000 -0.977 0.000 0.000 0.000 -0.672 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.617 0.000 0.000
WD (Y1) 0.000 0.664 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.494 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.995 0.000 0.000
RH (X3) 0.685 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.796 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.793 0.000 0.000 0.000
T (X2) 0.972 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.969 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.980 0.000 0.000 0.000
SR (X1) -0.967 0.000 0.000 0.000 -0.930 0.000 0.000 0.000 -0.952 0.000 0.000 0.000
Table 7. Estimated Standardized Total Effects of spatial analysis
For all of the structural equation models and measurement models, it is found that all the
parameters are statistically significant at the 1% or 5% level. This findings indicate that the
the postulated model structure in this case study is valid. In addition, the log-transformed
variable NO (LN_NO) is also statistically a meaningful parameter. All the signs of the
estimated parameters are intuitive and consistent with expectations. It can be imagined that
positive parameter indicating the influence of “Primary Pollutants” on “Photochemical”
might be also logical, considering weather/meteorological situations, also contribute to the
reaction of air pollutants in roadside. Needless to say, this findings need to be further
explored when the data is available.
The latent variable “Photochemical consistently receives the largest effect from the latent
variable “Meteorological” at all the situations (see Table 8). This is consistent with the
scientific evidences about photochemical reactions as described earlier in this chapter. O3 is
the secondary pollutant which is chemically transformed from the primary pollutants and
the dominant driving forces for such chemical transformation are meteorological factors.
Among the meteorological factors, humidity has negative effect on “Photochemical”, in
contrast to solar radiation and temperature that have a positive effect. The signs of these
parameters seem in agreement with the photochemical process described earlier in this
chapter. It is also found that latent variable “Wind” has a negative value during wet season,
in contrast to a positive value during dry season, since the wind direction are on the
opposite direction seasonally. The wind comes from South East (57 %) and North West
(47.4%) during dry season and wet season, respectively.
The Roadside Station is located in the south part of the nearest pollutants source (Casablanca
Road) , we preliminary identify that during wet season the wind direction from North West
carry the “Primary Pollutants” more intensive than during in dry season. On the one hand,
primary pollutants produce the O3, but on the other hand also cause O3 destruction. The
latent variable “Wind” shows the second largest influence on the “Photochemical”, followed
by the latent variable “Primary Pollutants” during wet season. On the contrary, “Primary
Pollutants” shows the second largest influence on the “Photochemical”, followed by the
latent variable “Wind” during dry season period. The “Primary Pollutants” shows negative
influence on the “Photochemical” for weekday-dry, weekday-wet and weekend-dry season,
because major precursors of O3 are NO, NO2 and CO. The increase in “Primary Pollutants”
usually reduces O3 production. Accordingly, negative influences for weekday-wet,
weekdays-dry and weekend-dry season are intuitive. The “Primary Pollutants” shows
positive influence on the “Photochemical” for weekend-wet season, but not significant for all
confidence level (see Table 8). Therefore, the data for weekend-wet season in particular
should be further explored to explain the positive value. The load of CO is the highest among
other pollutants SO2, NO, NO2 and CO for all situations. The influence of CO has been
incorporated into the model structure to verify its effect to the model especially for weekend-
wet season, but all the estimation results are below the reasonable confidence level, despite
the fact that .the emission source (road) is relatively close to the monitoring station. The
influence of meteorological factors seems more dominant than primary pollutants. Indeed,
this should be further explored in the future.
Concerning the interactions among the “Meteorological”, “Wind” and “Primary Pollutants”,
it is found that “Meteorological” and “Wind” positively affects “Primary Pollutants” for all
data sets. The influence of “Meteorological” on “Photochemical” is obviously larger than the
“Wind” and “Primary Pollutants” for all situations as depicted in Table 9 and 10.
Weekdays Weekend
Estimated Free Structural Parameter Dry season Wet Season Dry Season Wet season
Wind (ή1) <--- Met (ξ1)  11 -0.156 *** 0.679 *** -0.237 *** -0.129
Primary (ή2) <--- Met (ξ1)  21 0.02 0.027 0.117 0.005
Primary (ή2) <--- Wind (ή1)  21 0.363 *** 0.479 0.305 *** 0.538 ***
Photochem (ή3) <--- Wind (ή1)  31 0.118 **** -0.315 *** 0.075 * -0.054
Photochem (ή3) <--- Met (ξ1)  31 0.769 **** 0.971 *** 0.777 *** 0.761 ***
Photochem (ή3) <--- Primary (ή2)  32 -0.17 **** -0.142 *** -0.163 *** 0.022
(x)
SR (X1) <--- Met (ξ1)  11 0.795 *** 0.724 *** 0.775 *** 0.796 ***
(x)
T (X2) <--- Met (ξ1)  12 0.975 *** 1 *** 0.978 *** 0.989 ***
(x)
RH (X3) <--- Met (ξ1)  13 -0.949 *** -0.95 *** -0.963 *** -0.958 ***
(y)
WD (Y1) <--- Wind (ή1)  11 0.979 *** 0.441 *** 0.724 *** 0.453 ***
(y)
WS (Y2) <--- Wind (ή1)  12 0.473 *** 0.855 *** 0.525 *** 0.383 ***
(y)
LN NO (Y4) <--- Primary (ή2)  24 0.742 *** 0.551 *** 0.629 *** 0.525 ***
(y)
NO2 (Y5) <--- Primary (ή2)  25 0.737 *** 0.786 *** 0.711 *** 0.94 ***
(y)
CO (Y6) <--- Primary (ή2)  26 0.91 *** 0.936 *** 0.991 *** 0.962 ***
(y)
SO2 (Y7) <--- Primary (ή2)  27 0.206 *** 0.673 *** 0.239 *** 0.329 ***
(y)
PM10 (Y8) <--- Primary (ή2)  28 0.411 *** 0.512 *** 0.4 *** 0.563 ***
(y)
O3 (Y3) <--- Photochem (ή3)  33 0.962 *** 0.946 *** 0.967 *** 0.93 ***
(y)
LN NO (Y4) <--- Photochem(ή3)  34 -0.254 *** -0.408 *** -0.243 *** -0.317 ***
Goodness-of-fit index (GFI) 0.783 0.845 0.775 0.822
Adjusted Goodness-of-fit Index (AGFI) 0.612 0.724 0.599 0.683
df 37 37 37 37
Estimation Method : Maximum Likelihood
Notes : *** Significant at 1 % ; * significant at 10%
Table 8. Estimation Results of Temporal Variations at Roadside of Jakarta City
Weekdays
Variables Dry Season Wet Season
Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3) Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3)
Wind (ή1) -0.156 0 0 0 0.679 0 0 0
Primary (ή2) -0.037 0.363 0 0 0.352 0.479 0 0
Photochem (ή3) 0.757 0.056 -0.17 0 0.708 -0.383 -0.142 0
O3 (Y3) 0.728 0.054 -0.164 0.962 0.669 -0.362 -0.135 0.946
PM10 (Y8) -0.015 0.149 0.411 0 0.18 0.245 0.512 0
SO2 (Y7) -0.008 0.075 0.206 0 0.237 0.322 0.673 0
LN NO (Y4) -0.219 0.255 0.786 -0.254 -0.095 0.42 0.609 -0.408
NO2 (Y5) -0.027 0.268 0.737 0 0.277 0.376 0.786 0
CO (Y6) -0.033 0.33 0.91 0 0.33 0.448 0.936 0
WS (Y2) -0.074 0.473 0 0 0.58 0.855 0 0
WD (Y1) -0.152 0.979 0 0 0.3 0.441 0 0
RH (X3) -0.949 0 0 0 -0.95 0 0 0
T (X2) 0.975 0 0 0 1 0 0 0
SR (X1) 0.795 0 0 0 0.724 0 0 0
Table 9. Estimated standardized total effects of surface O3 model for Jakarta City (weekday)
Weekend
Variables Dry Season Wet Season
Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3) Met (ξ1) Wind (ή1) Primary (ή2) Photochem (ή3)
Wind (ή1) -0.237 0 0 0 -0.129 0 0 0
Primary (ή2) 0.045 0.305 0 0 -0.065 0.538 0 0
Photochem (ή3) 0.752 0.026 -0.163 0 0.766 -0.042 0.022 0
O3 (Y3) 0.727 0.025 -0.158 0.967 0.713 -0.039 0.021 0.93
PM10 (Y8) 0.018 0.122 0.4 0 -0.036 0.303 0.563 0
SO2 (Y7) 0.011 0.073 0.239 0 -0.021 0.177 0.329 0
LN NO (Y4) -0.154 0.186 0.668 -0.243 -0.277 0.296 0.518 -0.317
NO2 (Y5) 0.032 0.217 0.711 0 -0.061 0.506 0.94 0
CO (Y6) 0.044 0.303 0.991 0 -0.062 0.518 0.962 0
WS (Y2) -0.124 0.525 0 0 -0.05 0.383 0 0
WD (Y1) -0.171 0.724 0 0 -0.059 0.453 0 0
RH (X3) -0.963 0 0 0 -0.958 0 0 0
T (X2) 0.978 0 0 0 0.989 0 0 0
SR (X1) 0.775 0 0 0 0.796 0 0 0
Table 10. Estimated standardized total effects of surface O3 model for Jakarta City (weekend)
5. Conclusion
Surface ozone is potentially high in Jakarta, serious problem and getting worse every year.
In this paper, a spatial and temporal analysis of surface ozone related issues were done by
two major approach multilevel analysis and structural equation model. A spatial and
temporal analysis was conducted by using time series data, which were collected at the
existing air quality monitoring stations in Jakarta city from 2001 to 2003.
This paper first applied a multilevel analysis to examine the variation properties affect on
event of daily peak ozone concentration. Secondly, we analyze variations properties on
daily average surface ozone concentration by introducing observed information related to
spatial aspect and temporal aspect. The year of measurement, seasonal and weekly variables
were selected to represent long-term, medium/seasonal-term and day-to-day (short term)
variation of daily average ozone concentration. Finally, we established a structural equation
model, which can endogenously incorporate various cause-effect relationships and
interactions among meteorological factors, wind, and primary pollutants, which affect on a
half-hour concentration of surface ozone. The established model also incorporated non-
linear relationships existing in the observed variables. Using the data collected from the
above-mentioned fixed monitoring stations in Jakarta City, the effectiveness of the
established model is empirically confirmed. The best model for spatial analysis, that it has
the highest goodness-of-fit index, is the one for the suburban area. As for temporal analysis,
the model effectiveness was empirically tested using the air quality data from Roadside
Station in Central Jakarta. The best model indicated with the highest goodness-of-fit index,
was the one for the weekdays during wet season.
The event of daily peak ozone concentration is singular and usually occurred at 11.28 am in
central business district of Jakarta city. These events will be slightly late at sub-urban
monitoring stations and urban fringe around 38 to 40 minutes later than central Jakarta. The
events of daily peak concentration of ozone are almost stable in all measurement period. We
couldn`t found variations among year of measurement, among dry and wet seasonal
variations and also among days in a week. In contrast, by using daily average concentration
we couldn`t find significant impact of location which mean location properties are minor
factor on daily average concentration of surface ozone occurs in Jakarta city. The main
factors affects on daily average concentration are temporal aspects and the presence of other
pollutants. The medium and long-term variations are significantly increase ozone
concentration. In contrast, short-term (day-to-day) variation is insignificant. This analysis
shows the tendency of daily average surface ozone concentration in Jakarta city are increase
year by year and getting worse. The expected washing phenomena caused by rain are
smaller than the emission increase due to traffic jam or chaotic traffic situation on the rainy
situation in Jakarta city. As results, daily average concentration of surface ozone
concentration measured at wet season is slightly high than dry season. The influence of
precursor pollutants on surface ozone concentration shows the logical reason and
accumulation process of daily average surface ozone concentration was exist in the urban
ozone atmospheric conditions.
The establishment of causal interaction in urban ozone atmospheric condition was
successfully captured by proposed structural equations model. The proposed structural
equation model also examine by empirical data for very short term concentration of ozone
in Jakarta city. The structural equation model incorporates various cause-effect relationships
and interactions among meteorological variables, wind, and primary pollutants, which
affect the surface O3. The model also incorporated the existing non-linear relationships in
the observed variables. The model effectiveness was empirically tested and the best model
was defined for the one that has the highest goodness-of-fit index, which was the one for the
suburban area and weekdays-wet season` model. In micro urban environment studies, all
models used in this study showed that meteorological variables consistently had the largest
influence on photochemical, followed by the wind conditions and lastly the primary
pollutants. Among the meteorological variables, relative humidity had a negative influence
while solar radiation and temperature had positive influences. The model estimations
demonstrated that the influence of meteorological factors on photochemical was definitely
larger than the wind conditions at all situations.
Primary pollutants had a negative influence for all temporal situations in roadside area
except for the weekend during wet season. It seems that PM10 behaved quite differently
compared to the other primary pollutants at the suburban area and city center, i.e. the
higher the PM10 load, the lower the major precursors NO, NO2 and CO loads. On the
roadside area in the city center, It is found that CO concentration was the highest among the
other primary pollutants for all situations. In addition, the higher the CO load, the lower the
other major precursors (NO and NO2) loads.
Further study should be carried out to combine both spatial and temporal issues and
causal interaction among factors on surface ozone concentration at urban areas. A study
based on multilevel structural equation model should be conducted to solve these issues.
This understanding can assist the policy maker in the developing O3 pollution control
strategies.
Author details
Transportation Engineering Laboratory, Graduate School for International Development and
Cooperation, Hiroshima University, Japan,
Kagamiyama, Higashi Hiroshima, Japan
Acknowledgement
This research is partially supported by Global Environmental Leadership Program at
Graduate School of International Development and Cooperation, Hiroshima University,
Japan.
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Section 3
Air Pollution Management and Prediction

Chapter 9
Non-Thermal Plasma Technic

for Air Pollution Control
Takao Matsumoto, Douyan Wang, Takao Namihira and Hidenori Akiyama
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50419
1. Introduction
The air pollutions from combustion flue gas and industrial gases became worse and cause
the environmental problem. It is difficult for the conventional methods such as selective
catalytic reduction method and lime-gypsum method to treat exhaust gases energy
efficiently and inexpensively. Its energy efficiency and its initial and running costs are still
in negative situation for the backward nations. In recent years, the pollution control
techniques using non-thermal plasmas have been widely studied because it is one of the
promising technologies for pollution control with higher energy efficiency [1]-[7]. The non-
thermal plasma could treat multiple toxic molecules simultaneously, and it can be applied to
locations where the conventional catalyst methods are difficult to use. In this chapter, a
principle of air pollution control by non-thermal plasma, various methods of non-thermal
plasma formation and those current situations are introduced.
2. Non-thermal plasma
Plasma, also referred to as “ionized gas” is mixed state of atoms, molecules, ions, electrons
and radicals. Plasma has two general states: equilibrium and non-equilibrium. The
equilibrium state indicates the temperatures of electrons, ions and neutrals become almost
equal, and the background gas is heated from a few thousands to more than ten thousands
Kelvin degrees. Because of this, the plasma getting equilibrium state is called as “thermal
plasma”. On the other hand, the non-equilibrium state means that the temperatures of
electrons, ions and neutrals are quite different, and in general the electron temperature is
substantially higher than other particles. Therefore, the rise of background gas temperature
is quite low in non-equilibrium state and the plasma being non-equilibrium state is called as
“non-thermal plasma”. Figure 1 shows a typical example of non-thermal plasma [8]. This
figure shows the background gas temperature of non-thermal plasma is enough low to
© 2012 Matsumoto et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
touch by a finger. In the non-thermal plasma, the majority of the discharge energy goes into
the production of energetic electrons, rather than ion and neutron heating. The energy in the
plasma is thus consumed preferentially to the electron impact dissociation and ionization of
the background gas for production of radicals that, in turn, decompose the toxic molecules.
In short, non-thermal plasma can remove toxic molecules near room temperature without
consuming a lot of energy in background gas heating.
For low pressure plasma process such as semiconductor production, the non-equilibrium
plasma which is often named “cold plasma” is typically used. Prof. Oda [9] defined that
non-thermal plasma is high pressure (typically 1 atmospheric pressure) non-equilibrium
plasma. Compared with that cold plasma, the electron temperature and ionization rate are
quite lower in non-thermal plasma. Typically, the electron temperature of cold plasma is
tens of eV. Meanwhile, in atmospheric pressure, the electron temperature is generally 1 to
10eV and ionization rate is around 0.1%. However, it is important for gas processing in
atmospheric pressure because electron and molecular density is overwhelmingly high in
comparison to low pressure condition. If the gas processing is done in low pressure
condition, the absolute molecule quantity is low. That is, large amount of energetic electron
having more than dissociation energy of objective molecules are need in order to generate
more radicals and decompose more toxic molecules. Later on, the required value of electron
energy for air pollution control is approximately 10eV.
Figure 1. Typical example of non-thermal plasma demonstration [8].
3. Formation methods of non-thermal plasma

Non-thermal plasmas for removal of hazardous pollutants have been produced by an
electron beam method and various electrical discharge methods.
Non-Thermal Plasma Technic for Air Pollution Control 217
3.1. Electron beam

The electron beam irradiation is one of non-thermal plasma formation method. Figure 2
shows schematic representation of electron beam source. In an electron beam method, the
electrons are accelerated by high voltage in the vacuum region before being injected into a
gas-processing chamber thorough a thin foil window. The energy of electron beam is
directly used for dissociation and ionization the background gas. During the ionization by
the beam, a shower of ionization electrons is generated, which further produce a large
volume of plasma that can be used to initiate the removal of various types of pollutant
molecules such as NOx, SOx and VOCs. This exhaust gas treatment technic by an electron
beam has a 40 year-old history previously and a lot of pilot plants for air pollution control
have been running today [10]-[18].
In particular, an Electron Beam Dry Scrubbing (EBDS) system has been mainly studied at
present. Figure 3 shows that the typical principle of EBDS. It is a dry process and does not
require an expensive catalyst for NOx removal. In this process, at first, many oxidative
radicals such as O, OH and HO2 were produced by electron beam irradiation into O2 and
H2O in exhaust gas. Following that, NOx and SOx are oxidized by these radicals to HNO3
and H2SO4. Finally, HNO3 and H2SO4 were converted to ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) and
ammonium sulfate (NH4)2SO4 by added ammonia (NH3) into the treated combustion flue
gas. These byproducts are collected by the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) and shipped to
outside, because NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4 can be used to make fertilizer. Here it should be
noted that a part of NO is reduced to N2 by N radical which produced by electron beam
irradiation. This EBDS system has applicability to a high concentration sulfur-containing
coal-fired boiler and a treatment of solid waste. In either case, EBDS could treat NOx and
SO2 in high efficiency. According to the literatures [19], over 95% of SO2 and over 80% of
NOx were removed simultaneously when the flue gas of sulfur-containing (at least 2.5%)
coal-fired boiler was used as simulate gas.
Figure 2. Schematic representation of electron beam source.

The potential of using an electron beam for removal of post combustion toxic gases (NOx,
SO2) was recognized in the early 1970s by the Ebara Corporation (Japan) [20]. Following
successful initial batch tests of the Ebara plant, various tests on small pilot plants have been
conducted in the Canada [16], Korea [21], Poland [22], and Japan [23], etc. The tests
performed in these installations proved that a significant amount of NOx (and SO2)
exhausted from power plants, municipal-waste incinerators, and combustion boilers, etc.,
could be efficiency removed. In addition, A.G. Ignat’ev [24], B.M. Penetrante [25] and Y.
Nakagawa [26] have indicated that using a pulsed electron beam improves the energy
efficiency for exhaust gas treatment instead of using a DC electron beam. However, the
electron beam methods hasn’t put into practical use yet due to the high capital cost of
accelerators, X-ray hazard and the unavoidable large energy loss caused by vacuum
interface.
Figure 3. Principle of combustion flue gas treatment by electron beam.
3.2. Electrical discharge

In contrast to the electron beam which produce non-thermal plasma by supplying energetic
electrons to objective gas, electrical discharge methods which led objective gas into plasma
directly and generate energetic electron and radicals. Electrical discharges could produce
non-thermal plasma in atmospheric pressure gases by various power supply such as direct
current (DC), alternating current (AC), or pulse power sources. Among them, the dielectric
barrier discharge (DBD) method using AC high voltage source and pulsed power discharge
method have been developed particularly to this day. In this section, DBD and pulse power
discharge are introduced.
3.2.1. Dielectric Barrier Discharge

A schematic representation of typical DBD electrodes is shown in figure 4. The DBD is also
called as a silent discharge. In DBD reactor, AC high voltage which is typically 10 to 20 kV
and 50 Hz to 2 kHz are applied to electrodes, one or both of which are covered with a thin
dielectric layer, such as glass. The gap distance between electrodes is a few hundred of m
to several mm order. The barrier discharge is characterized by millions of small pulsed
micro discharge which occur repetitively in gas space. The current density of the micro
discharge is approximately 1 kA/cm2, the diameter is 0.1 mm and the pulse duration is 3ns.
Because of energetic electrons are generated in this micro discharge, various radicals and
ions are produced by the electron collision with gas molecules. These radicals defuse into
the barrier discharge space and react with background gas. As a result, ozone generation
and NOx or VOCs removal are realized.
Dielectric barrier discharge processing is very mature technology, first investigated in 1850’s
for the production of ozone. Ozone has some effects such as sterilization, deodorization, and
decolorization, because of its strong oxidization power, placing it second after fluorine.
Furthermore, ozone has no residual toxicity due to its spontaneous decomposition feature.
Therefore, ozone has already been put to practical use in water purification instead of
conventional sterilization by chlorine. Ozone has been used in Europe for water treatment
since early in the 20th century. Initial applications were to disinfect relatively clean spring or
well water, but they increasingly evolved to also oxidize contaminants common to surface
waters. Since 1950’s, ozonation has become the primary method to assure clean water in
Switzerland, West Germany and France. More recently, major fresh water and waste water
treatment facilities using ozone water treatment methods have been constructed throughout
the world. Additionally, new industrial applications of ozone such as wastewater treatment,
exhaust gas treatment, odor elimination and semiconductor manufacturing have been
studied recently [27-35]. However these new ozone applications demand high concentration
of ozone, it was become possible for DBD to produce high concentration (100 to 300 g/m3) of
ozone due to the improvement of dielectric materials and electrodes cooling function, and
development of ultra-short gap electrodes [27]-[35]. Figure 5 shows a schematic
representation of a cylindrical reactor which is modern shape of today’s ozonizer.
Consequently, the dielectric barrier method is most common way of ozone generation
today. In addition, DBD has been studied for flue gas cleaning and toxic gas decomposition.
In the literatures, removal of various toxic molecules such as NOx in diesel engine exhaust,
greenhouse gas and VOCs such as formaldehyde which causes a sick building syndrome,
have been demonstrated.
However, ozone generation by a dielectric barrier discharge is common way at today, it has
still some agendas for industrial applications. For example, need of external cooling system
for discharge electrodes and its sensitivity narrow gap separation take plenty operation
costs. In addition, the narrow gap is sensitive to grit, dust and vibration. Therefore, use of
this pollution control by ozone process is limited to a part of well-financed company or state
and public institutions. The improvement of energy efficiency for DBD system is strongly
demanded in order to spread the ozone processing moreover. In addition, NOx removal and
VOCs treatment using DBD is still in laboratory stage, because DBD could not treat those
toxic molecules completely and its energy efficiency is unfavorable at the present stage.
Figure 4. Schematic representation of dielectric barrier discharge electrode.
Figure 5. Schematic representation of cylindrical cooled reactor.
3.2.2. Pulse power discharge

Pulsed power discharges have been studied for many years since it is one of the promising
technologies for the removal of the hazardous environmental pollutants as well as electron
beam and dielectric barrier discharge. Typically, many researchers have reported that the
pulsed discharge performed DeNOx process more effectively comparison with direct
current (DC) corona discharge [3], [6, 7], [36]-[39]. Because the pulsed discharge is generated
by intermittent pulse voltage, it is difficult to transfer to an arc discharge. Therefore, pulsed
discharge is possible to apply an overvoltage between electrodes. Moreover, it is noted that
the rate of over voltage (applied voltage / DC breakdown voltage) is depend on the voltage
rise time and the pulse duration. In this way, since the pulse discharge could apply an
overvoltage, it is possible to generate large amount of energetic electrons which have over
10 eV in atmospheric plasma [7]. Generated high-energy electrons could easily dissociate a
nitrogen molecule (N2) which having 9.8 eV of comparatively-high dissociation energy in
gas. Therefore, generation of large amount of radicals that contributes to the gas processing
become possible, and effectiveness of pulsed discharge could be obtained.
Pulsed power is a technology that concentrates electrical energy and turns it into short
pulses of enormous power. Pulsed power technology had been studied for X-ray generation
and gaseous discharge from the beginning of twentieth century. At the time, a capacitor
discharge which is output from charged capacitor thorough discharge switch has been used
for pulsed power generation. Even now, this capacitor discharge method has been adopted
widely because this is most simple and low cost method. However, if the operating voltage
is critically high, the simple DC charge for the capacitor is impractical. To fix this problem,
the Marx circuit system where parallel charged capacitors are connected in series with spark
gap switches was invented. From the latter part of the twentieth century, the way of using a
pulse forming line (PFL) began to use widely as an intermediate devise of energy storage.
This is because, it is recognized that a discharge from a PFL which having constant
impedance could obtain more stable output than direct discharge from a capacitor.
Additionally, the output pulse duration is shortened by the introduction of PFL. With this,
the peak of available power is significantly increased. Furthermore, during the decades, the
development of high power semiconductor switch, magnetic core and etc. have allowed us
to manufacture the pulse power source having higher energy transfer efficiency. As a result,
the pulsed discharge has been recognized as one of the promised non-thermal plasma to
practical use in this day.
In addition, recently, it is reported by many researchers that a shorter-duration pulsed

power with higher voltage rise time gives significant improvement of energy efficiency of
pollutant gas treatment. In the pulsed discharge, the short duration pulse has an effect to
prevent the energy loss due to heating by terminating the voltage before the plasma phase
shift to thermal plasma. Additionally, it is reported that the faster rise time of applied
voltage provides more energetic electrons and a higher energy [7], [40]-[45]. From these
factors, it is considered that the development of a short pulse generator is of paramount
importance for practical applications. Consequently, pulse power sources for environmental
applications had been shifted from a simple condenser source which generates
microseconds of pulse power to a pulse forming line (PFL) source which can output sub-
microseconds of pulse duration in 1990’s. Furthermore, the nanoseconds pulse source has
been developed since 2000’s and the nanoseconds pulsed streamer discharge has shown
remarkable results in energy efficiencies of pollutant control [6, 7], [46]-[49].
Hereinafter, some differences of general pulsed discharge and the nanoseconds pulsed
streamer discharge will be introduced. At first, figure 6 shows images of light emissions
from conventional pulsed discharges as a function of time after initiation of the discharge
current [7]. The peak voltage was +72 kV with 100 ns of pulse duration and 50 ns of voltage
rise time. With regard to the coaxial discharge electrode, a rod electrode made of stainless
steel, 0.5 mm in diameter and 10 mm in length was placed concentrically in a copper
cylinder, 76 mm in diameter. The bright areas of the framing images show the position of
the streamer heads during the exposure time of 5 ns. In a rod-to-cylinder coaxial electrode,
the positive streamer discharge propagate straight in the radial direction from the coaxial
electrode because the interactions between the electric fields near the neighboring streamer
heads are the same at somewhere in the coaxial electrode geometry. The streamer heads are
associated with a higher density of ionization due to the high electric field therein, and
subsequently enhanced recombination, which is followed by increased light emission [7],
[40]-[45] (Fig.6). In conventional pulsed discharge, the emission at the vicinity of the rod
electrode is observed 10-15ns after pulsed voltage application. The streamer heads were
generated in the vicinity of the central electrode and then propagated toward the ground
cylinder electrode. After full development of the streamer heads between the electrodes, the
discharge phase transformed to a glow-like discharge with a large flow of current in the
plasma channel produced by the streamer propagation. Finally, the glow-like discharge
finished at the end of the applied pulsed voltage [7], [40]-[45] (Fig.6, Fig.7). Therefore, two
stages of the discharge can be clearly defined during the conventional pulsed discharge. The
first one is the ‘streamer discharge’, which means the phase of streamer heads propagation
between electrodes. The other is the ‘glow-like discharge’ that follows the streamer
discharge. Here it should be mentioned that in some publications, aforementioned two
discharge phases are collectively called as pulse corona discharge. Additionally, the track of
the streamer head which propagates from the central rod electrode to the outer cylinder
electrode is called as ‘primary streamer’, and the subsequent streamer head that started
from the central electrode at 30 ~ 35 ns (Fig.6, Fig.7) and disappeared at the middle of the
electrodes gap is called a ‘secondary streamer’.
By the way, as I mentioned in previous section, formation of ultimate non-thermal plasma

where only electron has energy is aspired in non-thermal plasma processing. However,
energy loss by background gas (ions and neutral molecules) heating starts when the
discharge phase shifts to glow-like as shown in figure 6 and 7. In figure 6 and 7, until 50ns,
you can see that the discharge is composed with only streamer phase which is a very high
level of non-thermal condition. Therefore, if we are able to use this phenomenon which
happened until 50 ns, we could become produce radicals in efficiency by using over 10 eV of
energetic electrons which are exist in streamer head without ions and neutron molecules
heating. Based on this idea, nanoseconds pulse generator has been developed by a lot of
researchers recently.
Framing images and streak image of the discharge phenomena caused by a nanoseconds
pulsed power generator (NS-PG) having a pulse duration of 5 ns and maximum applied
voltage of 100 kV was developed by Prof. Namihira et al. in early 2000s [6, 7], [46]-[49] are
Figure 6. Images of light emissions from positive pulsed streamer discharges as a function of time after
initiation of the discharge current.
Figure 7. Typical applied voltage and discharge current in the electrode gap, and streak image for the
generator with 100 ns of pulse duration. Applied voltage to electrode and discharge current through the
electrodes were measured using a voltage divider and a current transformer, respectively. The vertical
direction of the streak image corresponds to the position within the electrode gap. The bottom and top
ends of the streak image correspond to the central rod and the surface of the grounded cylinder,
respectively. The horizontal direction indicates time progression. The sweep time for one frame of
exposure was fixed at 200 ns.
shown in Fig. 8, respectively [7]. In case of nanoseconds pulsed streamer discharge, the
streamer heads were generated near the central rod electrode and then propagated toward
the grounded cylinder electrode in all radial direction of the coaxial electrode as is the case
in the conventional pulsed discharge shown in figure 6. The time duration of the streamer
discharge was within 6 ns. At around 5 ns, emission from a secondary streamer discharge
was observed in the vicinity of the central rod electrode. This is attributed to the strong
electric field at the rod. Finally, emission from the pulsed discharge disappeared at around
7ns, and the glow-like discharge phase was not observed. As a result, as can be seen in fig.
8(b), energy loss by background gas heating caused by glow-like phase is suppressed
extremely small comparison with 100ns pulsed discharge case (Fig. 7). The average
propagation velocity of the streamer heads reported as 6.1 ~ 7.0 mm/ns for a positive peak
applied voltage of 67 ~ 93 kV. The average velocity of the streamer heads slightly increased
at higher applied voltages. Since the propagation velocity of the streamer heads is 0.1 ~
1.2mm/ns for a 100 ns pulsed discharge, five times faster velocity is observed with the NS-
PG. These characteristics comparison of pulsed discharges is summarized in Table 1. The
streamer head always has the largest electric field in the electrode gap, and it is known
streamer heads with higher value electric fields have a faster propagation velocity [7].
Therefore, it is understood that the faster propagation velocity of the streamer head means
that the streamer head has more energetic electrons and higher energy. Consequently, the
electron energy generated by nanoseconds pulsed discharge is higher than that of a general
pulsed discharge. Here it should be mentioned that the voltage rise time (defined between
10 to 90%) was 25 ns for a 100 ns general pulsed discharge and 2.5 ns for the 5 ns
nanoseconds pulsed discharge. Therefore, the faster propagation velocity of streamer head
might be affected by the faster voltage rise time.
(a) Flaming images (b) Streak image

Figure 8. Framing and streak images of nanoseconds pulsed discharge in a coaxial electrode..
This nanoseconds pulsed power has demonstrated extremely high NO removal efficiency
and ozone yield [6, 7], [46], [49]. The performances of nanoseconds pulsed discharge is
summarized in Table 2. These energy efficiencies of nanoseconds pulsed power are highest
value in the recent literatures about pollution control by non-thermal plasma. For the future,
nanoseconds pulse power will be expected to verify its practical effectiveness by more
practical experiments.
Nanoseconds
General pulsed discharge
pulsed discharge
Voltage rise time 25ns 2.5ns
Voltage fall time 25ns 2.5ns
Pulse duration 100ns 5ns
Discharge phase Streamer Glow-like Streamer
Propagation
velocity 0.1~1.2mm/ns 6.1~7.0mm/ns
-
of streamer heads (10~60kV) (67~93kV)
(Vapplied-peak)
Electrode 5-17k 2k 0.3k
impedance (L=10mm) (L=10mm) (L=200mm)
Table 1. Characteristics comparison of pulsed discharges.
General pulsed Nanoseconds pulsed

discharge discharges
Pulse duration 50ns 5ns 2ns
Voltage rise time 25ns 2ns 1ns
Voltage fall time 25ns 2ns 1ns
NO removal efficiency
0.37 mol/kWh 0.52 mol/kWh 0.89 mol/kWh

Simulated gas: NO (200ppm)/N2
(at 60% of removal ratio)
Ozone yield
30 g/kWh 400 g/kWh 470 g/kWh

Feeding gas: Oxygen
[at 10g/m3 of O3 concentration]
Table 2. Gas treatment characteristics comparison of pulsed discharges.
4. Present situation of non-thermal plasma on practical use

As I've discussed, non-thermal plasma has been attracted attention as a new technology of
flue gas treatment for the next generation in recent years. Among the many air pollution
control of non-thermal plasma, NOx removal and VOCs treatment have been particularly
considered as a promising technology. Acid rain is partly produced by emissions of nitrogen
oxides such as nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) originating from fossil fuels
burning in thermal power stations, motor vehicles, and other industrial processes such as
steel production and chemical plants. Non-thermal plasmas for removal of NOx have been
produced using an electron beam, a dielectric barrier discharge, and a pulsed corona
discharge at various energy effectiveness. As explained in previous section, a lot of pilot
plant employing electron beam has been running. Also, various electrical discharge methods
have been evolved for practical use and some examples of pilot plant using discharge
methods is reported at present situation.
However, the energy efficiencies and its performances of air pollution control technique
using non-thermal plasma are still unfavorable regrettably. Therefore, a plasma-catalytic
hybrid system is currently employed in a practical sense. The complex of a non-thermal
plasma and catalyst can be utilized these characteristics of high responsiveness to persistent
substance of non-thermal plasma and high reaction selectivity of catalyst. Additionally,
there are many merits of the this hybrid system from the point of view of catalyst such as
reduction of precious metal catalyst use, regeneration effect of catalyst by plasma irradiation
and durability improvement of catalyst by inhibition of reaction temperature etc. [50]-[60].
This hybrid system is commonly combined in one of two ways. The first is the introduction
of a catalyst in the plasma discharge (in plasma catalysis, IPC), the second by placing the
catalyst after the discharge zone (post plasma catalysis, PPC). Figure 9 shows typical process
flow diagrams and description of main functions of IPC and PPC systems. In IPC system,
catalyst is activated by plasma exposure. IPC system is a method to improve reaction
efficiency and a reaction characteristic by plasma activation of catalyst. In fact, many
researchers have reported composite effects such as improvement of decomposition
efficiency and reduction of byproduct production by using IPC system. Moreover, it is well
known that the catalyst become activated by plasma irradiation in low-temperature region
where the catalyst doesn’t exhibit catalytic activity. A reactor utilizing these composite
effects is named as Plasma-Driven Catalysis (PDC) [58, 59]. For example, however it is
considered that the plasma methods have difficulty in treating NOx by reduction, the PDC
can run NOx removal by reduction process. In addition, the PDC have a stimulating effect
on VOCs decomposition and conversion of VOCs to favorable product of CO2.
The effect of IPC system differs depending on a combination of the electrical discharge
method and the type of catalyst. Therefore, it is considered that the combinatorial
optimization is important for IPS system. In addition, it is reported that the influence of
reaction field where the catalyst is placed is quite large. Typically, catalyst should be placed
on a location where the plasma density is higher in pulse corona discharge reactor or
dielectric barrier discharge reactor. Because, more radials and energetic electrons are exist in
there. A packed-bed reactor is a typical example of IPC system in common with PDC. A
typical schematic diagram and its appearance of packed-bed reactor are shown in figure 10.
In this type of reactor, surface discharge and DBD methods is generally adopted as shown in
figure 10. Additionally, catalyst or ferroelectric or both are employed as packing material
between electrodes. The reason why the ferroelectric is packed is extremely high energetic
electrons are produced near the contact points of ferroelectric pellets packed-in the plasma
reactor, because of a huge electric field generated near the contact points [53]. As explained
in the previous section, the energetic electrons are employed directly to dissociate and ionize
the pollutants as well as carrier gas molecules to produce various radicals to react with and
convert a part of pollutants. Fundamental characteristics of a dielectric barrier discharge
(DBD) in a ferro-electric packed bed reactor have been studied for the Barium Titanate
(BaTiO3) based spherical-shaped pellets for the specific dielectric constant from 660 to 104
from the viewpoint of reactor performance improvement [53]. The dielectric constant of
pellet packed in the reactor affects discharge characteristics such as power consumption of
the reactor, micro discharge onset voltage, number of micro discharge. As the results, the
performance of packed bed plasma reactor depends on the dielectric constant and/or
material of the pellet packed in the reactor.
Figure 9. Typical process flow diagrams and description of main functions of Post Plasma Catalyst
(PPC) and In Plasma Catalyst (IPC) system [55, 56].
Figure 10. Schematic diagram and its appearance of packed-bed reactor (Photograph: Prof. Takaki
group, Iwate University, Japan)[50], [53].
On the other hand, in the PPC system, the two functions of plasma and catalyst is
completely-separated. Therefore, the configuration of reactor and system configuration are
nearly independent on each other. As can be seen in figure 9(b), pollutant gas is induced
into plasma reactor at first and the toxic molecules are decomposed or oxidized by energetic
electrons or radicals which are generated in plasma. After that, residual contaminants that
plasma couldn’t treat and byproducts are removed by catalyst. Instead, this PPC system is
sometimes used so as to extend time for replacement of catalyst. On another front, plasma
reactor is sometimes incorporated to generate long-lived radicals such as ozone which work
with catalyst as shown on figure 11. In figure 11, ozone was generated in plasma reactor,
and then O radical which has stronger oxidative activity than ozone is generated by a
reaction of ozone with catalyst. In consequence, VOC is decomposed by O radical to H2O
and CO2.
Figure 11. Example of VOC decomposition mechanism using a PPC system [62]-[64].
5. Summary
Previous prodigious studies by esteemed researchers from all ages and cultures have proven
that the non-thermal plasma makes pollution control more efficient and effective. In
consequence, it is recognized that the non-thermal plasma is one of the promising
technologies for pollution control. The advantages of non-thermal plasma process were
summarized as follows.
 Unlike conventional processes which need external combustion device or gas

enrichment device, non-thermal plasma could treat industrial gas at ambient
temperature and atmospheric pressure. Therefore, non-thermal plasma methods have a
great advantage in energy efficiency.
 Non-thermal plasma is available for various harmful substances due to its great
flexibility for the chemical reaction process (it is mainly depends on ambient gas
composition). Therefore, in some case, non-thermal plasma could treat multiple toxic
molecules simultaneously. Table 3 shows that typical harmful substances in various

exhaust gases. It has been proved that the non-thermal plasma could treat these toxic
molecules in the literatures.
 Catalyst performance is highly improved by the concurrent use of the non-thermal
plasma. The typical combined effects are increase of the reaction rate, extension of the
catalyst lifetime and decrease of the activating onset temperature. Moreover, the
agendas of non-thermal plasma process such as byproducts treatment could be solved
by the combined use.
At the present day, a lot of practical trials are being conducted by using pilot plant of
plasma reactor and more efficient and effective plasma source is developed by researchers
from around the world. Air pollution control using non-thermal plasma has been edge
closer to practical use. There are great hopes that air pollution control by non-thermal
plasma reduce the environmental cost and make environmental effort accessible to
companies and nations.
Type of Exhaust Gas Containing Harmful Substances

Combustion flue gas NOx, SOx, CO2
Diesel gas NOx, SOx, CO2, Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)
Industrial gas VOCs (Aromatic series [Toluene, Benzene, acetone],
Halogenated organics, HCHO), Dioxin, CFC-113, TCE
Table 3. Typical harmful substances in each exhaust gas.
Author details
Takao Matsumoto, Douyan Wang, Takao Namihira and Hidenori Akiyama
Kumamoto University, Japan
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Chapter 10
Environmental Control
and Emission Reduction for Coking Plants
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/48275
1. Introduction
Coke is a necessary component for the production of iron and steel. Nearly 65 % of the
worldwide steel production takes place via so-called pig iron (hot-metal route), which is
produced in the blast furnace from iron ore by use of coke.
The importance of coke as raw material for the steel production has been approved during
the last years while the worldwide need for steel has strongly increased. Since 1990 the steel
production has nearly doubled and reached 1.417 mio. t in 2010 (Worldsteel, 2012). Coke
production from hard coals was increased by 70 % in the same period resulting in approx.
593 mio. t in 2010 (Re-Net, 2011)(Fig. 1).
Figure 1. Worldwide crude steel and coke production (Re-Net, 2011, Worldsteel, 2012)
© 2012 Hein and Kaiser, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
One can assume that this trend will continue in the next future, too. That means, that similar
than in the recent years, new coke making capacities will be built and older and smaller
plants will be replaced by high performance coke plants, in the future. This will be the case
in China, India, Southeast-Asia and South America in particular. Already today approx. 65
% of the coke worldwide is produced in China.
There is a lack of an official statistic from which one can derive the total number of coking
plants worldwide. However, it is to assume that this will be in the range of 500 plants, not
including so-called primitive ovens, that means smaller coking plants without any technical
equipment for operation.
Three principles will still characterize prospective projects for new coking plants:
improvement of economics of coke production as well as optimization of the coke quality. A
third principle has prevailed during the last four decades because of more stringent
becoming legislation: reduction of the impact of the coking process on the environmental,
and on the ambient air in particular. Due to the legal demands, coke plant operators were
obliged to improve techniques for emissions control, to revamp batteries, or, in some cases,
to shut down a battery and built a new one if the new standards could not be fulfilled under
economic and technical reasons.
Progress made in emission control at coking plants can be read from an improvement of air
quality in the Rhine-Ruhr area in Germany, which is the center of the German cokemaking
industry till today (LANUV, 2012). Besides the shrinking importance of coal use in
homefiring the reduction of coke plantsémissions is the reason for the continuous decline of
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) as a highly carcinogenic aromatic hydrocarbon in the ambient air of
this area during the last 20 years (Fig. 2).
Figure 2. Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) in ambient air of the Rhine-Ruhr area (LANUV, 2012)
Environmental Control and Emission Reduction for Coking Plants 237
Benzo(a)pyrene plays an important role with regard to the environmental assessment of the
coking process. Very often it is used as a guide substance for polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH) which can be emitted from leaks at the coking chambers. In order to
reduce these fugitive emissions, measuring methods are necessary by which the made
progress can be quantified. Reliable statements on the amount of emitted BaP are
indispensable, too, for making a forecast on the BaP burden in ambient air of the
surrounding.
2. Modern cokemaking technology

2.1. Generals
The bulk of the worldwide coke production in 2011 was effected in conventional coking
plants including a recovery of gas and coal chemicals. These plants are very often called by-
product coking plants, too. Approx. 5 % of the total coke production originate from the non-
recovery technology, which does not recover gas and coal chemicals. Both technologies
display a quasi continuous process with charge-wise coke production in several ovens
connected in a battery.
A scheme of the total process of conventional coking is shown on Fig. 3. The process can be
devided in the two steps: battery operation (left side of Fig. 3), and coke oven gas (COG)
cleaning and by-product plant, respectively (right side of Fig. 3).
Figure 3. Scheme of conventional cokemaking
2.2. Conventional coking plant – by-product plant

By-product coking plants are comprised of single oven chambers, being 12 to 20 m long, 3 to
8 m tall, and 0.4 to 0.6 m wide, in which the input coal is heated up indirectly. Several
chambers are grouped to form one battery (multi-chamber-system; Fig. 4). A single battery
may consist of up to 85 ovens. The front-end sides of the individual ovens are sealed with
doors. The ovens are charged through charging holes in the oven top. As an alternative, the
oven can also be charged from the side via one opened door after the input coal was
stamped before in order to build a formed cake (stamp charging). Subsequently to a 15 to 25
hours coking time the doors are opened and the built coke is pushed by the coke pusher
machine out of the oven into a coke quench car. Then the coke is quenched in a dry or wet
quenching facility. The oven chamber is sealed again, initiating a new carbonization cycle.
The gas evolving on coal carbonization leaves the oven chamber through a standpipe
(offtake) and is passed on via a common gas collecting main to the gas treatment facilities
and to the by-product recovery plant. The ovens are run at a slightly positive pressure of 10
to 15 mm water column.
Figure 4. View on the doors of a coke oven battery of the coking plant Zdzieszowice, Poland (left side);
schematic drawing of the machines for battery operation (right side)
As outlined in Fig. 7, the oven chambers are heated through heating flues, located between
the chambers, in which cleaned coke oven gas or blast furnace gas is combusted. The
temperature in the heating flues lies between 1150 and 1350 °C usually.
Battery operation, i.e. charging and pushing is carried out by large machines (Fig. 5) which
very often are running automatically.
Figure 5. Pusher machine of the coke plant Huckingen (left) and charging car of the former coking
plant Kaiserstuhl III (right)
Coke oven gas (COG) as built during the coking process is unsuited for use as underfireing
gas for the coke oven batteries and for other applications, because of technical, and of
environmental related reasons in particular. The necessary cleaning is made in the so-called
by-product plant which comprises a complex chemical plant. For a coking plant with an
annual coke production of 1 mio. t, the design capacity for the by-product plant is about
61,000 Nm³ COG/h.
Figure 6. Scheme for a modern by-product plant
A general simplified process diagram is shown in Fig. 6. Coke oven gas leaving the battery
ovens has a temperature of 800 to 1000 °C, and just before entering the collecting main it is
sprayed with flushing liquor (ammonia water) coming from tar separation. After spraying
the gas comes down to temperatures in the range of 80 °C. At this temperature most of the
raw tar is condensed, therefore a separation into gas and liquid phase is possible in a
downcomer. The liquid phase flows from here to the tar separation unit to separate water
and crude tar; crude tar is one by-product.
The raw gas is directed to the primary gas cooler were it is cooled down to 21 °C by indirect
cooling. The next step is the electrostatic tar precipitators, where the residual amounts of tar
fog are almost completely removed, down to maximum 20 mg/Nm³. After this step COG is
sucked off by exhausters keeping the necessary pressure for exhausting the gas from battery
and is led to the subsequent gas treatment. There exist two techniques for H2S removal from
COG, in principle (see section 5.2). In Fig. 6 only the ASK process (Ammonium-Sulphur
cycle process, ASK), combined with a subsequent Claus plant for sulphur production, as a
high value by-product, is shown as the most common desulphurization process in Europe.
In section 5.2 this technique is described more in detail.
The last optional gas treatment step is BTX and naphthalene removal in a scrubber using
washing oil. The crude BTX is a further by-product.
Most of the water used in the by-product plant is recycled in the process. Only a small
amount of waste water, which mainly represents the water content of the input coal, is
produced as effluent of the ammonia still and has to be treated in biological waster water
treatment plant.
Typical figures for the quality of coke oven gas befor and after gas cleaning are shown on
Table 1. The Figures can be varied due to the coal quality and the coking process itself.
crude coke oven gas cleaned coke oven gas unit

Tar 60- 110 0.1 g/m3
BTX 28 – 35 <5 g/m3
NH3 7- 9 < 0.1 g/m3
H2 S 4–8 < 0.5 g/m3
Table 1. Quality of coke oven gas before and after cleaning
2.3. Non-recovery plant – heat-recovery plant

The most essential features by which the non-recovery technology differs from the
conventional cokemaking technology with by-product recovery are given in Fig. 7. In
contrast to conventional coking by which the coke is heated indirectly by combustion of gas
within the heating flues outside the oven chamber, exclusively, during non-recovery coking
the necessary heat is transferred both directly and indirectly into the oven chamber as
described in the following.
Figure 7. Principle drawings of conventional and non-recovery cokemaking (Hein, 2002).
The basis for modern non-recovery plants is the so-called Jewell-Thomson oven, several
ovens of which are grouped together to form one battery (Fig. 8). The ovens are
characterized by a tunnel-like shape with a rectangular ground area and an arched top. The
dimensions of the chambers of modern plants run up to 14 x 3.6 x 2.8 m (L x W x H). Coal
charging (up to 50 t) of the ovens is accomplished through the open pusher side door. Very
often the coal is stamped before, and then the coal is charged into the hot oven chamber.
Typical charging levels lie at 1000 mm. The carbonization process is started by the heat still
existing from the preceding carbonization cycle. The released coke oven gas is partly burnt
by addition of ambient air through the doors and passed through so-called down comers
into the heating flues situated in the oven sole. By way of a further supply of air, the
complete combustion of raw gas is effected here at temperatures between 1200 and 1400 °C.
With plants according the state of the art, the hot waste gas is utilized to generate energy,
and subsequently is subjected to desulphurization before exited into the atmosphere.The
coking time in Jewell-Thomson ovens amounts to approx. 48 hours. After that time, the coke
is pushed out and quenched in wet mode, normally.
Figure 8. Schematic drawing of the Jewell-Thomson oven (Hein, 2002) (left) and view on the ovens of
the heat-recovery cokung plant of the Shanxi Xishan Coal Gasification Co. Ltd., Gujiao, China (right)
Due to the negative pressure, under which the coking process is running, emissions from
leaks at the doors are avoided in principle. Dust emissions occurring during coke pushing
are exhausted via a coke side shed. Very often suction devices are installed at the pusher
side, too, in order to capture emissions caused during charging.
As the techniques for emission control during charging, pushing and quenching are similar
to those applied at conventional coking, and fugitive emissions at the ovens are excluded by
principle reasons, it is resigned to address emission related issues regarding non-recovery
cokemaking in a separate section.
3. Emission sources on conventional coking plants

Typical emission sources with regard to battery operation are shown on Fig. 9. These are
directed and fugitive emission sources. Fugitive emissions mainly occur from leaks at the
closed openings of the coke oven batteries (doors, charging hole lids and offtakes) or are
caused by non-captured emissions during coke pushing and coal charging. These
emissions can not be avoided completely, also when considering closure facilies according
state of the art in technology and being under best state of maintenance, and contain dust,
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAH) and Benzene as most relevant
components. Carcinogenic Benzo(a)pyrene is very often used as guide substance for the
group of PAHs.
Figure 9. Schematic drawing of typical emission sources at a conventional coking plant
Emissions from directed sources are created at the stack for the off-gas from battery
underfiring. The most important compounds which are emitted here are dust, NOx, SOx
and CO2. Dust is emitted also by the offgas of the pushing emission control as well as during
coke quenching. Emissions caused at preparation of charging coals, and at classification of
coke, respectively, are not addressed here because well-proven dust removal systems are
available to cope with them.
Emissions from the by-product plant are bearing secondary importance in contrast to
emission from battery operation. This is valid for emissions from open tanks, leaks in the
piping system and at flanges, pressure valves, pumps, etc., as well as for the off-gas from the
technical facilities for sulphur-removal (sulphuric acid plant, Claus plant). On the other
hand, more relevance is to be attached to the efficiency of the devices for H2S removal from
the coke oven gas (see section 5.2). Remaining H2S will influence the amount of SO2 in the
off-gas at the stack of the battery in case of using cleaned coke oven gas for battery heating.
4. Legislation on emission control

4.1. Germany
4.1.1. Generals
Starting, it should be emphasized that legal rules given by the European Union (EU) have a
significant impact on the national legislations of the member states. While regulations of the
EU becomes immediately enforceable as law in all member states, directives are only
binding for member states with regard to the achievable target, while they leave it up to the
member states to decide on the form and means needed to realize the commonly set targets
within the framework of their national legal system.
In Germany, the most important legal rule with reagard to industrial emission control
represents the Technical Instruction for Air Quality Control – Technische Anleitung zur
Reinhaltung der Luft – the so-called TA Luft. The first issue of TA Luft was enacted in 1964
and was amended for several times in the following years. The TA Luft is the most essential
guide for implementation the demands of the German Federal Immission Control Act -
Bundes-Immissionsschutzgesetzes (BImSchG) – which was released in 1974.
The Federal Immission Control Act, amongst others, is based upon the two fundamental
principles of "risk defense" and "precaution". The precautionary principle is expressed in the
approval of new plants and flows into the demand for compliance with what is called the
state of the art in technology in the construction and operation of industrial plants with
special regard to environmental control.
The state of the art is basically stipulated in the TA Luft which at the same time generally
prescribes ambient air quality standards that must not be exceeded in the vicinity of a new
plant after its commissioning. To this effect it is required to calculate the additional burden
of the pollutants, which are to be expected upon commissioning of the planned plant, by
dispersion calculations (see also section 8.2). Furthermore for precaution, the TA Luft
prescribes emission limit standards, especially for directed sources, which shall be examined
for compliance within regular intervals.
In view of the “risk defense” principle of the Federal Imission Control Act its 22nd Decree
stipulates air quality standards for various hazardous substances, the compliance of which
shall be achieved, for example, by implementing so-called air pollution control plans. This
area-related rule concerns all plants, that means also those for which a permission has
already been granted, and may necessitate an obligation for retrofitting the plant.
The TA Luft amendments which came into force in 1986 gained special importance for the
coking plants which were built in the 1980th in Germany. Although the permits for the new
constructions of the coke plants Prosper, Huckingen, Salzgitter and Dillingen are dated
before the enactment of TA Luft 1986, its demands have to be fulfilled by the new plants to
the greatest possible extent.
Compliance with the TA Luft 1986 without any extension, that means including the demand
for operation of a coke dry quenching unit, was necessary for the new construction of the
coke plant Kaiserstuhl III which was operated in Dortmund between 1992 and 2000.
Due to the progresses reached in emission control in Germany since 1986, an emendment of
the TA Luft came into force in the year 2002 (TA Luft, 2002). The permits of the coke plants
Schwelgern and of battery no.3 of the Saar central coking plant (Dillingen) were affected
from this amendment, which disclaims on dry quenching as the only mode for coke cooling.
More informations on the coking plants mentioned before will be given in section 6. The
most important features of the current TA Luft with regard to emission control on coking
plants will be described in the following sections.
4.1.2. Techniques to apply on coking plants with regard to emission control

As a measure for precaution the TA Luft sets standards for the technical equipment for
emission control on industrial plants, and specifies how to operate the plant in a most
environment-friendly way. Table 2 contains the most important techniques and work
practice standards to apply on the coke oven batteries with regard to the TA Luft-
amendments of the year 2002 (TA-Luft, 2002). Most of the standards of the German TA Luft
were adopted by the BREF-document of the European Union (EU, 2012) nearly complete.
Most of them are described in section 5 more in detail.
techniques
- gravity charging: emission free charging by transfer of charging gases to the main and
into the neighbour oven, as an option
- stamp charging: combustion of not transferred gases
- doors with technical gas-proof sealings
- water-sealed lids at offtakes
- single chamber pressure control should be applied
- coke side emission control including a mobile hood and a stationary control device
- coke quenching by dry or wet quenching mode
work practice standards
- additional sealing of lids of charging holes
- regulary, and preferential automatic, cleaning of closure facilities
Table 2. Techniques for emission control and work practice standards as demanded by (TA Luft, 2002)
4.1.3. Limit values for emissions at directed sources

In order to reduce atmospheric emissions from industrial plants as far as possible TA Luft
sets limit values which have to be checked regularly. Table 3 contains limit values for
emissions at the outlets of directed sources of coking plants. In contrast to the US Clean Air
Act (section 4.3) TA Luft contains no legal demands for fugitive emissions by setting
standards for the allowed number of visible emissions.
process emission limit value
stamp charging dust: 10 mg/Nm3

battery underfiring dust 10 mg/Nm3
NOx 0.50 g/Nm3
sulfur* 0.8 g/Nm3
pushing dust 5 mg/Nm3
or dust 5 g/tcoke
quenching
dry dust 15 mg/Nm3
wet (new plants) dust 10 g/tcoke
wet (existing plants) dust 25 g/tcoke
Table 3. Emission limit values for battery operation according (TA Luft, 2002); *: sulfur content of the
heating gas before combustion
Special emission limits are set for the off-gas of a sulfuricacid-plant and of a Claus-plant for
sulfur recovery, if exist as part of the by-product plant.
4.2. European union

In the European Union, there are in principle two directives that influence coke plant
operation:
- „IED Directive“ (EU, 2010) on industrial emissions (integrated pollution prevention and
control)
- „Air Quality Directive“ (EU, 2008)
As mentioned in section 4.1.1. Directives of the EU are only binding for member states with
regard to the target to be achieved; they have to be transformed to the national legislation of
the member state.
The IED-Directive addresses the conditions for plant operation and sets standards for
emission control. This directive stipulates that the "best available technique BAT" which has
to be applied is to be described in a so-called BREF document („Best available technique
Reference” document) for certain industrial plants. For coking plants, the set-up of such a
BREF document was finalized in the year 2000. An amendment was promulgated in 2012
(EU, 2012), and it assigns “Associated Emission Lewels AEL” to the BATs. BAT-AELs give
ranges for emission lewels which can be achieved by application of emission control
techniques according BAT. AELs which are relevant for cokemaking operation are described
on Table 4. A more detailed description of the BATs is given in section 5.
The Air Quality Directive (EU, 2008) and its so-called 4. Daughter Directive (EU, 2004)
describe the targets and principles of the air quality policy pursued by the European
Union. Ambient air standards which are important for cokemaking operation are given on
Table 5.
process emission AEL/BAT unit of remark

measurement
charging dust <5 or <50 g/tcoke or

mg/Nm3
visible < 30 sec duration of visible emissions per
emission charge
offgas from battery
underfiring
SOx <200 to 500 (as mg/Nm3 depending on the type of gas for
SO ) underfiring
2
NOx <350 to 500 (as mg/Nm3 for new plants
NO )
2
NOx 500 to 650 (as mg/Nm3 for existing plants which are
NO ) equipped by primary measures
2
for NOx reduction
dust < 1 to 20 mg/Nm3
pushing dust < 10 to < 20 mg/Nm3 depending on filter type
quenching
wet dust < 25 g/tcoke existing plants
wet dust < 10 g/tcoke new plants
dry dust 20 mg/Nm3
battery operation
visible < 5 to 10 % from leaks at doors
emission
adequate oven
pressure
regulation
work practice
standards
desulphurization of
COG
H2 S < 300 to 1000 mg/Nm3 applying absorption processes
H2 S < 10 mg/Nm3 applying wet oxidation
processes
Table 4. BAT associated emission lewels (AEL) as described in the BREF document (EU, 2012)
emission Limit value remark
Benzene 5 µg/m3
Particulate Matter PM10 40 µg/m3
50 µg/m3 daily average for max. 35 days/a
Particulate Matter PM2.5 25 µg/m3 from 2015
Benzo(a)pyrene * 1 ng/m3 from 2012
Table 5. Ambient air quality standards (limit values) of the EU (EU, 2008) as an annual average with
reference to coking plant operation; *: (EU, 2004)
4.3. USA
4.3.1. Clean Air Act
The Clean Air Act (CAA) of the United States of America was passed in the year 1990. This
act of law describes standards for air quality, which exert a very strong influence on the
requirements which have to be fulfilled for obtaining the permit to run an industrial plant.
The so-called Residual Risk Standard (RRS) should provide an ample margin of safety to
protect public health and to reduce the risk to cause cancer to a minimum.
In case of coking plants, amonst others, standards are set for the allowed number of visible
emissions (leaking rates as %) from battery operation to reach this goal, as described by the
US EPA (US-EPA, 1993a, 2005). For the construction of new coke plants at the green site, the
CAA calls for zero visible emissions from battery operation. That means in practise, that in
the USA, the non-cecovery technology is the only one, which is allowed by the US EPA for
new green field plants because of the prevailing negative pressure and consequently of the
prevention of leaks at the ovens.
For existing conventional coking plants the Residual Risk Standard, which is still open,
has to be reached from 2020. It is to assume that the relevant legal demands will be very
ambitious. During the recent 20 years the US coke oven plant operators had the chance to
approach this target on different tracks, which specify different compliance timetables
(Fig. 10) (Ailor, 2003; US-EPA, 1993a). While the MACT-track (Maximum Achievable
Control Technology) allows less stringent standards for a long period to fulfill the highest
lewel of emission standards already in 2005, operators who have chosen the LAER-track
(Lowest Achievable Emissions Rate) got an extension to reach this standard only in the
year 2010.
The relevant standards for the allowed visible emissions are shown on Table 6. Estimates of
visible emissions should be based on the results of daily visible emission inspections using
EPA Method 303 (US-EPA, 1993b).
Figure 10. Timetable to comply with the legal demands of the US Clean Air Act
source MACT LAER remark
from 01.01.2003 from 01.01.2010
doors 5.5 % 4% ≥6m
doors 5.0 % 4% foundry coke
doors 5.0 % 3.3 % <6m
lids 0.6 % 0.4 % all plants
offtakes 3.0 % 2.5 % all plants
charging secs per charge 12 12 all plants
Table 6. Standards for visible emissions according MACT- and LAER-track respectively for
conventional coking plants
It is easily to understand that operators of older plants would have preferentially followed
the MACT track as their coking plants will be no longer in operation in the year 2010,
probably. After all there were only 5 conventional batteries which have to comply with
emission standards equivalent to the 2010-LAER-standard in 2005. On the other hand,
operators of new plants, which were equipped with modern techniques for emission control
on the date of their track choice, or for which a modernisation was planned, would have
preferred the LAER-track supposably. Based on informations given in the year 2003 (Ailor,
2003) the LAER-track was chosen for 40 conventional batteries.
Emissions from pushing, quenching, and combustion stacks are adressed in (US-EPA,
2003a). The most relevant figures of this rule are given on Table 7. The local authority can
make an order on more stringend limits than given on Table 7 on special reason, and can set
emission standards for other emitted compounds than given on Table 7 with regard to the
allowed annual mass flow, aditionally.
process emission limit value unit of measurement remark
pushing
fugitive (not captured) opacity* < 30/35 % depending on oven

emissions hight *
outlet of dedusting dust 0.01 – 0.04 (5 – 20 ) lb/tshort coke (g/t coke), depending on type
device of control device
battery underfiring
stack for offgas opacity* < 15/20 % % depending on

coking time
quenching
outlet of quench tower dissolved < 1.1 mg/l quench water

solids
Table 7. Emission standards for coking plants according (US-EPA, 2003a); *: determination of opacity is
made by Method 9 given by US EPA (US-EPA, 1996)
German and European legal regulations set no standards for opacity. Therefore, only the
0.02 lb/tshort (10 g/t) limit for pushing emissions from the stack when applying a moveable
hood with a stationary control device can be compared with the relevant figure of 5 g/t coke
set by German TA Luft for this technique.
In addition to the limit values as described before, the US environmental legislation sets
work practice standards. These standards, for example, describe techniques which have to
apply with regard to emission control and to emission monitoring, or how to operate the
coking plant in a most environmental friendly way.
4.3.2. Quantification of visible emissions

The philosophy of EPA´s rules for visible emissions caused from coke oven operation is
based on a chain of causalities between:
- number of visible emissions, and

- mass flow of the emitted hazardous compound, and
- concentration of the emitted hazardous compound in ambient air, and
- ambient air quality and cancer risk
due to the usual practice when rating the health risk caused by air pollutants by dose/effect
relations. This means, that, amongst others, there must be a quantitative correlation between
the set standards for visible emissions and the emission mass flow (mass per time) of the
hazardous compound.
The latter can be calculated on base of the frequency of the visible emissions (leaking rate)
and of the source strength (emission mass flow) of the visible emission (US-EPA, 2008a,
2008b). Typical source strengths given as kg BSO/h/leak as derived from from page 4-30 of
(US-EPA, 2008b) are listed on Table 8. BSO means the so-called Benzene soluble (BSO)
portion of the emission. By using a conversion factor for BaP/BSO of 0,00836 (US-EPA,
2008b) the relevant BaP emissions can be calculated. They are given on Table 8 too.
type of leak kg BSO/h/leak mg BaP/h/leak
leaks observed according EPA 303 from the yard 0.019 159
leaks observed from the bench* 0.011 92
without visible emissions 0.002 17
Table 8. Emission mass flows of door leaks as given by US EPA (US-EPA, 2008b); *: for calculations
according equ. 1 smaller leaks which cannot be observed from the yard but only from the bench are
additionally taken into account; US EPA estimates the leaking rate of these emissions to 6 % as an
average.
Applying a 4 % leaking rate (according EPA method 303) at the doors (post-NESHAP
control standard according (US-EPA, 2008b)) the total BSO emissions of a model battery
with 62 ovens (124 doors) can be calculatet as follows:
[(124 x 0.04) method 303 leaks x 0.019 kg/h/leak +
(124 x 0.06) bench leaks x 0.011 kg BSO/h/leak +
(124 x 0.90) no visible leaks x 0.002 kg/h/leak)] x 8760 h/a = 3 498 kg BSO/a. (1)
Considering a coke plant with a coal input of 492 000 t/a (344 000 t coke/a) a specific
emission factor of 0.0071 kg BSO/t(coal) results for door emissions. By using a conversion
factor for BaP/BSO of 0.00836 (US-EPA, 2008b) the specific BaP emissions from the doors
amounts to 59.4 mg/t coal and 84.8 mg BaP/tcoke, resectively. By comparable evolutions
emission factors for leaks at lids and offtakes as well as for charging can be received (Table
9; compare with Table 4-11 of (US-EPA, 2008b)). It is obvious that the doors are the
dominant emission source out of all leaks at the battery.
US-EPA standard BSO
charging doors lids offtakes
kg/tcoal kg/tcoal kg/tcoal kg/tcoal
POST-NESHAP 0.00025 0.0071 0.000044 0.00015
BaP
mg/tcoal mg/tcoal mg/tcoal mg/tcoal
POST-NESHAP 2.09 59.36 0.37 1.25
BaP
mg/tcoke mg/tcoke mg/tcoke mg/tcoke
POST-NESHAP 2.99 84.79 0.53 1.79
Table 9. Specific emissions at doors according (US-EPA, 2008b)
Emission factors as given in (US-EPA, 2008b) are based on measurements carried out before
the year 1980 on coking plants, which could not meet the emissions control standards of
current plants. Thereby the coke-side dedusting facilities were used for capturing the
emissions from the doors. The US EPA by itself designates the results of these
measurements as highly uncertain.
5. Progress in emission control technologies – Best Available Techniques

(BAT)
Environmental legislations for industrial plants, like the German TA Luft (TA-Luft, 2002) or
IED of the EU (EU, 2010), demand very often for application of the so-called Best Available
Techniques (BAT) for emission control according the state of the art in technology, (section
4.1/4.2). The following section will give a brief description of the most important techniques.
Additional informations on the emission levels which can be achieved by the relevant
technique are given on Table 4 (section 4.2).
5.1. Battery operation

5.1.1. Charging
BAT is an emission free charging by transfer of charging gases to the collecting main and
into the neighbour oven, as an option (Fig. 11)
Figure 11. Principles of emission free charging of coke ovens
5.1.2. Larger oven chambers

A reduction of total fugitive emissions from battery operation can be achieved by lessening
the sealing surfaces as well as the number of oven cycles. Naturally, such measures can be
achieved only when building a new battery equipped with larger chambers as they were
built by 7 to 8 meter ovens in the 1980th in Germany (section 6). Larger oven chambers
provide less openings per t of produced coke due a reduction of the specific sealing surface.
Fig. 12 shows (top side) the reduction of the number of closure facilities (openings) which
was reached by a replacement of two smaller and older plants by the new coke plant
Kaiserstuhl III, while the total capacity of both variants kept constant at 2 million tonnes
coke per year. The drastic reduction of fugutive emissions of Benzo(a)pyrene and Benzene,
caused by less openings but also by improved techniques, can be read from Fig. 12 (bottom
side).
Figure 12. Emission reduction by lessening the sealing surface; top side: reduction of openings; bottom
side: reduction of fugitive emissions by Benzo(a)pyrene and Benzene respectively (Hein, 2010)
Construction of larger oven chambers do not favour the intention of environmental control
only, but also the economics of cokemaking. Desing data of the modern high capacity
batteries as running in Germany today, can be received from Table 10 in section 6.
The development of chamber heights during the last 100 years is shown very arrestingly in
Fig. 13.
Figure 13. Development of typical heights of coke oven chambers (Hein, 2009)
5.1.3. Closure facilities

In order to improve the control of fugitive emissions from leaks at the battery, optimized
closure facilities at doors, charging hole and offtakes have to be applied, and a good
maintenance of them is demanded. BAT are flexible doors with springloaded sealings (Fig.
14, left side), for batteries higher than 6 m especially. An additional improvement is
attainable if the pressure gradient at the sealing that constitutes the driving force for
emissions could be lowered. This was done by the coke oven builders by means of gas
channels in the door through which the escaping gas can flow into the direction of the gas
space without greater flow resistance. All modern coke oven doors meanwhile have such
gas channels as can be seen from Fig. 14, right side).
At the offtakes water sealed lids are BAT in order to reduce emissions.
Figure 14. Modern door systems; left side: flexible doors (Krupp-Koppers, n.d.); right side: principle
drawings of gas channels behind the door (Arendt et al., 2009)
5.1.4. Oven chamber pressure regulation

A reduction of fugitive emissions can be achieved by measures to regulate the chamber pressure
within the coke ovens as function of progress in carbonization. BAT, e.g. is the PROven system
(Pressure Regulated Oven), which was invented by DMT (Huhn, 1995). PROven regulates the
pressure within each oven chamber at a constant and slight positive pressure during coking in
order to eliminate fugitive emissions as much as possible. Fig. 15 shows on the left side principles
of this system, and on the right side the reduction of PAH emissions by use of PROven in
contrast to a non pressure regulated oven chamber (100 % PAH) (Spitz, 2005). In the year 2011
the PROven system was installed at 15 coking plants worldwide with more than 2100 ovens
(Kaiser, 2011) including the new coking plant Schwelgern.
An alternative system has been developed by Paul Wurth and is called SOPRECO (Single
Oven Pressure Control System). In 2011 the SOPRECO system was installed at the coking
plant Dillingen, Germany, in 50 ovens, a second battery with 50 ovens is under construction
(Faust, 2010).
5.1.5. Battery heating

Emissions from battery underfiring are limited by application of the following techniques:
improved desulphurization of the used coke oven gas in order to a reach a remaining
Figure 15. Left side: Principle of the ROven-system; right side: achievable emission reduction for PAH
compounds
sulphur content of less than < 0.8 g /Nm3 and by special heating relevant technical measures
in order to comply with a NOx standard of 500 mg/Nm3. While the desulphurization is
achieved by absorption or by wet oxidation of H2S (see section 5.2.1.), the NOx reduction is
reached by waste gas recirculation and stage wise heating, in particular (Fig. 16). The latter
was necessary anyway because of the taller becoming chamber heights.
Figure 16. Principle scheme of stage wise heating

5.1.6. Coke pushing

In order to minimize emissions during coke pushing, an installation of a dedusting system is
required, disposing of a hood, a suction device and of a filter system. The so-called
“Bandschleifenwagen” (Fig. 17) with a subsequent stationary dedusting achieved
acceptance.
Figure 17. Drawing of the “Bandschleifenwagen” as part of the coke side dedusting device (Stoppa,
2003)
The efficiency of a modern coke side dedusting system is illustrated from Fig. 18.
Figure 18. Coke pushing without (left side) and with coke side dedusting (Coking Plant Prosper,
Germany - right side)
5.1.7. Quenching
BATs are wet quenching as well as dry quenching.
Wet quenching
The hot coke is treated by water spraying under the quench tower to cool it down. The
caused dust is hindered to leave the tower by special baffle constructions which are installed
in the tower. The so-called Coke Stabilisation Quenching (CSQ) represents an advanced
quenching technology comprising a combination of spray quenching and submerging in
water. The CSQ tower contains a two set of baffles and comprises a hight of 70 m, in contrast
to approx. 40 m which was the maximum hight of conventional quenching towers up to
now (Fig. 19).
Figure 19. CSQ quench tower of the coking plant Schwelgern in contrast to the quench tower of the
coking plant Huckingen (top side); bottom side: baffles (Nathaus, n.d.) for dust emission control before
installation in a quench tower
Dry quenching
During dry quenching the hot coke is cooled down in a closed cooling chamber by use of an
inert gas which is circulated and cooled down thereby within a heat exchanger. The
produced steam can be used for electricity production. A scheme of a dry quenching plant is
shown in Fig. 20.
Figure 20. Schema of the dry quenching plant of the former coking plant Kaiserstuhl III (Stoppa et al.,
1999)
Dry quenching is extended for application in countries, in which a water operated wet
quenching is not possible because of meteorological reason, or which are characterized by
water shortage. On the other hand, the use of dry quenching techniques is advantageously
to operate in countries with high prizes for electricity.
5.2. By-product plant

5.2.1. Desulphurisation of coke oven gas
Because of its hydrogen sulphide (H2S) content (up to 8 g/Nm3) unpurified coke oven gas
(COG) is unsuited for use in many industrial applications. Typical desulphurisation
processes according BAT to clean COG are (Sowa et al., 2011):
- absorption/stripping processes with subsequent conversion to sulphur containing

compounds,
- wet oxidation processes with subsequent production of sulphur.
In Europe, the most commonly applied process is the absorptive process using a so-called
ASK process (Ammonia-Sulphur cycle process, ASK; see Fig. 6 in section 2.2., too). It is a
combination of H2S and NH3 removal. A first scrubber removes H2S, using deacidified water
providing from the distillation. A second scrubber is in combination with the first one for the
removal of NH3. The washer fluid which is loaded with H2S and NH3, respectively, is sent to a
distillation unit (stripping/deacidification). This unit removes the adsorbed gases from the
enriched solution; the water is mostly recirculated to the gas scrubbing. The H2S/NH3-
vapours are led to the desulphurization unit, which is mostly a catalytic ammonia cracking
combined with a sulphur recovery plant (Claus plant). A photo of a modern Claus plant can
be seen in Fig. 21. Other options for desulphurization are the production of supheric acid or
ammonia suphate. In all cases the produced chemicals are further by-products.
Figure 21. View on a modern Claus plant
The second absorptive process variant is the Vacuum Carbonate process commonly
operated with potassium carbonate which has some tradition at West European and Asian
coke plants.
The most commonly applied wet oxidative process (outside Europe) is the Stretford process.
Wet oxidative processes possess a higher efficiency for H2S removal than adsorption
processes (see Table 4). However, they need the addition of specific chemicals, like
vanadium compounds, quinone and hydroquinone compounds as catalysts, the wastes of
which have to be discharged. Usually this waste water is treated separately owing to the
presence of compounds that have a detrimental effect on the biological wastewater
treatment plant.
5.2.2. Gas tight operation of the by-product plant

In modern by-product plants fugitive gaseous emissions are minimized by gas-tight
operation of the gas treatment plant. The measures are, minimize the number of flanges,
using of gas-tight flanges, or closed venting system for tanks and equipment containing
aromatic hydrocarbons. By use of pumps and piping suitable to prevent leakages, a release
of any effluent to the environment can be avoided.
5.2.3. Biological waste water treatment plant

BAT is a wastewater treatment by using efficient tar and PAH removal, using efficient
ammonia stripping and biological waste water treatment with integrated nitrification and
denitrification to fulfill the common local regulations for discharge water quality. Limiting
values are existing for free ammonia, NH3-N, BOD, COD, cyanides, hydrocarbons and
phenol.
6. Situation of the German cokemaking industry

Today five modern coking plants comprising with high capacity batteries are in operation in
Germany. These plants, the fotos of which are given on Figures 22 and 23, fulfill the highest
standards for emission control techniques with regard to the state of the art. They are
equipped with modern wet quenching systems in order to comply with the legal demands
of the actual TA Luft (TA-Luft, 2002) while the former coking plants August Thyssen and
Kaiserstuhl III have been provided with modern dry quenching facilities.
In 2011 battery no. 1 of the coking plant Dillingen is under construction; this is a
replacement of an old battery. At Huckingen a second battery is under construction as an
extension.
Figure 22. Coking plants currently in operation in Germany which were build in the 1980th, including
date of commissioning
Figure 23. Coking plants currently in operation in Germany which were commissioned under the
influence of the TA Luft 2002, including date of commissioning
The most essential design data of the five coke plants operating today are summarized on
Table 10.
Table 10. Design data of the five German coke plants currently in operation (Hein, 2009)
The chamber height of 8.4 m of the new Schwelgern plant marked a new record for coke
constructions. Now, the coke plant with the tallest chamber heights and the highest chamber
volume worldwide is operating at the coking plant Schwelgern in Duisburg, Germany. The
coking plant Saar in Dillingen is operated as stamp charging plant, and with 6.25 m hight
the tallest for this technique.
The total production of the five plants was 8.15 mio. t coke in 2010. This is a sharp decrease
when looking back to the year 1957 when approx. 50 mio. t coke were produced (Fig. 24).
The main cause for this change in Germany was the decline of coke sale for home firing and
other applications than for pig iron making. On the other hand the coke need of the German
iron and steel industry has fallen due to the reduction of the specific coke demand for the
blast furnace as well as to the buying of coke from abroad, while the total hot metal
production kept nearly constant since this time. The necessary adjustments in capacity were
carried out in such way, that preferable older plants were shut down, which could not meet
Figure 24. Annual coke production in Germany since the year 1950 (Kohlenstatistik, 2012)
the more stringent environmental standards, and which were not able to reach the
economics which were typical for this time. This change has faced the mining industry, in
particular, as this branche was the owner of nearly 75 % of the coking plants in Germany 50
years ago.
Due to the former dominance of the mining coking plants for the coke production the most
sustainable impetus for new developments in cokemaking technology came from the
German mining industry till the early 1990th years. Thereby, in particular, the basics were
set for the construction of high capacity batteries as realized in the five coking plants
running today, by research and development carried out in technical and semi-technical
testing facilities for coking trials owned by the mining industry. The research in cokemaking
technologies was centralized at the Bergbau-Forschung in Essen, the nucleus of the today´s
DMT GmbH & Co. KG.
Progress made in further development of cokemaking technology and its implementation in

practice, in particular, would not have been successful without the innovative legacy of the
German coke oven constructor companies. Out of the four prosperous German companies
Dr. C. Otto, Carl Still, Heinrich Koppers and Didier Kogag Hinselmann, today only one
exists, the Uhde GmbH which took over their business activities during the last 30 years
step by step. German cokemaking technique is accepted worldwide, and according to this it
is not surprising that more than 100 000 coke ovens all over the world have been constructed
by German companies.
Progress reached in emissions control on German coking plants can be described by a

drastic reduction of production specific emissions caused by battery operation due to the
more stringend becoming legal rules for environmental control (Fig. 25).
Figure 25. Reduction of specific emissions on German coking plants between 1950 and 1986
7. Determination of fugitive emissions of Benzo(a)pyrene from leaks at

the battery
7.1. Measuring method
A quantitative method for measuring fugitive emissions from leakages at the battery was
developed by Deutsche Montan Technologie GmbH (DMT) and its predecessor institute
Bergbau-Forschung GmbH (BF) respectively. The relevant measurements included particle
bound as well as gaseous compounds, and were carried out between 1980 and 2006 at
various coking plants of different age in Europe which additionally were different in their
design and in the state of maintenance of the closure facilities.
For the measurements a complete encapsulating of the relevant source is necessary as

described in the following as an example of measurements at the coke oven doors. For this
the outer door zone of the coke oven door is covered (see Fig. 26, left) by a thermo-stable
transparent film (foil) in order to detect the strength of visible emissions, simultaneously.
Preferentially the foil is fixed on the buck stays. The gas accumulated in the collecting space
has to be withdrawn and analysed. For this, the foil at its bottom contains an opening while
the top of the collecting space is combined with a vertical arranged tube. Because of thermal
buoyancy clean air enters the opening at the bottom while the mixture of air and the
emissions looked for leave through the pipe at the top of the collecting space. Typical
volume flows are in the range between 50 and 200 Nm3/h depending on the design, the
dimension of the door, the magnitude of the opening at the foil´s bottom as well as on the
meteorological marginal conditions. The relevant gas velocities range between 4 to 10 m/sec.
From this main gas flow the sampling gas was sucked off isocinetically with a flow rate of
about 2 Nm3/h.
For measurements of leakages at closed lids of the charging holes and of the offtakes,
respectively, equipment for encapsulating was used, as shown on Fig. 26, (right). In order to
get a constant gas-flow, pressured air as carrier gas was injected into the encapsulated space.
Figure 26. Equipment for measurements of fugitive emissions at doors (left side), lids (right side, top)
and offtakes (right side, bottom)
In all cases the sampling gas is led via a dust filter and afterwards through an additional
filter containing a synthetic resin for adsorption of still remaining gaseous PAH compounds.
Sampling has to be done during the whole coking cycle, which was devided in several steps
with separate sampling in some trials.
The taken samples are analysed in the laboratory for PAH-compounds by means of GC/MS
and HPLC, respectively, in accordance with a national standard method (VDI, 1996).
7.2. Results from measurements at single leaks

Results from measurements at single leaks are given as emission mass flow mf (mg
BaP/h/closure facility) as an average of the sampling time) in a first step. The relevant
figures are derived from the initially measured mass concentration (mg BaP/Nm3) in the
sampling gas and the main gas volume flow (Nm3/h). To make the results more comparable
the emission mass flows are converted to product specific emissions (mg BaP/tcoke) by
consideration of the production rate per oven and the coking time. This figure is typical for
the closure facility under investigation.
Fig. 27 shows the distribution of BaP in the gaseous and on the particle phase of emissions
from oven leaks, as function of total particle concentration and off-gas temperature,
respectively. It could be shown, that with increasing temperature of the waste gas, the
portion of BaP in the gaseous phase increases, too (Fig. 27, right). And one receives the
result, also, that with increasing dust emission the portion of BaP in the gaseous phase
descreases (Fig. 27, left).
Figure 27. Proportion of BaP in gaseous and dust bound phase in emissions from coke oven leaks
Typical emission ranges for Benzo(a)pyrene as received by the measurements with concern
to leaks at coke oven doors and chamber lids, respectively, are listed in Figures 28 and 29
(Eisenhut et al., 1990, 1992).
Figure 28. Typical ranges for Benzo(a)pyrene emissions (mg BaP/tcoke) from single leaks at coke oven
doors as received from measurements
Figure 29. Typical ranges for Benzo(a)pyrene emissions (mg BaP/tcoke) from single leaks at charging lids
as received from measurements
Fig. 28 shows also factors which have influenced the measurement results. These influence
factors are valid for the results of measurements at the closed lids of the charging holes, too
(Fig. 29). In both cases the age of the plants, the maintenance of them, the quality of the
sealing facilities and the specific sealing surface per tonne of coke, which is in the opposite
direction with the oven volume, have an impact on the amount of the emissions. As the
measurement have started in early 1980th the shown ranges for emissions also include
results from old plants with 4 m ovens in a bad condition and antiquated techniques for
emission control. These plants are no longer in operation in Europa. And also in a more
generalized view, one has to state that these plants are not typical for worldwide
cokemaking operation of today. By consideration of this, Table 11 contains typical emission
ranges for Benzo(a)pyren for coking plants caused by single leaks at the batteries which are
still running today. Besides emissions from leakages at closed doors and lids, Table 11
contains also emissions from closed offtakes. Consequently it is to state that the lowest BaP
emissions can be received at 6 to 8 m high flexible doors which are equipped by membrane
sealings. The relevant emissions per door lie in the range between 1 to 10 mg BaP per t of
coke. For new plants with an excellent maintenance, emissions at single doors go down to 1
mg/tcoke. Under optimal conditions, for example if a chamber pressure regulation system is
installed (chapter 5.1.4.), BaP emissions are reduced below 1 mg/tcoke. BaP emissions at the
chamber lids lie in a range between 0.3 and 5 mg/tcoke. The lowest emissions can be achieved
at modern and well tended plants if the lids are sealed by special fluids or pastes after
closing the relevant opening at the roof of the battery. In this case emission below 1 mg/tcoke
can be received. Typical BaP emissions from leaks at the offtakes are below 3 mg/tcoke. On
modern plants with water sealed lids at the offtakes emissions go down below 1 mg/tcoke.
control control unit of

doors control technique lids offtakes
technique technique measurement
10 -
knife sealing 3-5 not sealed <3 metal/metal mg BaP/tcoke
45
0.3 -
1 - 10 membrane sealing sealed <1 water sealed mg BaP/tcoke
3
improved techniques, like
<1 mg BaP/tcoke
PROven
Table 11. Product specific emissions for single leaks at the batteries of current coking plants
From Fig. 30 one can derive that over three-fourth of the fugitive BaP emissions from battery
leaks in total is caused by emissions at the doors.
Figure 30. Spread of fugitive emissions from single leaks at the battery
This is in good correlation with the Figures given bei the US EPA (Table 9 of section 4.3.2.),
and is the reason why in the following section emissions from coke oven doors are
concerned, only, when discussing strength of leakages, as estimated by the US EPA and
DMT, respectively.
7.3. Investigations at door leaks of definite strength

Normally, by use of only one emission figure, as received from Table 11, and multiplication
with the annual coke production is not possible to estimate the annual BaP emissions of the
total coke oven battery. The reason for this is the inequality of the strengths of the emissions
at the various sources of one type (door, lid and offtake, respectively).
Analogously to the procedure from the US EPA (see section 4.3.2.) the total emissions of the
plant should be calculated on base of the frequency of the visible emissions (leaking rate;
section 7.4.) and of their strength (mass/h/leak), in the following. This will be done as an
example for door emissions, as these emissions play the dominant role with regard to the
total emissions caused by the battery (see Fig. 30 in section 7.2.)
To meet this goal varios door leaks, which strongly differ in their visible strength, were
investigated as described in section 7.1., however by applying shorter sampling times (up to
5 h) with a nearly constant source strength over the sampling period. Typical strengths of
visible emissions at doors are shown in Fig. 31. The emissions are categorized in:
- strong (st),
- medium (m),
- slight (sl)
- non visible emissions (n.v.e.)
For each category of visible strength typical BaP emission mass-flows (mf) could be
determined, the ranges of which are shown on Table 12 (see also Fig. 32 in section 7.6.).
The specific mass-flows which are typical for visible emission strengths can be transfered to
other plants where measurements have not been carried out. The assignment has to be done
by an expert, on base of comparisons with results of measurements at comparable plants.
Figure 31. Four categories of visible strengths of door emissions
strong medium slight n.v.e. unit of

strength of visible emissions
(mfst) (mfm) (mfsl) (mfn) measurement
all plants 150-600 50-150 10-40 < 10 mg BaP/h/leak
plants according state of the art
150-200 50-150 10-40 < 10 mg BaP/h/leak
(membrane sealings)
Table 12. Typical emissions BaP mass flows mf for leaks of different visible strength at coke oven doors
7.4. Assessment of visible emissions and of leaking rates

The leaking rates at the different sources are determined by an inspection of the battery and
counting the visible emissions according tho EPA method 303 (US-EPA, 1993b). A
distinction from the EPA method is made with regard to the different strengths of the visible
emission, as it is shown for door emissions in Fig. 31, as an example.
Thus, the result of the determination of visible emissions will be, in pinciple:
no. k of strong emission

no. l of medium emissions
no. of slight emissions, and
n-(k+l+m) no. of none visible emissions,
whereby k,l and m are the numbers of leaks with visible emissions of different strengths,
and n ist the number of doors in total.
The DMT-method for inspection of the leaking rates differs from the US-EPA 303 method by
its four categories for emission strength while the US EPA method only results in the
decision on the existence of a visible emission or not.
7.5. Determination of the total emissions caused by the battery

By mathematical combination of the number of leaks with their relevant emission mass flow
the total emission E (mg BaP/h) of the battery (plant) with regard to emissions from door
leaks can be determined, according equation 2.
E = k x mfst + l x mfm + m x mfsl + (n-k-k-m) x mfn (2)

Where mfst, mfm, mfsl and mfn are the emission mass flows of different strengths of visible
emission (Table 12), k,l and m are the numbers of visible emissions of different strengths at
doors, and n ist the number of doors in total. Equation no. 2 is comparable to equation no. 1
(section 4.3.2.) by which relevant calculations are made by US EPA (US-EPA, 2008b).
Product specific BaP emissions caused by door leaks, which are typical for the emissions of
the total plant, can be derived by multiplication of the result of equation no. 2 with the
annual operation time and dividing by the annual coke throughput. Results of these
calculations, which often are called emission factors, are given in section 7.6., and are
compared there with relevant emissions given by the US EPA.
7.6. Comparison of BaP emissions from own measurements with results given by
US EPA
On base of equation 2, total BaP emissions caused by all doors of a modern high capacity
battery (70 ovens, 7.8m hight, 1 mio. t coke per year) are calculated (line 8 and 9 of Table 13)
by applying the extreme values of the given ranges for emission mass flows according Table
12 (line 3). Leaking rates (portion of no. of visible emissions (no. v. e.) of the total no. of
openings in %) of 4 % (2 % slight and 2 % medium emissions) according the post-NESHAP
standard and of 3.3 % (1 % slight and 2.2 % medium emissions) according the LAER
standard are applied in order to make the results comparable with calculations of the US
EPA (line 1 to 7 of Table 13).
Results given in lines 1 and 2 are derived on base of the model battery, as described in
section 4.3.2. (62 4 m ovens per battery with a coke capacity of 344 000 t coke per year), and
on leaking rates of 4 % and 3.3 % respectively, analogously to equation no. 1. These
emissions will be reduced significantly when considering a high capacity battery with larger
oven dimensions (line 3 and 4) due to the lower specific sealing lengths. Lines 5 to 7 contain
ranges for BaP emissions caused at doors as given by a Risk Assessment Document of the
US EPA (US-EPA, 2003b) for 5 US batteries which comply with the LAER standard (2010)
already today (see section 4.3.1. also).
The origin of the applied emission mass-flows for the calculations according equation no. 1
and no. 2 one can read from column 8 of Table 13. To make data from US EPA comparable
with own results, a conversion of BSO to BaP and tshort to tmetric was necessary.
leaking batt. capacity BaP ref. of emission

rate height mass flow
no. v.e. (m) (t/a x 10 3) (mg/tcoke)
(%)
1 model batt. 4 post- 4 344 84,8 (US-EPA, 2008b)
NESHAP
2 model batt 3.3 LAER 4 344 81,4 (US-EPA, 2008b)
3 high capacity oven 4 post- 7.8 1000 30,6 (US-EPA, 2008b)
NESHAP
4 high capacity oven 3.3 LAER 7.8 1000 29,4 (US-EPA, 2008b)
5 5 US batt. 1.58 - 2.81 actual 3.4 - 5 65 - 589 22 - 57 (US-EPA, 2003b)
6 5 US batt. 5; (3.8) MACT 3.4 - 5 65 - 589 25 - 88 (US-EPA, 2003b)
7 5 US batt. 3.3; (3.8) LAER 3.4 - 5 65 - 589 25 - 78 (US-EPA, 2003b)
8 high capacity batt. 4 2sl+2m 7.8 1000 2.65 - DMT/Table 11
16.43
9 high capacity batt. 3.3 1ss+2.2m 7.8 1000 2.66 - DMT/Table 11
16.41
*: non visible emissions are
not considered
Table 13. Comparison of product specific BaP emissions (emission factors) caused by door leaks from
own measurements with figures given by the US EPA (US-EPA, 2008b, 2003b).
From Table 13 one can read that all data given by the US EPA for BaP emissions from door
leaks are significantly higher than those calculated by DMT. The reason for this is easily to
understand and can be caused back to the higher values for the emission strengths (emission
mass-flows of the single leak) as given by the US EPA (see Fig. 32 and Table 8 in section
4.3.2., respectively), and to the extra addition of 6 % emissions which can be observed only
from the bench according the procedure of the US EPA. And in addition, it is to remark that
the total emissions of plants according the state of the art with visible emissions less than 4
% are predominantly influenced by the strength of the non visible emissions (< 10 against 17
mg BaP/h/leak). The quality of the DMT-values for BaP emission strength could be
confirmed by several dispersion calculations, by which the additional load caused by coke
plant emissions on the ambient air in the surrounding of the coke plant, where the actual
BaP concentration was determined by measurements, could be forecasted sufficiently on
base of the above mentioned emission factors. In this context, it is to remark, that emission,
as published by the US EPA, will lead to an overestimation of the BaP concentration in the
surrounding, if forecasting (section 8.2.) the addition load in ambient air caused by a
planned coking plant, e. g. in the process for getting a license for operation.
An explanation for the differences in BaP emission strength as determined by the US EPA
and DMT, respectively, can be found in the high uncertainty of the US EPA figures, and in
their determination on old coking plants with low standards for emission control, according
to the acertainment of the US EPA by itself (US-EPA, 2008b).
If emissions from charging lids and offtakes are taken into account, one can assert that there
are only slight differences in the emissions determined by DMT and the US EPA,
respectively.
Figure 32. Ranges for emission strength (mg BaP/h/door leak) as determined by DMT and US EPA
(cross marks), respectively (US-EPA, 2008b)
8. Benzo(a)pyrene in the vicinity of coking plants

A correlation between the Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) emissions caused by a coking plant and the
BaP concentration in ambient air in the surrounding of the plant could be shown by a lot of
measurements. Measurements were made according (DIN-EN, 2008) by analysing the
partice bound portion of the collected dust. Thereby factors could be determined, which
influence the amount of concentrations, as given on Table 14, and which will be described in
the following.
BaP in ambient air near coking plants is -applied techniques for emission control on the plant
caused by:
-status of plant maintenance
-age of the battery and of the closure facilities
-local meteorological influences on spread of emissions
- distance of the impacted area (measuring point) from
the battery
Table 14. Factors influencing BaP concentrations in amient air caused by coking plant operation
Three coking plants, located in the Rhine-Ruhr area in Germany, were under investigation.
In the following they are called coking plant A, B or C.
8.1. Results from measurements

For more than 20 years, ambient air has been examined for BaP in the surrounding of coking
plant A (LANUV, 2012). The measuring station is located about 800 m away, in lee-side
position to the coke plant. Measurements are taken two times or three times per week over a
sampling period of 24 h. The coking plant is a modern plant yielding an annual coke
production of approx. 2 million tons. The batteries are aged approx. 25 years, and fulfill the
requirements imposed under the 2002 TA Luft for emission control.
Figure 33. Benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air near (lee-side) coking plant A as annual mean (LANUV, 2012)
Fig. 33 shows the annual average concentration of BaP determined during the past years,
that never fell under a BaP concentration of 1 ng/m3, which is set by the European Union as
ambient air standard (EU, 2008).
The importance of coking plant´s emissions on the BaP burden in the vicinity can be proved
by an evaluation of the measurements in front of the preferential wind direction at the
measuring day within a two years’ term (Fig. 34) (Hein et al, 2003; DWD, 2003; LANUV,
2003). The mean annual BaP concentrations for the period under evaluation (1999-2000) lie
at 2.2 and 2.5 ng/m3, respectively. The highest BaP concentrations occur when the wind
blows from the wind direction sector between 135 and 255°, with the maximum occurring
during wind directions from approx. 200°. As the measuring station stands in a direct lee-
side position to the coking plant in case of a wind direction from 195°, the inevitable
conclusion is that the coke plant is mainly responsible for this burden during lee-side
weather situations that reaches 3.7 ng/m³ on average. This conclusion can be confirmed by
the absence of any other important BaP emitter in the weather-side of the coking plant. For
measurements on days marked by wind directions falling outside the specified sector, it
results a mean BaP concentration of 0.6 ng/m3. This BaP concentration is mainly congruent
with the BaP background load which is typical for the industrial region where the coke plant
is located, roughly amounting to 0.5 ng/m3.
When discussing the influence of meteorology on measured BaP concentrations, one should
not ignore that other influential factors apart from the direction of wind are to be taken into
account, for example the vertical exchange of air, which is typical for the season very often.
A seasonal influence on the determined BaP concentrations can be clearly seen from
measurements (LANUV, 2003) in the surrounding of coking plant B with an annual capacity
of approx. 1.0 mio. t coke (Fig. 35). This plant is about 25 years old, and is equipped with
techniques for emission control in compliance with the legal demands of the TA Luft 2002.
Figure 34. Influence of wind direction on Benzo(a)pyrene concentration in ambient air near coking
plant A (DWD, 2003; Hein et al., 2003; LANUV, 2003)
Figure 35. Benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air in lee-side of coking plant B during a two years period
(LANUV, 2003)
The measurements were taken lee-side of the plant in a distance of 1000 m. Due to the larger
distance of the measuring point from the plant, and to the less coking capacity, the BaP
concentrations near coking plant B are lower than those near plant A. The annual BaP
concentrations lie at 0.8 ng/m3 and complies with the relevant ambient air standard of 1 ng
BaP/m3 as given by the EU (EU, 2004).
An influence caused by the seasonal effects, but also by improvements in the applied
emission control techniques, can be also clearly seen from a three years measurement
campaign in the surrounding of coking plant C, which composed of an annual capacity of
approx. 1.5 mio. t coke (Fig. 36). The age of the various batteries of this coking plant, that has
shutdown in 1999, was between 35 and 40 years on date of the measurements. However, the
coke oven batteries including the oven machinery have been rehabilitated before the final
measuring period such that they fulfilled the most essential demands imposed under the
1986 TA Luft. The measurements were carried out at a distance of approx. 250 m both on the
lee-side and weather-side of the batteries. On the lee-side, the annual means for BaP ranges
from 23 to 37 ng/m3, while more than 50 % of the measured values were above 10 ng/m3. The
rehabilitation work carried-out during the measuring period led to a reduction in the BaP
burden at the most strongly burdened measuring station on the lee-side by up to 20 %
relative to the annual average. Fig. 36 shows the already known seasonal influence on
measuring values which, like for coke plant B, is mainly attributable to the different
meteorological conditions prevailing during the summer and winter term. However, a base
load of up to 6 ng/m3 was determined for the winter months at both measuring positions.
Presumably, coal fires in private households which were quite popular in this region at that
time mainly caused this base load.
Figure 36. Benzo(a)pyrene in ambient air near coking plant C (shutdown in 1999) during a three years
period
8.2. Calculated Benzo(a)pyrene concentrations

The additional burdens of BaP, caused by coke plant´s emissions, in the surrounding of
coking plants A and C, respectively, were calculated by applying a spread model as per
Gauß, without taking account of the influence exerted by buildings on the wind field (Hein
et al., 2003). The wind field was just described by the spread class statistics for the site of the
coking plant. The applied emission mass flow rates were based on those ranges given in
section 7.
By evulation of existing measuring data on the overall BaP burden near both coking plants,
it was possible to calibrate the mathematical assumptions, and the assumed emission mass-
flows in particular, by a factor of 1.18. The corrected results from calculations for the site of
coking plant A are reflected in Fig. 37 (top side) in a so-called iso-line representation, which
gives the total load of BaP as an annual average (for the year under investigation) near this
plant, assuming a base load of 0.5 ng/m3 which was typical for the Rhine-Ruhr area in the
time under investigation.
Figure 37. Calculated BaP concentrations (ng/m3 as an annual mean) in ambient air near German
coking plants; top side: total BaP concentrations near coking plant A considering a base load of 0.5 ng
BaP/m3; bottom side: calculated additional burden and measured concentrations in the surrounding of
plant A and C, respectively
From Fig. 37 (top side) one may conclude that, in the period under investigation, the
ambient air standard for BaP of 1 ng/m3 (as a sum of base load and additional burden) as
demanded in (EU, 2008) will be complied with in north-east of the investigated coking plant
A only from a distance of approx. 1,500 m onward away from the battery center, assuming a
base load of 0.5 ng/m3. The graph in the bottom of Fig. 37 shows the nearly asymptotic
decline of the additional burdens by BaP, caused by battery operation, in the main direction
of wind in progressive distance from both coking plants under investigation. The spread
characteristics shown here can be confirmed by BaP measurements (overall load) that were
taken in the environment of these plants in the past.
Inasmuch as their meteorology as well as their coke throughput rates is comparable with the
two investigated coking plants, a transfer of the outlined spread behaviour to other coking
plants with comparable emission control standards should be possible.
9. Summary and conclusions

Coke will be an indispensable precursor for steel production worldwide, also in the future.
A further extension of the current cokemaking capacities in the world will depend on the
global economics and on the future behaviour of export willing countries to sell coke for
reasonable prices, of China in particular. It is to assume, if there is need for building of
additional cokemaking capacities, the relevant plants will be built in countries with an
increasing steel demand. Besides for China, this will be the case for India, Southeast-Asia
and South America. Another trend will be inevitable worldwide, that means the
replacement of older and smaller plants by modern high capacities batteries for cokemaking.
This will be necessary not only by economic but notably by ecological reasons. Worldwide
the legal demands for improvements in emission control on coking plants have been
tightened in the last years. Legislation for environmental control as given by the Clean Air
Act in the US, by the German TA Luft or by the BREF document of the European Union are
accepted as a standard for other countries. Improvements in emission control could be
achieved by application of the Best Available Techniques for emission control on coking
plants during the last years in Europea, and in Germany in particular. By consequent
compliance with future standards, as described in the draft of the revised BREF document,
further improvements in air quality in the surrounding of the plants will be achieved. At
this, special importance is to be attached to emissions containing carcinogenic coumpounds,
like Benzo(a)pyren (BaP), which are emitted during conventional cokemaking because of
envitable leaks at the closure facilities of the oven chambers. Similar to the non-recovery
technology for cokemaking, which operates under negative pressure, these fugitive
emissions can be drastically reduced at conventional cokemaking, too, by application of
techniques for control the pressure of the oven chamber.
In order to predict the impact of coke plant´s emissions on the ambient air in the
surrounding, it is necessary to quantify their amount. The paper describes methods for
measuring fugitive emissions containing Benzo(a)pyrene at single closure facilities of the
coke ovens, whereby emissions from doors play a dominant role. Based on these results,
an estimation of the BaP emissions of the total plant is possible. It could be shown that so-
called emission factors for BaP from doors, as an average of all doors of the battery, as
given by the US EPA are higher than those from own measurements. By use of untypical
high emission factors for a prognosis of the impact of coke plant´s emissions on the
ambient air and thus on the health risk for the people living nearby, it can happen that the
importance of a coking plant is overestimated. By use of emission factors, which
determination is described in this paper, for spread calculations, a sufficient forecast on
the additional burden of BaP in ambient air in the surrounding of the coking plant is
possible, when comparing with actual results of measurements. Additionally, parameters
could be evolved which influence the impact of coke plant´s emissions on ambient air.
One of them is the location of the coking plant with regard to the relevant residential area
where the ambient air measurements are carried out. In case that the coking plants are
located mid of spacious industrial areas, the ambient air concentration for BaP of 1 ng/m3
as set as a standard in Europe can be achieved in most cases, provided the relevant plant
doesn´t exceed a capacity of maximum 2 to 3 mio. t and is equipped with techniques for
emission control according the state of the art.
Author details
DMT GmbH and Co. KG, Cokemaking Technology Division, Essen, Germany
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Chapter 11
Mitigating Urban Heat Island

Effects in Tehran Metropolitan Area
Parisa Shahmohamadi, Ulrich Cubasch, Sahar Sodoudi and A.I. Che-Ani
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50591
1. Introduction
The majority of cities are sources of heat, pollution and the thermal structure of the
atmosphere above them is affected by the so-called “heat island” effect. In fact, an UHI is
best visualized as a dome of stagnant warm air over the heavily built-up areas of cities [1].
The heat that is absorbed during the day by the buildings, roads and other constructions in
an urban area is re-emitted after sunset, creating high temperature differences between
urban and rural areas [2]. The exact form and size of this phenomenon varies in time and
space as a result of meteorological, location and urban characteristics [3]. Therefore, UHI
morphology is strongly controlled by the unique character of each city. Oke [3] stated that a
larger city with a cloudless sky and light winds just after sunset, the boundary between the
rural and the urban areas exhibits a steep temperature gradient to the UHI, and then the rest
of the urban area appears as a “plateau” warm air with a steady but weaker horizontal
gradient of increasing temperature towards the city centre. The uniformity of the “plateau”
is interrupted by the influence of distinct intra-urban land-uses such as parks, lakes and
open areas (cool), and commercial, industrial or dense building areas (warm). In
metropolitan areas especially in Tehran, Iran, the urban core shows a final “peak” to the
UHI where the urban maximum temperature is found. The difference between this value
and the background rural temperature defines the “UHI intensity” ( Tu  r ). The intensity of
the UHI is mainly determined by the thermal balance of the urban region and can result in a
temperature difference of up to 10 degrees [2]. The UHI intensity varies in a recognizable
way through the day under ideal weather conditions. At night, stored heat is released
slowly from the urban surface, contrary to the rapid heat escape from rural surfaces. Thus,
the UHI intensity peaks several hours after sunset when rural surfaces (and consequently
surface air temperatures) have cooled yet urban surfaces remain warm. After sunrise rural
areas warm more quickly than urban areas. If the difference in heating rates is great enough,
© 2012 Shahmohamadi et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of
rural air temperatures may equal or exceed urban temperatures. This reduces the UHI
intensity to a daytime minimum, and may even generate an urban cool island.
2. Problem statement
These questions might strike the mind that why is UHI crucial problem in urban areas? And
why should it be considered? In order to answer these questions, it is imperative to study
the negative impacts of UHIs. Their negative impacts affect so many people in so many
ways. Wong and Chen [4] summarized major negative impacts of UHI as below:
1. Air quality (environmental factor): UHI effect increases the possibility of the formation
of smog created by photochemical reactions of pollutants in the air. The formation of
smog that is highly sensitive to temperatures since photochemical reactions are more
likely to occur and intensify at higher temperatures. Atmospheric pollution can be
aggravated due to the accumulation of smog. In addition, the increased emissions of
ozone precursors from vehicles is also associated with the high ambient temperature;
2. Human mortality and disease (social factor): the UHI effect also involves the hazard of
heat stress related injuries which can threaten the health of urban dwellers; and
3. Waste of natural resources (economical factor): higher temperatures in cities also increase
cooling energy consumption and water demand for landscape irrigation. The peak electric
demand will be increased as well. As a result, more electrical energy production is needed
and this will trigger the release of more greenhouse gas due to the combustion of fossil
fuel. The side effects also include the increased pollution level and energy costs. A
feedback loop occurs when greenhouse gases eventually contribute to global warming.
Growing concern for the future of cities and for the well-being of city dwellers, stimulated
by trends in world urbanization, the increasing number and size of cities, and the
deterioration of many urban environments, has focused attention on the problems of living
in the city. Citizens in cities around the world want clean air, clean water, reduced noise,
more vegetation and protection of habitat areas, and safety. These are all seen as
contributing not only to their health but also to their quality of life. Cities have been blamed
for causing environmental catastrophes, diminishing the quality of life. Cities are also at risk
from industrial hazards, natural disasters, and the specter of global warming. The likely
negative impacts of global warming include increasing storms, flooding, droughts and the
probable destruction of some ecosystems. In urban areas, there is an “urban heat island”
effect resulting from the production and accumulation of heat in the urban mass. So, how
will UHI affect the cities of the future?
The majority of people in the world live in metropolitan areas subject to new and potentially
traumatic climatic conditions. A better conceptual approach is needed to understand the
role and effects of UHI in cities and to consider in urban design guidelines and
implementation measures. As Glantz [5] declared;
It must be understood that cities are under real, not imagined, threats from global climate change
and must be redesigned to deal with this reality.
Mitigating Urban Heat Island Effects in Tehran Metropolitan Area 283
Increasing urbanization and industrialization in Tehran metropolitan area in recent decades

caused the urban environment to deteriorate. Tehran suffers from raised temperatures in the
city core, generally known as the heat island effect. Raised temperatures, especially in
summer, turn Tehran city centers into unwelcome hot areas, with direct effects on energy
consumption for cooling buildings and morbidity and mortality risks for the population.
These raised temperatures in Tehran city centre derive from the altered thermal balances in
urban spaces, mainly due to the materials and activities taking place in cities, by far different
to those in rural areas. The increasing numbers of buildings and construction in Tehran
caused that vegetation and trees replaced by buildings. Thus, air temperature increases
especially in high-density areas. The general lack of vegetation and the low albedo of urban
surfaces are strong characteristics of the formation of UHI effect in Tehran metropolitan
area. The geometry between a vegetated area and the density-morphology of an urban area
are completely different, which has a direct effect on wind and shade distributions. Human
activities taking place in Tehran urban areas are responsible for anthropogenic heat release
(transport, space and water heating, cooling and the like) and air pollution, the latter
affecting clouds cover. The combination of these factors determines the way in which heat is
absorbed, stored, released and dispersed in the urban environment, expressed as a
temperature increase in the urban area.
Therefore the majority of citizens are suffering from outdoor environment discomfort and
this issue has a deeper and problematic dimension in the case of Iran especially in the city of
Tehran. This research is an effort to recognize the radical cause of UHI in the city and will
suggest some appropriate recommendations to solve this matter.
This research addresses the following objectives:
1. To identify the possible causes of UHI in Tehran metropolitan area;

2. To investigate the severity and impact of UHI on the environmental conditions of
Tehran metropolitan area; and
3. To explore, develop and verify the various potential measures/models that could be
implemented to mitigate the UHI effects in Tehran.
3. Conceptual framework
According to the Oke [6] model, different climatic events happen in different scales in cities
and affect each other. These scales can be divided into two categories:
1. Horizontal scales include: micro-scale, local scale, and meso-scale.

2. Vertical scales (or different types of UHI) include: Air UHI (UCL UHI and UBL UHI),
Surface UHI, and Sub-surface UHI.
Since it requires more spaces to explain all the scales, this research concentrates on UCL
UHI. Figure 1 shows the conceptual framework of this research. UCL UHI forms via
interaction between meteorological and urban structure factors. Since there are many factors
which contribute to form UHI, this paper only picks the significant factors, vegetation
covers and albedo materials, because other factors such as location, the size of the
population and city, density and the like require long term planning. Then, in next stage, it
develops a model with the title of “Natural Ventilator of the City” (NVC).
3.1. Interaction between meteorological and urban structure factors

Urban climate is concerned with interactions between the atmosphere and human
settlements. As Oke [7] stated urban climate includes the impact of the atmosphere upon the
people, infrastructure and activities in villages, towns and cities as well as the effects of
those places upon the atmosphere. Therefore, climate has major impact on urbanization.
Different climatic parameters affect the design of the city in terms of its general structure,
orientation, building forms, materials and the like. Wong and Chen [4] stated that climate
has impacts on buildings in terms of their thermal and visual performances, indoor air
quality and building integrity. For example, a properly oriented building receives less solar
heat gain and result in better thermal performance. In addition climate can influence the
pattern of energy consumption.
It is not always one-way influence from climate toward urbanization. Urbanization also has
more influence on climate. Buildings in cities influence the climate in five major ways [8]:
1. By replacing grass, soil and trees with asphalt, concrete and glass;
2. By replacing the rounded, soft shapes of trees and bushes with blocky, angular
buildings and towers;
3. By releasing artificial heat from buildings, air conditioners, industry and automobiles;
4. By efficiently disposing of precipitation in drains, sewers and gutters, preventing
surface infiltration; and
5. By emitting contaminants from a wide range of sources, which with resultant chemical
reactions can create an unpleasant urban atmosphere.
Urban areas are the sources of anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions from the burning of
fossil fuels for heating and cooling; from industrial processes; transportation of people and
goods, and the like [9, 10, 11]. Increased in pollutant sources both stationary (industrial) and
non-stationary (vehicles) result in worsening atmospheric conditions [12]. The urban
environment affects many climatological parameters. Global solar radiation is seriously
reduced because of increased scattering and absorption [11]. Many cities in the tropics
experience weak winds and limited circulation of air
In parallel, the urban environment affects precipitation and cloud cover. The exact effect of
urbanization depends on the relative place of a specific city with respect to the general
atmospheric circulation [11].
The city affects both physical and chemical processes in the atmospheric boundary layer (the
lowest 1000m of the atmosphere) [13, 14] including: 1. Flow obstacles; 2. The area of an
irregular elevated aerodynamic surface roughness; 3. Heat islands; and 4. Sources of
emissions, such as sulphate aerosols that affect cloud formation and albedo.
One of the well-known phenomena of the urban climate is the UHI The term UHI denotes
the increased temperature of a city compared with the temperature of the surrounding rural.
The temperature difference is raised with an increase in population and building density,
which it is caused higher temperature than rural areas, as well as lower humidity due to low
albedo and non-reflective materials, lower wind speed due to high density, and create
various types of UHIs in different layers of urban climate. Hence, according to these data,
Figure 2 illustrates the interaction between urban structure and climatic factors. The effect of
urban structure factors on climate and vice versa is caused the formation of UHIs in
different layers.
Figure 1. Conceptual frameworkwhich helps the accumulation of pollutants [12]. The wind speed in the
canopy layer is seriously decreased compared to the undisturbed wind speed and its direction may be
altered. This is mainly due to the specific roughness of a city, to channelling effects through canyons
and also to UHI effects [11]. In addition, higher temperatures increase the production of secondary,
photochemical pollutants and the high humidity contributes to a hazy atmosphere.
4.2. The effect of vegetation covers and high albedo materials over
meteorological Factors
4.2.1. The effect of vegetation covers over meteorological factors: benefits of greenery in
built environment
Green spaces contribute significantly to cool our cities and reduce UHI effects. Vegetation
covers have extreme impacts on various aspects of life include filter pollutions, reduce air
temperature, energy savings, help to mitigate greenhouse effect, provide an appropriate and
pleasant environment for people. In fact, vegetation covers with their related benefits, play
an important role in preventing the urban ecosystem from facing its ecological downfall.
The ability of urban trees to improve the thermal comfort conditions in the surroundings is a
function of the seasons, background climate, size of green area, type of surface over which
trees are planted, and the amount of leaf cover [1]. Akbari et al. [15] discussed that the
effectiveness of vegetation depends on its intensity, shape, dimensions and placement. But
in general, any tree, even one bereft of leaves, can have a noticeable impact on energy use. In
fact, trees in paved urban areas intercept both the sensible heat and the long wave radiation
from high temperature paved materials such as asphalt [16, 17].
Figure 2. Interaction between urban structure and climate factors
Wong and Chen [4] declared that greenery in a built environment has benefits in all aspects
of life such as environment, economic, aesthetic and social.
1. Environmental benefits
Plants can offer cooling benefits in a city through two mechanisms, direct shading and
evapotraspiration, which lead to alleviate UHI effects and provide pleasant environment.
These benefits are:
 Reduce urban air temperature;

 Reduce air pollution and improve air quality; and
 Provide best ventilation condition.
2. Economic benefits
Economical benefits are associated with the environmental benefits brought by plants in a
built environment. These benefits are:
 Energy saving;
 More usable space; and
 Reduce cooling resources through better insulation.
3. Aesthetic benefits
The aesthetic benefits are:
 Improve aesthetic appeal;

 Hide ugly roof tops services; and
 Integrate well with the building aesthetically.
4. Social benefits
The social benefits are:
 Foster community interaction;

 Facilitate recreational and leisure activities; and
 Therapeutic effects and improve health of its users.
4.2.2. The effect of high albedo materials over meteorological factors

The role of building materials, which is mainly determined by two characteristics including
technical and optical characteristics [11, 1], is critical in mitigation of UHI effect. The
technical characteristics of the materials used determined to high degree of energy
consumption and comfort conditions of individual house, as well as open spaces. The
optical characteristics of the materials used in the urban fabric largely define its thermal
balance [11]. Two significant factors, albedo (reflectivity) which is the ratio of the amount of
light reflected from a material to the amount of light shining on the material and emissivity
which is the ratio of heat radiated by a substance to the heat radiated by a blackbody at the
same temperature, are the most important parameters of optical characteristic [4]. Generally,
urban surfaces tend to have lower albedo than surfaces in the rural environment (e.g.
vegetation), thus absorb more solar radiation. This causes higher surface temperatures than
air temperature; they can become 30-40°C higher than ambient air temperature [18]. Use of
high albedo materials reduces the amount of solar radiation absorbed through building
envelopes and urban structures and thus keeps their surfaces cooler. Emissivity controls the
release of long-wave radiation to the surrounding. The albedo and emissivity, aspects
related to the durability, cost, appearance and pollution emitted by the materials have to be
considered. Using scale models, Simpson and McPherson [19] reported slightly better
energy consumption performance under a white roof than a silver-colored roof, indicating
the importance of emissivity in addition to albedo. Santamouris [11] reported asphalt
temperatures close to 63ºC and white pavements close to 45ºC. Higher surface temperatures
contribute to increasing the temperature of the ambient air and the UHI intensity.
Porosity is another characteristic of material that can affect urban temperature and UHI
intensity. Porous surfaces absorb water (e.g. soil) account for quite significant latent heat
flux in the atmosphere. Lack of porosity materials in urban surface, a high percentage of
non-reflective, water-resistant surfaces and a low percentage of vegetated and moisture
trapping surface create an evaporation deficit in the city caused UHI intensity. Vegetation,
especially in the presence of high moisture levels, plays a key role in the regulation of
surface temperatures even more than may non-reflective or low-albedo surfaces [20] and a
lack of vegetation reduces heat lost due to evapotranspiration [21].
According to above description these three characteristics of materials are responsible for
formation of UHI. Figure 3 shows that low quality of materials such as low albedo and low
emissivity and the lack of porosity increase temperature, energy consumption, pollution and
finally UHI, while Figure 4 shows that by increasing the quality of materials, UHI intensity
can be decreased. The existence of these characteristics of materials properly helps to
balance temperature, energy consumption and pollution in so far as reduce UHI effects and
achieve ideal condition (UHI=0) (Figure 5). This process can be described in the following
way:
Al.   Em.   Por.  Temp.   En.   Pol.  UHI 

Al.   Em.   Por.  Temp.   En.   Pol.  UHI 
Therefore, the existence of all characteristics of materials and integration between them can
extremely contribute to reduce UHI effects rather than existence of one characteristic.
4.2.3. Model: Natural ventilator of the city

The most important part of any models is to pick the significant variables. It is realistic to
present a range of key components involved and discuss how much interaction and impacts
affect the basic system.
By deducing to researches, vegetation covers and high albedo materials have direct impact
on mitigating of urban temperature and UHI effects. In this way, the increasing concern for
the UHI impacts and the air quality is believed to be the motivation focusing on these key
components and making a conceptual model. According to pervious discussion, many
researches declared that greenery and high albedo materials could extremely affect the UHI.
In facts, these researches experimented these two variables and observed their impacts on
the UHI intensity separately. It is obvious that there are many conceptual models that can
control the UHI effects. They all share the same goal that is to reduce UHI effects caused by
interaction between two factors including meteorological and urban structure factors. Aside
from all this, the study tried to develop the model and observe the impacts of vegetation
covers and high albedo materials on UHI in parallel.
Figure 3. Low quality of material and UHI intensity
Figure 4. Mitigation of UHI intensity by increasing the quality of the materials
Figure 5. Integration of characteristics of material, creation of balance and reduction of UHI intensity
The key components of the study can be divided into two categories, first meteorological
and urban structure factors which with their interactions form UHI over the urban areas;
second vegetation covers and high albedo materials which contribute to mitigate the
produced UHI. In addition, since focusing on other factors which classified in urban
structure factors such as location, population, city size, density of built-up area and the like
require long term planning, an optimal and realistic solution is to focus on thermal
properties of fabric and surface waterproofing, which can be manipulated and achieved the
good results quickly for mitigating UHI effects.
Compiling the four key components into a specific model is meaningful in promoting the
passive climate control brought by vegetation covers and high albedo materials in an urban
area. The interactions among the four key components and how variables can contribute to
mitigate the UHI effects are presented in the model shown in Figure 6. The constituent parts
of the model are the impacts of vegetation covers and high albedo materials over
meteorological factors. Components with the solid circles indicate relatively stable
conditions, while the dashed circles imply their potential variation in an urban area which
by changing the amount of them can adjust the urban temperature and mitigate UHI effects.
VU is the amount of vegetation covers introduced into an urban area. This can be enforced
when more greenery is introduced into the urban area, such as vertical and horizontal green
spaces, roof gardens and the like. VM is the ability of greenery to control meteorological
factors. HAU is the amount of reflectively, emissivity and porosity of materials introduced
into an urban area. This can be enforced when more high albedo materials is introduced into
the urban area. HAM is the ability of high albedo materials to control meteorological factors.
In Figure 7, the shaded area represents the UHI intensity which created by interaction
between meteorological and urban structure factors. A greater interaction leads to higher
UHI intensity that encounters an urban area with imbalance condition.
For achieving balance condition and mitigating the UHI intensity, two variables, vegetation
covers and high albedo materials contribute to approach the lower UHI intensity (Figure 8)
and achieve ideal condition (UHI=0) (Figure 9).
Based on the model, three hypotheses can be generated:
1
VU  U
8
1
HAU  U
8
1
VU  HAU  U  UHI 
4
Hypothesis1: if the amount of vegetation cover and high albedo material all together cover
approximately a fourth of urban area, the effect of UHI can be reduced (Figure 7):
Hypothesis 2: if the amount of vegetation cover and high albedo material all together cover
approximately a third of urban area, the effect of UHI can be extremely reduced (Figure 8):
1
VU  U
6
1
HAU  U
6
1
VU  HAU  U  UHI  Min
3
Hypothesis 3: if the amount of vegetation cover and high albedo material increase and cover
half of urban area, the effect of UHI can be achieved zero which is the ideal condition (Figure 9):
1
VU  U
4
1
HAU  U
4
1
VU  HAU  U  UHI  0
2
Figure 6. Conceptual model, vegetation covers and high albedo materials are considered to be the
major components of UHI mitigation
Figure 7. Increasing the amount of greenery and high albedo materials mitigate the UHI effects
VU   HAU  VM   HAM  UHI
Figure 8. Approach to lower UHI intensity with increasing greenery and albedo of materials
Figure 9. Achieve ideal condition by covering urban areas with approximately 50% greenery and high
albedo materials
5. Methodology
In order to test the model, UHI measuring, modeling and simulation have been carried out
which described in following way:
5.1. Methodologies used for Urban Heat Island measurements

The methodologies employed for measuring UHI are:
1. Satellite images: broad and visible instantaneous observed;
5. Historical weather data: long-term observation; and
6. Mobile survey: observation of given area within a designated period.
5.1.1. Urban Heat Island measurement through satellite image

A Landsat ETM7+ satellite image obtained on 18 July 2000 was selected (Figure 10). Satellite
image with a thermal band was processed to obtain an instantaneous impression of the UHI.
In order to map out the UHI, mapping of land surface temperature (LST) and normalized
difference vegetation index (NDVI) were necessary. It aimed to overlay two images (NDVI
and LST images) and extract maximum temperature value for both urban and rural area as
well as identify the possible hot spots in the metropolitan area. Figure 11 shows the process
of UHI mapping.
Figure 10. Landsat-7 ETM+ image of Tehran acquired on 18 July 2000 (band combination RGB 7 5 3)
5.1.2. Urban Heat Island measurement through historical weather data

In order to measure UHI intensity during a 25 years period, this study has chosen two
stations (Mehrabad station in urban area and Karaj station in rural area). The stations
selected to be used from weather station network sources, which under the governmental
organization named as Iran Meteorological Organization.
Figure 11. The process of UHI mapping
5.1.3. Urban Heat Island measurement through mobile survey

This survey entailed travelling on a predetermined path throughout a district, stopping at
representative locations to take reading using just a single set of weather instrumentation.
Using professional measuring instrument: Anemometer, Hygrometer, Thermometer and
Light meter called Lutron LM-8000 (4 IN 1).
Method of transport taken in this measurement is to cycle between measurement locations.
Since the measurement must be taken in specified period, using car or public transportation
was not logical because of traffic jam.
5.2. Methodology used for modeling

This research used modeling based on GIS analysis, which is divided into two analyses
(Figure 12); 1. 3D analysis; and 2. Spatial analysis in order to have the classification and the
area of vegetation cover, albedo material and both together in current situation of 6 urban
district of Tehran.
Figure 12. The process of UHI modeling based on GIS
5.3. Methodology used for simulation

This chapter used ENVI-met, three dimensional non-hydrostatic microclimate model, for
simulating ‘natural ventilator of the city’ model with three scenarios. The Figure 13 shows
the process of simulation with ENVI-met.
Figure 13. The process of simulation with ENVI-met
6. Model area: 6 urban district of Tehran

This paper put the model and its hypotheses in the context of 6 urban district of Tehran
(Figure 14) for following reason:
 with high density of built-up area and low albedo and non-reflective materials, higher
production of anthropogenic heat due to the transportation, cooling and heating system
and cooking plays an important role on formation of UHI;
 Located near the centre of gravity of Tehran;
 Located on main axes of the city (Enghelab and Vali-e-Asr streets) (Figure 15);
 Surrounded the district by main urban axes (highways)(Figure 15);
 Concentration of superior activities and urban central functions; and
 Concentration of pollutions over central part of Tehran brought by west prevailing
wind and increase inversion in Tehran.
Figure 14. The location of 6 urban district of Tehran (in the central part of Tehran)
Figure 15. Main northern-southern and eastern-western axes surrounded 6 urban district
The area of the simulation has been shown in Figure 16 where has the higher intensity of
UHI. The model area has a size of 230*234 m, resulting in 94*92*25 cells with a resolution of
2*2*2 meters. Within the area only residential buildings with average height of 16 m are
located. The geographic coordinates of the model area were set to 35.73° latitude and 51.50°
longitude.
Figure 16. The certain area of simulation in 6 urban district of Tehran with higher intensity of UHI
7. Discussion of results
7.1. Urban heat island measurement
7.1.1. Satellite image
The clear observation is the surface temperature of Tehran in 18 July 2000 (Figure 17). The
warm region where is represented by red and yellow colour, is mostly located in the central,
western and southern part of Tehran where CBD, industrial area and airport are located
respectively. On the other hand, northern part of Tehran is relatively cool with green colour.
This is due to the concentration of greenery and water bodies as well as less impact from the
densely placed urban developments. The contrast between urban and rural areas hints at the
prevalence of the UHI effect in Tehran, although the satellite image only provides the
instantaneous observation during the daytime.
Figure 17. Figure 17. Tehran surface temperature map
The UHI intensity of Tehran is:
Urban max = 39 °C
Rural max = 27°C
UHI = (39-27) °C = 12°C
Therefore, daytime Tehran surface UHI shows 12°C of differences between urban and rural
areas.
The UHI intensity of 6 urban district is:
Urban max = 40 °C
Rural max = 27°C
UHI = (40-27) °C = 13°C
Daytime UHI shows a 13°C of difference between urban and rural area. In fact, UHI
intensity of 6 urban district is 1°C higher than Tehran.
Study area (6 urban district) image reveals some spots with either high or low surface
temperature. As shown in Figure 18, Region 1 represents some of governmental
organization, such as energy organization and some commercial and residential land uses.
They experienced the highest temperature during daytime especially in the north and west
parts of the region mainly because of lack of extensive landscape and being close to the two
main highways (Hemat in north and Chamran in west) as well. Similarly, higher
temperature was observed in eastern north and east parts of the Region 2. This is also
reasonable since the exposed runway absorbs a lot of incident solar radiation during the
daytime and incurs high surface temperature. It is due to the bus terminal station located in
the Abassabad lands as well. Region 3 represents the most crowded area with higher traffic
congestion, which the majority of commercial land uses are located in this region. Region 5
and 6 are close to the CBD of Tehran and neighbour with the Enghelab street, the most
crowded street, but the existing of one of the biggest parks of Tehran, Laleh park, in Region 5
was able to reduce the higher temperature partly. Region 4 also represents some of the
commercial and residential land uses. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18, the areas around
the main axis of the district which separates the regions of 1, 3 and 5 from regions of 2, 4 and 6,
have lower urban temperature which it can be mainly due to the trees axis in the Vali-e-Asr
street. This axis is not the worst scenarios, however, some red spots can be seen in this area.
Therefore, the worst scenarios have been occurred in eastern north, western north and also
some areas in west of the district. These all can be due to the lack of vegetation covers and low
albedo materials and higher density of population and production of anthropogenic heat.
7.1.2. Historical weather data

The investigation of a 25 years period of urban (Mehrabad station) and rural (Karaj station)
temperature in Tehran makes clear the temperature difference between these two areas. The
selection of these two stations is because of the long records and validity. Mehrabad station
is located within the west region of Tehran which airport situated there. In Karaj station, the
major land use is agriculture. At Mehrabad and Karaj stations, the annual maximum, mean
and minimum dry-bulb temperatures indicate a slow upward trend towards warming or
cooling during the period 1985-2009 (Figure 19 and 20).
An exploration of the mean temperature trends of Mehrabad (urban) and Karaj (rural) as
well as temperature differences between the two locations was made. The results show that
(Figure 21) for the first five years temperature difference increased from 1.9°C to 3.6°C. This
was an increase of 1.7°C for the period. It dropped by 1.7°C in 1991. Over the next 12 years
there were fluctuations. It started increasing from 1.7°C in 2003 to 3.2°C in 2004 and it
reached to peak on 2005 before the temperature difference decreased by about 3.6°C to
around 2.6°C in 2009. The highest temperature differences is 3.6°C occurred in 1989, 1990
and 2005, while the lowest one with 1.5°C occurred in 1993, 1995 and 1999. It means that
from 2003 forward there is higher intensity of UHI.
Figure 18. 6 urban district’s surface temperature map
Figure 19. Analysis of the past 25 years’ weather data at Mehrabad station
Figure 20. Analysis of the past 25 years’ weather data at Karaj station
Figure 21. Mehrabad-Karaj mean temperature differences
7.1.3. Mobile survey

Field measurements are used for measuring the air temperature of current situation of the
area. In this way, it was chosen 31 points in three parts of the district. In fact, three ways
were traversed, two narrow strips around (from point number 1 to 11 and 12 to 21) and the
central part of the district (from point number 22 to 31), to cover whole areas of the district
(Figure 22). Since there were only two hours with higher radiation intensity to measure
points, this study has selected three consecutive days to measure them exactly in these two
hours. It investigated the correlation between temperatures and different land uses in
current condition of 6 urban district.
Figure 22. Selection of 31 points in 6 urban district with 1 Km distance for mobile survey
Figure 23. Three routes selected for measuring air temperature in 6 urban district
First route running from north to south and then to east (1 to 11), second route from west to
east and then to south (12 to 21) and third route which cover central part of the district (22 to
31) running like zigzag movement to cover whole area of the central part passed through quite
a number of different land uses (Figure 23). In order to save time and measure the defined
points in defined time, bicycle was selected. According to high traffic jam in Tehran reaching
to all points in the exact time by car was impossible. Therefore using vehicle equipped with
observation tube which can automatically record ambient temperature was difficult.
The maximum air temperature, 42 °C, was observed in the route number 1 in industrial,
commercial and public services. The lowest temperature, 38.5 °C, was observed in
residential area (Figure 24). In route number 2, the maximum temperature was also 42°C in
industrial and public services and the lowest one was 34°C in park (Figure 25). In route
number 3, the highest temperature was 40.5 °C in industrial area and the lowest one was 30
°C in park (Figure 26).
29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44
Temperature (°C)
13:00 13:11 13:21 13:36 13:48 13:56 14:10 14:22 14:36 14:49 15:00
Public Service Public Service Parking Residential Commercial Public Service Industrial Tehran Commercial Industrial Commercial-
(Geophysics (Communication (Hospital) University Residential (Mix
Organization) Organization) use)
Time and Land Uses
Figure 24. Maximum air temperature in different land uses in route number 1
44
43
42
41
40
Temperature (°C)
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
13:00 13:12 13:26 13:32 13:49 14:06 14:20 14:34 14:48 15:00
Parking Residential Commercial- Public Service Public Service Commercial Commercial- Industrial Park Public Service
Residential (Mix (Road (Naja Residential (Mix (Church)
use) Organization) Organization) use)
Time and Land Uses
As seen routes number 1 and 2 have the same highest temperature in industrial area and
public services but the route number 3 has 1.5 °C less than the other routes. It is due to the
location of routes number 1 and 2 and they are located next to the main highways (Hemat,
Chamran, Modares and Enghelab highways) which have the highest traffic jam, air
pollution, production of anthropogenic heat and last but not least the lack of vegetation
covers which can ventilate air and using low albedo and non-reflective materials. The
industrial areas generally have low-rise buildings and the high temperature recorded in
these areas is related to the extensive usage of metal roofing in the buildings. The high
temperature of commercial and public services buildings is related to use concrete and dark
stones (Figure 27) that absorb a huge part of the solar radiation incident on it and later
release it to the atmosphere. In addition, calculation of averaging the temperature in every
route shows the highest mean temperature in route number 1 with 41 °C, route number 2
with 39.6 °C and route number 3 with 38.25°C respectively (Table 1). From the results it is
observed that the daytime temperature seemed to be dominated more by the solar radiation
component rather than by the reradiated temperature, which is the main cause of daytime
UHI. The average of observations obtained during daytime in three days in 2009 shows that
the temperature is 2.2 °C higher than the average of temperature derived from satellite
image in 2000. It means that there were more constructions in these 9 years and made the
condition much more worse.
Routes Mean max temperature (°C) Mean min temperature (°C)
1 41 30.06
2 39.60 29.05
3 38.25 28.90
Table 1. Mean min and max temperatures in three different routes
44
43
42
41
40
39
Temperature (°C)
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
13:00 13:11 13:27 13:39 13:54 14:13 14:24 14:37 14:48 15:00
Commercial-residential (Mix Parking Commercial Park Industrial Public Service Hotel Commercial Parking Park
use) (Transportation
Organization)
Time and Land Uses
In urban areas, the night time temperatures varied between 25°C and 35.5°C and it was
found that the CBD area was around 7 °C hotter than the locations with greenery (Figure 28,
29 and 30). This also indicates the center of the night time UHI effect which has shifted from
the industrial areas during the daytime to the CBD area. The average temperature in every
route in night time also shows the highest mean temperature in route number 1 with 30.06
°C, while route number 2 has 29.05°C and route number 3 with 28.90 °C (Table 1). It means
that at night time also route number 1 has the highest temperature. Comparing these results
with satellite image results shows that west, north-west and east parts of the district in
satellite image (2000) have higher intensity of UHI, while mobile survey (2009) shows the
condition much worse.
Figure 31 shows the correlation between GIS and mobile survey. P-value, which shows 0.05,
is significant difference between GIS and mobile survey. The Pearson correlation which is
0.67 shows that the difference is reliable. This means the reading between these two sources
is complement each other.
Figure 27. Using dark stone, concrete and metal materials
36
35
34
33
Midnight Temperature (°C)
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
21:00 21:10 21:20 21:37 21:47 21:55 22:10 22:21 22:35 22:48 23:00
Public Service Public Service Parking Residential Commercial Public Service Industrial Tehran University Commercial Industrial Commercial-
(Geophysics (Communication (Hospital) Residential (Mix
Organization) Organization) use)
Time and Land Uses
Figure 28. Minimum air temperature in different land uses in route number 1
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
21:00 21:11 21:25 21:32 21:49 22:05 22:19 22:34 22:47 23:00
Parking Residential Commercial- Public Service Public Service Commercial Commercial- Industrial Park Public Service
Residential (Road (Naja Residential (Church)
(Mix use) Organization) Organization) (Mix use)
Time and Land Uses
36
35
34
33
32
31
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
21:00 21:11 21:25 21:38 21:52 22:13 22:23 22:36 22:47 23:00
Commercial- Parking Commercial Park Industrial Public Service Hotel Commercial Parking Park
residential (Mix (Transportation
use) Organization)
Time and Land Uses
Figure 31. Figure 31. Correlation between GIS and mobile survey
7.2. Modelling based on GIS analysis

The results obtained from modelling based on GIS, 3D and spatial analysis, are described in
following way:
7.2.1. 3D analysis
This analysis gives visual views of the district that can help to better understand of the site.
The 3D of district (Figure 32) shows that the northern part of the district has some ups and
downs that contribute to cause an unequal distribution of pollution and provide warm air
canopy over this area. As shown in Figure 18, the northern part of the district has the hottest
surface temperature that is due to the concentration of the pollutions and cause to form the
UHI.
7.2.2. Spatial analysis

To prove the hypotheses spatial analysis based on ArcGIS has been done in order to
estimate the area of albedo (lower, medium and higher), vegetation covers and then overlay
them. Results obtained from creating albedo (Figure 33) and NDVI grid maps (Figure 34) in
vector format.
1. Albedo Grid Map
As shown in Table 2, albedo has been classified into three groups including (Figure 33):
1. Higher albedo with value of 0.170-0.310 occupied 37% of whole area of 6 urban district.
According to the Table 3, this range of albedo belongs to concrete (0.10-0.35);
7. Medium albedo with value of 0.140-0.160 occupied 50% of whole area of 6 urban
district. According to Table 3, this range of value belongs to asphalt (0.05-0.2) or
corrugated iron (0.10-0.16); and
8. Lower albedo with value of 0.064-0.130 occupied 13% of whole area of 6 urban district.
According to Table 3, this range of value belongs to gravel (0.08-0.18), smooth-surface
asphalt (0.07) or black coloured materials.
2. NDVI Grid Map
As shown in Table 4, the land cover types have been divided into 4 categories including
(Figure 34):
1. Vegetation with value of 0.0-0.7 from very poor to very high density. This type covers
51.57 hectare, 2.4% of whole area of 6 urban district;
2. Non-vegetation with value of -0.0- -0.4 including urban area, desert, mountain area and
cloud. This type covers 2087.52 hectare, 97.37% of whole area of 6 urban district;
3. Water with value of -0.4- -0.7 constituted 1.7 hectare, 0.08% of whole area; and
4. There are also some land covers that their types were not recognizable which cover 3.21
hectare, 0.15% of whole area of 6 urban district.
Figure 32. 3D of 6 urban district
Percent of 6 Urban
Albedo Classification Albedo Value Area (Hectare)
District Area
Higher albedo 0.170-0.310 792 37%
Medium albedo 0.140-0.160 1071 50%
Lower albedo 0.064-0.130 280 13%
2144 100%
Table 2. Albedo classification with related values and area in 6 urban district
Figure 33. Albedo grid map of 6 urban district

Surface Albedo
Streets
Asphalt (fresh 0.05, aged 0.2) 0.05-0.2
Walls
Concrete 0.10-0.35
Brick/Stone 0.20-0.40
Whitewashed stone 0.80
White marble chips 0.55
Light-coloured brick 0.30-0.50
Red brick 0.20-0.30
Dark brick and slate 0.20
Limestone 0.30-0.45
Roofs
Smooth-surface asphalt (weathered) 0.07
Asphalt 0.10-0.15
Tar and gravel 0.08-0.18
Tile 0.10-0.35
Slate 0.10
Thatch 0.15-0.20
Corrugated iron 0.10-0.16
Highly reflective roof after weathering 0.6-0.7
Paints
White, whitewash 0.50-0.90
Red, brown, green 0.20-0.35
Black 0.20-0.15
Urban areas
Range 0.10-0.27
Average 0.15
Other
Light-coloured sand 0.40-0.60
Dry grass 0.30
Average soil 0.30
Dry sand 0.20-0.30
Deciduous plants 0.20-0.30
Deciduous forests 0.15-0.20
Cultivated soil 0.20
Wet sand 0.10-0.20
Coniferous forests 0.10-0.15
Wood (oak) 0.10
Dark cultivated soils 0.07-0.10
Artificial turf 0.50-0.10
Grass and leaf mulch 0.05
Table 3. Albedo of typical urban materials and areas [22,3]
Area Percent of 6 Urban

NDVI value Vegetation density Land cover type
(Hectare) District Area
0 Unknown Unknown 3.21 0.15%
-0.4 - -0.7 Non-Vegetation Water 1.7 0.08%
Urban area, desert,
-0.0 - -0.4 Non-Vegetation mountain area and 2087.52 97.37%
cloud
0.0 - 0.1 Very Poor
0.0 - 0.2 Poor
0.2 - 0.3 Moderate Vegetation 51.57 2.4%
0.3 - 0.5 High
0.5 - 0.7 Very High
2144 100%
Table 4. Land cover types with related value and areas in 6 urban district
Figure 34. NDVI grid map of 6 urban district
3. Overlaying the albedo and NDVI grid maps

Results obtained from overlaying the albedo and NDVI grid maps have been shown in
Figure 35 and Table 5.
No. Albedo Classification Land Cover Type Area (Hectare)

1 Higher Albedo Unknown 3.05
2 Higher Albedo Non-Vegetation 739.16
3 Higher Albedo Vegetation 48.80
4 Higher Albedo Water 1.06
5 Medium Albedo Unknown 0.16
6 Medium Albedo Non-Vegetation 1068.08
7 Medium Albedo Vegetation 2.76
8 Medium Albedo Water 0.48
9 Lower Albedo Non-Vegetation 280.28
10 Lower Albedo Water 0.16
2144
Table 5. Results of overlaying albedo and NDVI grid map of 6 urban district
Figure 35. Overlaying albedo and NDVI map of 6 urban district
Each number shows the combination of albedo and land cover types. It can be divided into
following groups:
1. Higher albedo with non-vegetation and vegetation covers;

2. Medium albedo with non-vegetation and vegetation covers; and
3. Lower albedo with non-vegetation cover (as seen in Table 5 the combination of lower
albedo and vegetation cover does not exist).
Number 2 (Orange colour) shows the combination of higher albedo and non-vegetation with
739.16 hectare area, number 6 (yellow colour) shows the combination of medium albedo and
non-vegetation with 1068.08 hectare area, number 9 (green colour) shows the combination of
lower albedo and non-vegetation with 280.28 hectare area, which occupied 34.5%, 50% and
13% of 6 urban district respectively. Number 3 (red colour) shows the combination of higher
albedo and vegetation with 48.80 hectare area, number 7 (brown colour) shows the
combination of medium albedo and vegetation with 2.76 hectare area which occupied 2.27%
and 0.12% of 6 urban district respectively. Other numbers are negligible which are not
observed in Figure 35. Although number 3 includes high albedo and vegetation cover, it
encompass the very low percentage of area which not only it has not impact on mitigation of
UHI, but also this value of albedo (with value of 0.17-0.310) with lower reflectivity can
increase the UHI intensity. The area of vegetation cover is negligible in comparison with
whole area of the district. Number 6 with 50% of whole area of 6 urban district including
non-vegetation cover and medium albedo materials (with value of 0.14-0.160) has been
widely distributed in the district and provided worse condition for this district. After
number 6, number 2 is in the worse condition with 34.5% of whole area of 6 urban district
including non-vegetation cover and high albedo materials (with value of 0.17-0.310). Then
number 9 with 13% of whole area of 6 urban district and the combination of lower albedo
and non-vegetation cover stands in the next rank. It has been widely distributed in region 1
and 2 that the topography of these regions also provided higher UHI intensity. It is also
observed in Figure 16 that these regions have higher UHI impacts.
7.3. Analyze the model of natural ventilator of the city

The area of 6 urban district is 2144.33 hectare with population of 232583. According to Table
4, vegetation covers constitute 51.57 hectare of 6 urban district area. Therefore, per capita of
vegetation cover in this district is 2.21m2.
Population of 6 urban district = 232583

Vegetation cover area = 51.57 hectare = 515700 m2
Therefore, per capita of vegetation cover = 2.21 m2
It means that only 2.4% of whole area of 6 urban district is composed of vegetation cover
with 2.21 m2 per capita.
Based on studies and investigations of United Nation (UN) Environment, acceptable per
capita of green spaces in cities is of between 20 and 25 m2 for each person [23].
In fact, 6 urban district with 2.21 m2 per capita of vegetation cover is around 18 m2 less than
indicator of UN that makes the situation worse and increases UHI intensity in given area.
According to hypotheses, if a fourth area of 6 urban district is covered with vegetation

covers and high albedo materials, therefore:
Area of 6 urban district = 21443300 m2
21443300 ÷ 4 = 5360825 m2
5360825  2  2680412.5 m 2 
 Vegetation covers
2680412.5 m 2 
 Higher albedo materials
Therefore, per capita of vegetation cover is:

2680412.5 ÷ 232583 = 11.5 m2
In comparison with the UN indicator (20-25 m2), it is 8.5 m2 less.
Therefore, this hypothesis is not applicable
If a third area of 6 urban district is covered with vegetation covers and high albedo
materials, therefore:
21443300 ÷ 3 = 7147766.67 m2
7147766.67  2  3573883.33 m 2 
3573883.33m 2 

3573883.33 ÷ 232583 = 15.3 m2
In comparison with the UN indicator (20-25 m2), it is still 5 m2 less.
Therefore, this hypothesis also is not applicable.
If the amount of vegetation cover and high albedo material increase and cover half of urban
area, the effect of UHI can be achieved zero which is the ideal condition, therefore:
21443300 ÷ 2 = 10721650 m2
10721650  2  5360825m 2 
5360825 m 2 
5360825 ÷ 232583 = 23 m2
In comparison with the UN indicator (20-25 m2), it is acceptable.
Therefore, this hypothesis is applicable.

In addition, as Reagan and Acklam [24] calculated, when the reflectivity of the rest of area
(5360825 m2) with poorly insulated building is increased from 0.25 to 0.65, the heat gains
through the roof are reduced by half. It means that the albedo values mentioned in Table 2 is
higher albedo in current classification of 6 urban district and it does not have higher
reflectivity.
Figure 36 shows the areas with higher intensity of UHI chosen to implement natural
ventilator model as shown in Figure 18. These areas cover approximately half area of 6
urban district with vegetation cover along with high albedo material and they act as
ventilation holes and mitigate UHI effects.
Figure 36. Covering the half area of 6 urban district with vegetation cover along with high albedo
material
7.4. Simulation through ENVI-met

ENVI-met was employed to simulate “natural ventilator of the city” (NVC) model. This
simulation compares the current situation of 6 urban district of Tehran with three scenarios
according to the variable of the NVC model. These three scenarios were created as follows:
 Scenario 1: change current low albedo material to high albedo materials;
 Scenario 2: cover the model area with vegetation cover; and
 Scenario 3: cover the model area with vegetation cover along with high albedo material.
The boundary condition was set according to the current situation of model area based on
weather data obtained from the mobile survey. One typical time scenario, 1200 hr, was
selected for analysis.
Figure 37 illustrates the current situation of the model area and three scenarios in ENVI-met.
The material used for buildings, in current situation of 6 urban district, is concrete with
albedo of 0.30, for roofs and roads is asphalt with albedo of 0.14-0.16 and some parts of the
area have covered by loamy soil with albedo of 0.17-0.23. There is the lack of vegetation
cover in this area. In scenario 1, low albedo materials were changed to high albedo one,
asphalt to bright asphalt with albedo of 0.55, concrete was covered with white coating with
albedo of 0.85, and loamy soil to light colored soil with albedo of 0.6. In scenario 2,
horizontal and vertical surfaces were covered by vegetation cover. In fact, these two
scenarios show that how vegetation and high albedo material can contribute to UHI
mitigation separately. In scenario 3, the model area was covered with high albedo material
along with vegetation cover in order to see that how these two variables can contribute
together to mitigate the effect of UHI.
Figure 37. Current situation of the model area and three scenarios in ENVI-met
Figure 38 shows the daytime (at 1200 hr) simulation of the current situation of 6 urban
district and three scenarios. As seen in this Figure, in current situation of 6 urban district,
higher temperature (above 295.80 K) occurs in roads and roof of buildings with low albedo
material such as asphalt and the areas with less vegetation cover. The simulation results
show that when the points are closer to the green area (east north), lower temperatures
(294.60 K) were observed.
In scenario 1, the cooling effect of high albedo materials can be seen in the simulation
(Figure 37). In the east north part, it is not seen higher temperature while in current situation
there is higher temperature and it decreased to around between 294.20 and 295.20 K and in
building area to around less than 294K. It means that high albedo materials have extreme
effects on decreasing the ambient temperature.
180
180
Pot. Temperature
170
170
unter 294.20 K
160
160 294.20 bis 294.40 K
150
150 294.40 bis 294.60 K
140
140 294.60 bis 294.80 K
130
130 294.80 bis 295.00 K
120
120
295.00 bis 295.20 K
110
110
295.20 bis 295.40 K
100
100
295.40 bis 295.60 K
Y (m)
Y (m)
90
90 295.60 bis 295.80 K
80
80 über 295.80 K
70
70
60 Min: 294.30 K
60
Max: 296.73 K
50
50
40
40
30
30
20
20
10
10
0
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 X (m)
X (m)
N
Current situation of 6 urban district Scenario 1

180 180
170 170
160 160
150 150
140 140
130 130
120 120
110 110
100 100
Y (m)
Y (m)
90 90
80 80
70 70
60 60
50 50
40 40
30 30
20 20
10 10
0 0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
( )
Figure 38. Daytime simulation of 6 urban district and three scenarios in ENVI-met
When the vegetation is added in scenario 2, the temperature in the areas with trees and roof
gardens has been reduced from around 295 K to 294.20 K. In fact, the moisture levels in the
soil dose not cause the temperature to be similar to those on the hard pavement areas.
Although the vegetation cover decreased temperature, there is still higher temperature in
roads. Green roofs contributed to decreased the temperature in housing area. While the
vegetation is replaced with hard pavement (current situation), it can be seen that the whole
area now has a higher temperature at about above 295.80 K. The qualitative analysis of the
temperature data showed that the coolest areas were in the Saee and Laleh parks located in
route number 3. It means that field measurement has also shown the same results that
greenery can decrease temperature. The reduction of the air temperature in the areas with
more vegetation cover can reach 0.8 °C. In the comparison of the scenarios’ 1 and 2 and
current situation for temperature, scenario 1 has more effect on the surrounding built-up
area than vegetation cover.
In scenario 3, the combination of vegetation and high albedo material has been examined in
order to test that how these two variables can affect the surrounding built-up area in
parallel. As seen in Figure 38, in scenario 3, it is obvious that the combination of these two
variables can affect to reduce the temperature around 2.43°C. Scenarios’ 1 and 2 also
contribute to reduce the temperature singly, while in scenario 3 which is the combination of
scenario 1 and 2 has extreme contribution to mitigate the air temperature.
Therefore, in the cross-comparison of the three scenarios for temperature, the best cooling
effect on the surrounding built-up area is observed in the third scenario and cooling effect of
greenery along with high albedo material can be confirmed by the simulation.
Author details
Parisa Shahmohamadi, Ulrich Cubasch and Sahar Sodoudi
Institut für Meteorologie, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
A.I. Che-Ani
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Selangor, Malaysia
8. References
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the Tropics. London. Spon Press.
[2] Asimakopoulos D.N, Assimakopoulos V.D, Chrisomallidou N, Klitsikas N, Mangold D,
Michel P, Santamouris M, Tsangrassoulis A (2001) Energy and Climate in the Urban
Built Environment. M. Santamouris (Ed.). London. James & James Publication.
[3] Oke T.R (1987) Boundary Layer Climates (2an edn.). New York. Methuen and Co. Ltd.
[4] Wong N.H, Chen Y (2009) Tropical Urban Heat Islands: Climate, Buildings and
Greenery. London and New York. Taylor & Francis Press.
[5] Glantz M.H (2005) What Makes Good Climates Go Bad?. Geotimes 50(4):18-24.
[6] Oke T.R (2006) Initial Guidance to Obtain Representative Meteorological Observations
at Urban Sites.Instruments and Observing Methods. Canada. WHO. No. 81.
[7] Oke T.R (2006) Towards Better Scientific Communication in Urban Climate. Theoretical
and Applied Climatology 84: 179-190.
[8] Bridgman H, Warner R, Dodson J (1995) Urban Biophysical Environments. Melbourne
and New York: Oxford University Press.
[9] Grimmond S (2007) Urbanization and Global Environmental Change: Local Effects of
Urban Warming. Cities and Global Environmental Change 83-88.
[10] Oke T.R (1981) Canyon Geometry and the Nocturnal Urban Heat Island: Comparison of
Scale Model and Field Observations. Journal of Climatology 1: 237-254.
[11] Santamouris M (2001) Energy and Climate in the Urban Built Environment. London.
James & James Publication.
[12] Roth M (2002) Effects of Cities on Local Climates, Proceedings of Workshop of

IGES/APN Mega-City Project, 23-25 January 2002, Kitakyushu Japan.
[13] Mayer H (1992) PlannungsfaktorStadtklima. Münchner Forum, Berichte und Protokolle,
107:167–205.
[14] Fezer F(1995) Das KlimaderStädt. Gotha, Justus PerthesVerlag.
[15] Akbari H, Davis S, Dosano S, Huang J,Winnett S (Editors) (1992) Cooling our
Communities: a Guidebook on Tree Planting and Light-Colored Surfacing. United
States Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C.
[16] Halvorson H, Potts D (1981) Water Requirements of Honeylocust (Gleditsiatriacanthos
f. inermis) in the Urban Forest. USDA Forest Service Research Paper. NE-487.
[17] Heilman J, Brittin C, Zajicek J (1989) Water Use by Shrubs as Affected by Energy
Exchange with Building Walls. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 48: 345-357.
[18] Akbari H, Pomerantz M, Taha H (2001) Cool Surfaces and ShadeTrees to Reduce
Energy Use and Improve Air Quality in Urban Areas.Solar Energy 70(3): 295–310.
[19] Simpson J.R, McPhersonE.G (1997) The Effect of Roof Albedo Modification on Cooling
Loads of Scale Model Residences in Tucson, Arizona. Energy and Buildings 25: 127-137.
[20] Goward S.N, Cruickshanks G.D, Hope A.S (1985) Observed Relation between Thermal
Emission and Reflected Spectral Radiance of a Complex Vegetated Landscape. Remote
Sensing of Environment 18: 137-146.
[21] Lougeay R, Brazel A, Hubble M (1996) Monitoring Intra-Urban Temperature Patterns
and Associated Land Cover in Phoenix; Arizona Using Landsat Thermal Data.Geocarto
International 11: 79-89.
[22] Bretz S, Akbari H, Rosenfield A, Taha H (1992) Implementation of Solar Reflective
Surface: Materials and Utility Programs. LBL Report 32467. University of California.
[23] United Nation Environment (2010)http://www.unep.org/.
[24] Reagan J.A, Acklam D.M (1979) Solar Reflectivity of Common Building Materials and
its Influence on the Roof Heat Gain of Typical Southwestern USA Residences. Energy
and Buildings 2: 237-248.
Chapter 12
Managing Emergency Response

of Air Pollution by the Expert System
Wang-Kun Chen
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50080
1. Introduction
Recently, the emergency preparedness of environmental disaster has been grown because of
the climate change and growth of new technology in industry. The need to reduce the risk of
major event of air pollution is of great concern. To ensure the quality of response
management and reduce the loss in the air pollution event, it is necessary to design a
reliable emergency response system. However, the phenomenon of air pollution is very
complicated so it is very difficult to consider all possible factors in one system.
A well prepared response management plan should include the prediction and
recommendation for the policy makers so as to reduce the possible damage of the disaster.
This chapter sets out the method to improve both planning for emergency response of air
pollution and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of this system.
The effect of air pollution includes the long-term and short term. Long-term effect of air
pollution was controlled by the abatement program of source reduction. However, the
short-term episode is more difficult to control because the emergency response is usually
very complicated and related to many people in the neighboring area.
The environmental disaster, both from the natural and man-made release, has to be
controlled by the well-designed management program. However, the consequence of the
disaster was related to so many actions and regulations, therefore it is very difficult to make
a quick and correct response measure only by the human. The supplementary system with
the aid of computer system become more important in the decision making process.
The decision making system for air pollution management has to consider the appropriate
method to avoid the damage from the pollution. Therefore, a complete database includes all
the possible reason and consequence results should be included in this system. Beside, the
© 2012 Chen, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the Creative
Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use,
distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
system should be able to deduce the possible consequence and suggest the best choice for
the decision makers.
A case study was presents in this chapter. This study uses the experience in Taiwan as an
example. Since Taiwan is a very small island with highest population density, the air
pollution also causes severe problem for the public. Because the population density is as
high as the on the top of the world, the air pollution response management system have also
received more attention in environmental management.
The chapter was written in the following structure. The concept of air pollution
management was described in the second section. Then the structure of knowledge bank
was proposed. The data base and inference system was proposed and written in the
following. Finally a conclusion of this system and the suggestion for the future research was
followed.
2. Concept of air pollution management system

2.1. Definition of air pollution disaster and risk management pattern
Before going into the detail, we have to know the concept of air pollution management. An
air pollution management system for emergency response could be described by figure 1. In
this system, there includes a knowledge database, an inference mechanism, and the interface
with the users and another resource. Because the system will influence many people and
interest groups, so it has to be designed more carefully in order to get the optimum decision.
This data base and inference mechanism is just used to ensure the reliability of the
effectiveness of this system.
Figure 1. Expert system for air pollution emergency response

Managing Emergency Response of Air Pollution by the Expert System 321
The design of this system includes the following steps as: (1) Identify problem characteristics;
(2) Find concept to represent knowledge; (3) Design structure to organize knowledge; (4)
Formulate rules to embody knowledge; (5) Validate rules that organize knowledge.
Every air pollution event has its characteristics; it can be represents by an appropriate
knowledge. Then we design the structure to organize this knowledge, and formulate the
mathematical rules to embody the knowledge so that it can be inference in the system.
Finally, we have to validate the rules and organize all of this knowledge for the future
forecasting.
Figure 2. Flow chart for constructing an expert system
2.2. Identify the pattern system of risk management

The air pollution disaster is an accidental phenomenon in the environment; it can be
represented by a mathematical pattern. The pattern structure of air pollution management
can be categorized as the following four types as shown in figure 3. The first pattern is the
characteristic of the air pollution episode itself. The second pattern is the change pattern in
the ecosystem. The third pattern is the loss pattern in the economic system. And the final
pattern is the response pattern for the disaster management.
Different episode has different characteristics, such as the dust storm, forest fire, explosion,
and toxic gas leakage, etc. it will cause various types of damages. These will cause the
damage in ecosystems and loss in economic system. Therefore, the change in these two
systems has to be the well prepared management systems. A good management system
should be able to concern all of these factors together. And suggest an optimum decision for
the decision maker. However, it will include many criteria in the thinking, so the expert
system has to be applied in the solution.
Figure 3. Pattern structures of environmental risk and its management
2.3. Define the space-time information system of air pollution risk management
In designing the expert system, the risk of air pollution event should be discussed first. Since
the air pollutant or hazardous materials can be released into the atmosphere by accidents at
plants, chemical processing, and other facilities. They may also release by transportation
accidents. All of these events can cause the risk for the residents in the neighboring
communities. Thus a precise way to estimate the possible damage to the community of the
environment is indeed very important. The formulation of a disaster event has to be derived
first.
The process of air pollution disaster management is a space-time information problem. In
general, the space geographical information can be represented by the following equation:
 S T
   
 n  ij ij
  
m
I      Aij Tij
 (1)
i 1  j 1
 T 
   
ij
Tij (tb , te )ij
Where I is the collection of space geographical information; it is the individual vector for the
ith item, j is the state of this item; Sij(Tij) and Aij(Tij) represent the characteristics of this item in
time tb to te. The inferences of the above equation are the following:
[Inference 1 ]If i is constant, then this equation represents the time series data of the same
characteristic.
[Inference 2] If j is constant, then this equation represents the characteristic distribution in

the same time.
From the above equation, all the events can be described and all the influence of this event
in different space can be explained. The remaining parts are to transform the actual events
into the mathematical forms for further inference.
2.4. Define the emergency response measure for risk management

For an air pollution disaster management system, there exists a domain of emergency
response measures, defined by the following equation:
M
  Action1 , Action2 , , Actionn 
  m1 , m2 , , mn  (2)
n
  mi
i 1
Where M is the collection of emergency response measure; Action i is the individual vector
for the ith measure. Each action is represented by a symbol m; and there are m measures in
the action domain. If the risk management system is good enough, there should have
enough measure to solve the problem encountered by the air pollution. Therefore, we have
the following inferences:
[Inference 3] If i is constant, then for each Sij(Tij) and Aij(Tij), there exists a measure mi in the
emergency response measures domain.
[Inference 4] If j is constant, then for each Sij(Tij) and Aij(Tij), there exists a measure mi in the
emergency response measures domain.
Different actions have different effectiveness. For example, the authority can stop the
emission of air pollutants from the plant in case of necessary. Or they may restrict the
activity of community people when there is a need to reduce the emission from the sources.
Most of the action related to the benefit of the community people, so different divisions of
the government has to be involved, like the local government, environmental protection
agency, chamber of commerce, and regional development agency etc.
Not every action has a significant effect on the reduction of disaster, and they costs different
budget. Thus we have to be very careful in selecting the actions. All the assembly of these
actions is the policy of the government. It is recommended by the expert system.
3. Knowledge-bank analysis
3.1. Construct the modeling base for the expert system
The knowledge bank of an expert system is shown as figure 4. There are different types of
knowledge storaged in this system, like the events pattern, the change pattern of economic
system, the change pattern of ecological system, and others.
Figure 4. Intelligent knowledge-based expert system
The entire possible pattern, such as the pollution prediction, hazard identification, pollution
distribution, forest ecosystem, land economic, and risk management are included in the
knowledge database. With this information, the system is able to forecast the possible
outcome of the pollution disaster so that the residents can determine the best prevention
strategy. Other tools like the logic operation, decision table, and fault tree analysis technique
should be included. Finally, a developer interface and the user interface have to be designed
very carefully.
The knowledge bank contains the model bank, pattern bank, and regulation bank as below.
[5] There are three main modeling activities which included in the expert system: (1)
contingency modeling, (2) short term modeling, and (3) accidental, or release modeling [6].
Contingency modeling is to present concentrations for specific chemicals and emission,

which may be encountered at a possible release place. Short term modeling is to calculate
concentrations occurred in a short periods. The third modeling, accidental release modeling,
is perhaps the most critical to emergency managers, which includes natural or accidental
release. This type of release modeling is performed soon after a release occurs and is
proposed to give immediate responses.
3.2. The model bank for expert system

In designing the expert system for air pollution management, we have to analysis the
necessary model as the tool for choosing the correct response measures. Three major model
banks should be contained in the system, which are meteorological model, air quality
model, and economic model.
1. Meteorological model:
The meteorological model includes the following:
1. Wind field model

2. Temperature variation model
3. Pollutant path prediction model
4. Terrain model
5. Cloud model
6. Vertical wind distribution models
7. Remote sensing generated meteorological parameter model
The wind field model helps us to know the possible damage of the episode. Temperature
variation model provide us the diffusion capacity of the atmosphere. The pollutant path
prediction model helps us to identify the duty of the polluter. A terrain model provides us
the information for the safety management of this event. The cloud model is benefit for the
estimation of precipitation of pollutant. And the vertical wind distribution model provides
us the understanding of vertical diffusion capability of the atmosphere.
2. Air quality model:
There are several approaches to calculate air pollution diffusion. The most famous are the
following three types.
1. Gaussian diffusion model

2. Trajectory model
3. Grid model
The above three model has different capabilities. Gaussian diffusion model is suitable for
the near field forecasting. Trajectory model are often used to know the source-receptor
relationship and suggest the possible decision for pollution abatement. The grid model can
treat the photochemical reaction and often used in the implementation management
program of air pollution.
Recently, the improvements in computer technology have significantly improved the speed
and accuracy of air quality models. These models have been found in many different areas
from ensuring regulatory compliance to assessing human exposure to natural disaster,
accidental release, and intentional air pollutant transport.
3. Economic models:
The economic models include the following:
1. Housing damage model

2. Personal injury and death model
3. Agricultural loss models
4. Indirect economic loss models
5. Post-disaster reconstruction costs model
3.3. The pattern bank for expert system

Three mathematical methods could be applied in the treatment of pattern in this research,
which are: (1) Statistical pattern ;( 2) Fuzzy pattern ;( 3) Neural-network pattern. [2] [3] [4] [7]
In the system, we define the following systems: (1) Wind pattern; (2) Weather pattern; (3)
Source pattern ;( 4) Population pattern.
3.4. The regulation bank for expert system

The risk management should follow the present regulations; therefore, a regulation bank for
response measure is necessary in the management system.
3.5. The action bank for expert system

The action includes different economic models as the following.
1. Reinsurance compensation model
2. Super fund models
3. Major disaster securities market model
4. Social public disclosure models
5. Education and training model
6. Emergency response models
7. Human resource models
4. Data base analysis and inference system

4.1. Geographical information systems
The tool capable to handle the figure and characters simultaneously is necessary for the
research of air pollution emergency response system. The concept of geographical
information system (GIS) could be the answer. GIS are tools that allow for the handing of
spatial data into information. A lot OF GIS has been developed and applied in diverse field.
For example, the GPS satellite system, the web-digital map, and the remote sensing
technique, etc. They are all built with GIS as the core technology.
Geographical information system has several advantages over the traditional database. The
major advantages include different treatment of characters, the ability to treat the map data,
and desirable property to pose the data on internet. The tool contains report generating a
summary to analyze the area affected by the air shed.
The GIS has the following subsystems:
1. A data input subsystem that collects and preprocesses spatial data from various
sources. This subsystem is also largely responsible for the transformation of different
types of spatial data(i.e. from isoclines symbols on a topographic map to point

elevations inside the GIS) [1]
2. A data storage and retrial subsystem that organizes the spatial data in a manner that
allows retrieval, updating, and editing.
3. A data manipulation and analysis subsystem that performs tasks on the data,
aggregates and disaggregates, estimates parameters and constraints, and performs
modeling functions.
4. A reporting subsystem that display all or part of the database in tabular, graphic, or
map form.
4.2. Inference mechanism for the expert system

Logical formula operators allow us to compare values and evaluate the results. When two
values are compared using logical operators, the result is either true or false. Logical
operators are available in the Compute Wizard if/then/else formula menu as the following:
The four quadrants

Conditions Condition alternatives
Actions Action entries
Table 1. Example for conditions and actions
The inference mechanism in the decision supporting system includes the decision table,
logic gate, decision tree, and fault tree etc. Decision tree analysis will be applied in the
system for decision support. A decision tree is a decision support tool that uses a tree-like
graph or model of decisions and their possible consequences, including chance event
outcomes, resource costs, and utility.
In this study, we use the IF/THEN in the emergency response system. Table 2 is the example
of decision for an episode by the IF (information) / THEN (action) operator.
4.3. Models for air pollution emergency management

Different kinds of pattern model for air pollution management are listed in table 3.
5. Case study results and discussion

5.1. Expert system for air pollution management
In this study, we use the dust storm as an example for the emergency response system. A
framework for the expert system was described in this section. This system provides a easy-
to-use, real-time access to pollution concentration predictions and consequence analysis. The
system enables us to rapidly determine hazard areas, affected population, meteorological
conditions, and relevant geographical information
Table 2. IF (information)/THEN (action) operator
Disaster Air model Economic Pattern Risk management

Pattern pattern Pattern
1 Wind field model Gaussian Housing damage Reinsurance
diffusion model model compensation model
2 Temperature variation Trajectory Personal injury and Super fund model
model model death model
3 Pollutant path Grid model Agricultural Loss Major disaster
prediction model Model securities market
model
4 Cloud model Hybrid model Roads and bridges Social public
damage model disclosure model
5 Vertical wind Indirect economic Education and
distribution model loss model training model
6 Terrain model Post-disaster Emergency Response
reconstruction costs
model
7 Remote sensing - Human resource
generated model
meteorological
parameter model -
Table 3. Four types of pattern in the emergency response system
Dust storm is a meteorological disaster which comes from the Mongolia area of northern
China. The main reason for the formation of dust storm is the overdeveloping and the global
warming which induce the soil become desert. The strong wind blow also increase the
number of dust storm event year by year. This phenomenon also affects the neighboring
area such as Korea, Japan, and Taiwan etc. [6]
In order to realize the dust storm disaster, many researches has been made recently and the
database was build. Most of the information about the dust storm was monitored by the
meteorological and environmental monitoring system followed by the data processing
procedure.
The information generated in the process was largely in the form of figure or character.
Although it is convenient to understand, the time consuming in processing these
information is too long. The new architecture in this study is capable to offer a function that
enables us to search the map data directory from the dust storm event. The main advantage
for the new architecture is to simplify the search work and save the time for searching dust
storm event.
5.2. Design and capability of the emergency management systems

The case study described here referring to the design and algorithm of a dust storm event
response system. The system was combined with the geographical information system and
was called “DSGIS (Dust Storm Geographical Information System”. DSGIS is an interactive
geographical information system for dust storm research and has been developed to
enhance the understanding of dust storm phenomenon and to offer a more convenient
environment for the researchers and public.
The concept of geographical information system and supporting database system was
applied in DSGIS for planning of the figureizational operating system of dust storm event. It
enables use of digitization information to search and treat the dust storm event information.
There are three major concerns in implementing a dust storm geographical information
system as the following: programming language, database, GIS tool, and interface.
Visual Basic was chosen to be the programming language of this system. The database
applied in the preliminary system is “ACCESS” developed by Microsoft. GIS Design
tool”ArcGIS ENGINE” supplied by ESRI was used in this system. And there are three
interfaces in the system: (1) User Interface (2) Developer Interface (3) Outer Interface.
5.3. Design results of the expert system for managing air pollution
The dust storm events were gathered in the DSGIS database system and combined with the
air quality monitoring station data.
In planning the database structure, the monitored data were collected first. A standard form
was suggested to be the format of this database. There are five index of air pollutants in each
monitoring station, they are total suspended particulate (TSP), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen
oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O3). The database was designed based on
the above monitored information. However, the content of this system will be revised and
expanded in case there is any change of demand for this system.
The dust storm determined the air quality, mainly in particulate. However, the
concentration change during the dust storm period was also increased by the researchers.
The air quality index PSI is automatically calculated by the above five air pollution
concentration value and categorized as suggested by EPA. The core system and algorithm
for DSGIS is described in the system. Following the database structure discussed in previous
section, the infrasture of DSGIS is shown in figure 5.
Figure 5. The Dust Storm GIS system (DSGIS)

Figure 6. Operation environment
The order of the system structure can be explained as in figure 6. The selected place or dust
storm event can be input from the interface of the screen. Also, a “map searching” method
was developed in this study. This method enables us to search a station directly from and
display the information the users want to know. The detail of each step is described as the
following.
Entering into the system
The DSGIS will download the data automatically from the database of the selected zone
where the user entering into the interface of the operating environment.
Input the search condition
Four search conditions can be used as the search condition, they are:
i. Latitude: input two sets of number of longitude and latitude such as (123, 23) and (121,
25). The number sets represent all the geographical information within the four points
of the four numbers.
ii. Date: input year, month, date, these data can be input simultaneously or separately, e.g.
the data 20070409 represents all the data in April, 2007.
iii. Location of the station: Input the station’s number or the name of the station. It is also
permissible to input two longitude and latitude to include all the stations within this
area.
iv. Select the number of PSI as it is defined and all the information within this range can be
retrieved.
Display the search results (Fig. 6)
The information consistent with the search condition will be displayed The information
consistent with the search condition will be displayed in the screen on its location with the
following sign as◎, ●, ★, ☆, ▲, Δ, ♁, etc. .
View the search results (Fig.7)

When the search results were displayed, the DSGIS also allows the users the select the
station directly through the mouse acted on the screen. More information about this station
will be displayed consequently.
The version one of DSGIS has already completed. The structure of each component remains
very flexible for the future application and adjustment of this system.
Figure 7. Search results
5.4. Numerical weather prediction bank of the expert system

In order to have precise results in the expert system, the numerical weather prediction
model has to be applied. The prognostic data from numerical weather prediction models is
suggested. The weather models predict future three dimensional atmosphere states by
solving the conservation equations for mass, momentum, and thermodynamic energy.
These models represent the relevant physical processes for moisture, cumulus convection,
and radiation, and sub grid-scale turbulence.
5.5. Atmospheric transport and diffusion models of the expert system

Some models were suggested in this system, as listed in Table 4.
Air model pattern Name of the models

Gaussian diffusion model 1. ISCST
2. AERMOD
Trajectory model 1. CALPUF
2. GTx
Grid model 1. TAQM
2. CAMx
3. WRF
Table 4. Atmospheric transport model used in the system
5.6. System validation and supporting databases of the expert system

The supporting database is important because the changes in metrological conditions and in
emission strengths may affect the air quality.
A supporting database for the monitoring of the air quality data is important as explained in
figure 8. the source distribution example of a county is shown in figure 9. the calculated
pollution concentration in northern is shown in figure 10. Finally, the estimated social cost
cause by air pollution in each district was shown in figure 11 as a for the decision maker.
Figure 8. The use of air quality monitoring data in the emergency response management system
Figure 9. Example of the source distribution diagram in a county located in northern Taiwan
Figure 10. Predicted distribution of the pollutant concentration in northern Taiwan

Figure 11. Predicted social cost of pollution in northern Taiwan
6. Conclusion and suggestion

The intelligent expert system for air pollution emergency response was established in this
study. The dust storm event geographical information system was studied and a
knowledge-based decision support system for emergency response and risk management
was established. The mathematical pattern relationship of air pollution effects on
neighboring area and the corresponding response measures were included in this system.
The decision maker can specify the procedure and minimize their human error in the
decision process.
The performance results indicate that the function of DSGIS is acceptable. Generally
speaking, DSGIS is a useful tool for taking the necessary knowledge and information about
the dust storm. In addition, it also provide more convenient operating interface for the
users. The concept of “map searching” is more convenient than the traditional searching
methods. The performance results also show that the effectiveness of the DSGIS in searching
the event is reliable and acceptable.
Since this system is designed on a module-based feature, it is easy to expand the application
to more cases. Future work includes development of other independent module for
individual event and gathers more information about the event into the database.
Author details
Wang-Kun Chen
Jinwen University of Science and Technology, Department of Environment and Property
Management, Taiwan
7. References
[1] DeMers, M. N., 2000, “Fundamentals of Geographical Information System” 2nd ed. John
Wiley and Sons, Inc. USA.
[2] Duda P. O., Hart P. E., Stork D. G. (2001) Pattern Classification (2nd), Wiley, New York,
ISBN 0-471-05669-3..
[3] Schalkoff R., Pattern Recognition: Statistical, Structural, and Neural Approaches. John Wiley
& Sons, 1992.
[4] Schuermann, J. (1996): Pattern Recognition, Wiley&Sons, 1996, ISBN 0-471-13534-8.
[5] Taiwan EPA (1996) “Air Pollution Emergency Response System” Taiwan Environmental
Protection Administration, Taipei, Taiwan.
[6] Turpin, R. (2004) Air Plume Modeling, Planning or Diagnostic Tool. Environmental
Protection Agency. Retrieved February 17, 2007 From http://www.ofcm.gov/
atdworkshop/proceedings/ session1/campagna.pdf
[7] Yie C.R., 2002,”The effect of Mainland dust storm to the acid air pollutants in central Taiwan”,
National Chung-Hsin University.
[8] Zadeh L. A. (1965) "Fuzzy sets". Information and Control 8 (3) 338–353.
Chapter 13
Contribution of the Compressed Air Energy

Storage in the Reduction of GHG – Case Study:
Application on the Remote Area Power Supply
System
Hussein Ibrahim and Adrian Ilinca
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/50131
1. Introduction
There are many different interpretations and classifications in use today to describe rural
and/or remote areas for the purposes of discussing methods of electrification. Some useful
examples are as follows [1]:
1. By density and concentration or clustering – setting the context of the environment or

geography:
 Small communities, villages or even towns that are remote from other habitation,
 Dispersed households, farms and enterprises of low density over wide areas or
regions,
 Community clusters or villages surrounded by lower density dispersed
households,
 Geographically on the same land mass, but separated by physical obstacles such as
long distances, mountainous terrain, or possibly separated by water such as island
communities,
2. By energy use:
 By power and energy (or load factor=f(energy/power)) and load profile,
 By application: household, commercial enterprise, institution, agricultural
processing, etc.
3. By choice and method of energy provision:
 Reticulated electricity, connected to some form of larger grid, or a local micro grid,
 Reticulated/piped fuel such as natural gas, LPG, fuel oil, diesel,
© 2012 Ibrahim and Ilinca, licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of
 Transported fuel such as natural gas, LPG, fuel oil, diesel, by land or sea transport,
 Reliance on renewable energy products such as hydro, solar photovoltaic (PV),
wind, waves, tides,
The most suitable method of electricity provision (technology, business model, etc.) will
usually depend on the combination of the geographic context, the consumer need, and the
possibilities that are available and affordable to provide the energy requirements. Therefore,
the most appropriate solutions in one place might be quite unsuitable in another [1].
Clusters and communities that are very remote from other habitation will generally be
supplied by some form of centralised local generation, or via a connection to a larger but
somewhat remote grid.
2. Challenges related to the electrification of remote areas

Today, diesel generators are mainly used, around the world, as emergency supply sets in
telecommunication, public buildings, hospitals, or other technical installations
(meteorological systems, tourist facilities, farms, etc.), and as standalone military and marine
power plants, as well as the reliable isolated power source for islands or remote villages
placed far from the power network [2]. In fact, there are two general methods of supplying
electricity to remote areas: grid extension and the use of diesel generators. Grid extension
can be very expensive in many locations. Diesel generators are therefore the only viable
option for remote area electrification [3].
Classic gensets based on internal combustion engines are equipped with synchronous
generators, therefore fixed speed operation is required. It gives low efficiency during low
load operation (figure 1). It is not critical in emergency case operated sets, but very
important in continuously operated systems, where fuel consumption is significant
economic and logistic aspect. In fact, remote areas with relatively small communities
generally show significant variation between the time of peak loads and the time of
minimum loads. A typical example of a load profile of a remote community in Western
Australia is shown below in figure 2. Diesel-powered electric generators are typically sized
to meet the peak demand during the evening but must run at very low loads during “off-
peak” hours during the day and night. This low-load operation results in poor fuel
efficiency and increased operation and maintenance costs [3].
Moreover, low load operation of diesel genset at synchronous speed reduces the engine
lifetime, by incomplete combustion of the fuel, therefore an additional dump load is
required to improve the combustion process. The efficiency and fuel combustion at low load
conditions can be improved by use of load adaptive adjustable speed operation of the genset
[4]. In some remote locations, a dual diesel generator system is employed. When the load is
light, the smaller generator is used; as the load increased, the manual switch is transferred to
the larger generator. This approach results in some fuel savings, however managing this
dual system is time consuming and impractical [3].
Contribution of the Compressed Air Energy Storage in
the Reduction of GHG – Case Study: Application on the Remote Area Power Supply System 339
Figure 1. Example of a variation of diesel fuel consumption with loading
Figure 2. Typical load profile of a remote community [3]

Figure 3. Canadian remote communities [5]
In Canada, approximately 200,000 people live in more than 300 remote communities (Yukon,
TNO, Nunavut, islands) (figure 3) and are using diesel-generated electricity, responsible for
the emission of 1.2 million tons of greenhouse gases (GHG) annually [6]. In Quebec province,
there are over 14,000 subscribers distributed in about forty communities not connected to the
main grid. Each community constitutes an autonomous network that uses diesel generators.
In Quebec, the total production of diesel power generating units is approximately 300 GWh
per year. In the meantime, the exploitation of the diesel generators is extremely expensive
due to the oil price increase and transportation costs. Indeed, the communities are
dependent on imported fossil fuels for most of their energy requirements. Also, there are
exposed to diesel fuel price volatility, frequent fuel spills and high operation and
maintenance costs including fuel transportation and bulk storage. Having said this however,
in the past decade, diesel prices have more than doubled. High fuel costs have translated
into tremendous increases in the cost of energy generation [3]. In Quebec for example, as the
fuel should be delivered to remote locations, some of them reachable only during summer
periods by barge, the cost of electricity produced by diesel generators reached in 2007 more
than 50 cent/kWh in some communities, while the price for selling the electricity is
established, as in the rest of Quebec, at approximately 6 cent/kWh [7]. The deficit is spread
among all Quebec population as the total consumption of the autonomous grids is far from
being negligible. In 2004, the autonomous networks represented 144MW of installed power,
and the consumption was established at 300 GWh. Hydro-Quebec, the provincial utility,
estimated at approximately 133 million CAD$ the annual loss, resulting from the difference
between the diesel electricity production cost and the uniform selling price of electricity [7].
Moreover, the electricity production by the diesel is ineffective, presents significant

environmental risks (spilling), contaminates the local air and largely contributes to GHG
emission. In all, we estimate at 140,000 tons annual GHG emission resulting from the use of
diesel generators for the subscribers of the autonomous networks in Quebec. This is
equivalent to GHG emitted by 35,000 cars during one year.
The use of diesel engines to supply power to rural communities has provided light and
energy services to places where previously there has only been darkness. However, the
rising cost of diesel fuel (brought on by higher oil prices and the environmental regulation
for its transportation, use, and storage) combined with carbon emissions concerns is driving
remote communities to look at alternative methods to supplement this power source.
During the past few years, wind energy is increasingly used to reduce diesel fuel
consumption, providing economic, environmental, social, and security benefits [8].
Wind-diesel systems have been the most successfully and widely hybrid power systems
applied up to date. These systems are designed to use as much as possible wind power in
order to lower diesel consumption. The challenge is to keep the power quality and stability
of the system besides the variability of the wind power generation and diesel operational
constraints [9]. Indeed, one of the disadvantages is the intermittent nature of wind power
generation. Diesel engine driven synchronous generators operating in parallel with wind
turbine must maintain a good voltage and frequency regulation against active and reactive
load variations and wind speed changes [10]. Integration of a storage element with diesel
and wind turbine is necessary in order to get a smooth power output from a wind turbine
and to optimize energy use to further reduce consumption of diesel fuel [11]. The next
sections present an overview of technical challenges of wind-diesel hybrid system (WDHS),
the justification of the choice of compressed air as device of energy storage to be used with
WDHS and the impact of using of this storage energy system on the fuel consumption of
diesel generators and on the GHG emissions.
3. Overview of wind-diesel hybrid system

3.1. Description of wind-diesel hybrid system
A wind-diesel hybrid system is any autonomous electricity generating system using wind
turbine(s) with diesel generator(s) to obtain a maximum contribution by the intermittent
wind resource to the total power produced, while providing continuous high quality electric
power [12]. Overview of typical wind-diesel installations can be found in [13]. In the most
cases, the power of installed diesel gensets is much higher than the power of wind turbines.
In peak, the wind turbines can cover even more than 90% of demanded power, but in long
term the fuel saving is 10-15%. The same level of fuel saving can be obtained by gensets
based on power electronics, load adaptive, adjustable speed diesel without use of wind
turbines. It is used in light mobile power gensets [14].
Figure 4 presents a schematic diagram of a generalized wind diesel system. As shown, this
system consists of the following major components:
 One or more wind turbines

 One or more diesel generator sets
 A consumer load
 An additional controllable or dump load
 A storage system
 A control unit (including possible load management)
Figure 4. Schematic of generalized wind-diesel system [15]
3.2. Classification of wind-diesel systems versus wind penetration rate

Wind-Diesel hybrid power systems are particularly suited for locations where wind
resource availability is high and the cost of diesel fuel and generator operation control the
cost of electrical energy supplied. As a result of turbine developments the economics of
wind power have now become competitive with conventional power source. The economy
of operation of wind turbines is critically dependent on the wind speeds at the site. If the
wind turbine is used along (high penetration of wind energy) with a diesel engine, the cost
of power generation could be reduced, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emission
problems.
Penetration here is defined as the ratio of rated capacity of the wind energy source to the
total system-rated capacity. It should also be noted that load patterns may also significantly
affect system operation [15].
A classification system is used when discussing the amount of wind that is being integrated
into the grid system (Table 1). A system is considered to be a high penetration system
(figure 5) when the amount of wind produced at any time versus the total amount of energy
produced is over 100%. Low penetration systems (figure 6) are those with less than 50%
peak instantaneous penetration and medium penetration systems have between 50%-100%
of their energy being produced from wind at any one time. Low and medium penetration
systems are a mature technology. High penetration systems, however, still have many
problems, especially when installed with that capacity to operate in a diesel-off mode.
Figure 5. Example of a high-penetration wind–diesel system outputs [16]
Figure 6. Example of a low-penetration wind–diesel system outputs [16]

Penetration
Penetration
Operating characteristics Peak Annual
class
instantaneous average
Diesel runs full-time. Wind power reduces net
Low load on diesel. All wind energy goes to primary < 50% < 20%
load. No supervisory control system
Diesel runs full-time. At high wind power levels,
secondary loads dispatched to ensure sufficient
Medium 50% - 100% 20% - 50%
diesel loading or wind generation is curtailed.
Requires relatively simple control system.
Diesel may be shut down during high wind
availability. Auxiliary components required to 50% -
High 100% - 400%
regulate voltage and frequency. 150%
Requires sophisticated control system.
Table 1. Wind-diesel classification [15]
3.3. Technical challenges of wind-diesel hybrid system

Hybrid wind-diesel systems with high penetration of wind power have three plant
modes: diesel only (DO), wind-diesel (WD) and wind only (WO). In DO mode, the
maximum power from the wind turbine generator (WTG) is always significantly less than
the system load. It is the mode of classical diesel power plant. In this case, the diesel
generators (DG) never stop operation and supply the active and reactive power
demanded by the consumer load. Frequency regulation is performed by load sharing and
speed governors controlling each diesel engine and voltage regulation is performed by the
synchronous voltage regulators in each generator. The main goals of maximize fuel
savings or minimize generation costs to supply the actual load [17] is achieved by careful
planning/scheduling of the DG having into account factors such as their specific fuel
consumption, their rated power, etc.
Wind-Diesel mode can be considered as a diesel plant with the wind turbine as a negative
load. It is the mode of many low/medium wind penetration power wind-diesel systems
already implemented in Nordic communities in Yukon [18], Nunavut [19] and in Alaska
[20]. In this case, the WTG power is frequently approximately the same as the consumer
load and in addition to DG(s), WTG(s) also supply active power. Some new problems
appear in this mode like to determine the diesel spinning reserve (the wind power can
disappear in any moment due to the unpredictable wind resource and the current load can
overload the diesel(s) currently supplying), or to assure a minimum diesel load needed by
some engines (this situation can happen at high wind power levels and low loads). Under
these conditions, two operating modes are possible: (1) the diesel can be allowed to run
continuously, or (2) the diesel can be stopped and started, depending on the instantaneous
power from the wind and the requirements of the load. Running the diesel continuously
decreases the load factor, with an increase in the aforementioned diesel operating costs.
Using the energy storage unit showed in figure 4 can solve both problems. The second
problem can be solved by the use of the dump load showed in figure 4 or reducing the
power coming from the wind turbine. Some variable speed wind turbines have this
possibility [21]. Also in this mode additional reactive power must be generated, because
wind turbines are normally reactive power consumers, although adding capacitor banks or
overexciting the synchronous generators can solve this. However, the first obstacle with this
perspective results from the operation constraints of diesels. Beyond a certain penetration,
the obligation to maintain idle the diesel at any time, generally around 25-30 % of its
nominal output power, forces the system to function at a very inefficient regime. Also, this
limits the wind energy to a level of too weak penetration and the wind turbines act only as a
negative charge for the network. Indeed, for low and medium penetration systems, the
diesel consumes, even without load, approximately 50% of the fuel at nominal power
output. These systems are easier to implement but their economic and environmental
benefits are marginal [22].
The use of high penetration systems allows the stop of the thermal groups, ideally as
soon as the wind power equals the instantaneous charge, to maximize the fuel savings.
This is the wind only mode. The WO mode is only possible if the power coming from the
wind turbine(s) is greater than the consumed power by the load (with a safety margin).
Because no diesel generators run in this mode, auxiliary components are required to
regulate voltage and frequency. The frequency is controlled through the active power
balance. To accomplish this active power balance, the energy storage system can be
added to store the surplus active power from the wind turbine or retrieve power in the
periods when the wind power is less than current load; also the surplus wind power can
be consumed by dump loads. The voltage is controlled by the reactive power balance
and it is normally achieved through synchronous condensers which deliver the reactive
power needed by the loads and the wind turbine. To supply power uninterruptedly, the
size of the energy storage has to be big enough to assure power to the load during
transitions from the wind power source to the diesel power source when there is a
failure or absence of wind energy. In the meantime, the high-penetration wind diesel
systems without storage (WDHPWS) is subject to complex technical problems [23], [24]
which did that a single project of this type, without any storage, is presently operational
in Alaska [20].
During time intervals when the excess of wind energy over the charge is considerable the
diesel engine must still be maintained on standby so that it can quickly respond to a wind
speed reduction (reduce the time of starting up and consequent heating of the engine). This
is an important source of over consumption because the engine could turn during hours
without supplying any useful energy. Assuming optimum exploitation conditions [25], the
use of energy storage with wind-diesel systems can lead to better economic and
environmental results , allows reduction of the overall cost of energy supply and increase
the wind energy penetration rate (i.e., the proportion of wind energy as the total energy
consumption on an annual basis) [16].
4. Choice of the energy storage device for a high penetration wind-diesel

hybrid system
Presently, the excess wind energy is stored either as thermal potential (hot water), an
inefficient way to store electricity as it cannot be transformed back in electricity when
needed or in batteries which are expensive, difficult to recycle, a source of pollution (lead-
acid) and limited in power and lifecycle. The fuel cells propose a viable alternative but due
to their technical complexity, their prohibitive price and their weak efficiency, their
appreciation in the market is still in an early phase. The required storage system should be
easily adaptable to the hybrid system, available in real time and offer smooth power
fluctuations.
Due to technical, economical and energetic advantages demonstrated by the compressed air
energy storage (CAES) in hybrid systems at large scale (figure 7) use in the USA and
Germany, we investigated the possibility to associate the wind-diesel with compressed air
energy storage system for medium and small scale applications (isolated sites).
The choice of this system was not only based on the successes of large scale CAES system.
The energy storage in the form of compressed air is suitable for both wind and diesel
applications. Moreover, the CAES presents an interesting solution for the problem of strong
stochastic fluctuations in wind power by offering a high efficiency conversion rate (60-70%
for a complete charge-discharge cycle). It, also, uses conventional materials that are easy to
recycle and can support an almost unlimited number of cycles [26].
Figure 7. Illustration of the large-scale wind-compressed air hybrid system

Figure 8. Performance index of different energy storage systems
A detailed study based on a critical analysis of all techno-economical characteristics of the

possible energy storage technologies (for example, cost, efficiency, simplicity, life time,
maturity, self-discharging, reliability, environmental impact, operation constraints, energy and
power capacity, adaptability with wind-diesel system, contribution to reduce of fuel
consumption, etc.); it was proposed a solution that meets all the technical and financial
requirements while ensuring a reliable electricity supply of these sites. It is the wind-diesel
hybrid system with compressed air energy storage (WDCAHS). This study demonstrates the
value of compressed air storage for a high penetration wind-diesel hybrid system and its
advantages with regard to the other energy storage technologies. It was based on the
aggregation in a «performance index» of technical, economic and environmental
characteristics of various storage methods [27]. The results of this analysis and the values of
the performance index are illustrated in the figure 8 for different possible strategies of storage.
The performance index is the measure of the applicability of a technique of storage to a

specified application [27]. For another application than the power supply of a remote area,
the values of the performance index can be different. The determination of the indication of
performance is done using a decision matrix that helps to balance the importance of each
characteristic (15 criteria, for example, cost, self-discharging, reliability, time response,
efficiency, simplicity, life time, maturity, environmental impact, operation constraints,
energy and power capacity, adaptability with wind-diesel system, operational constraints,
contribution to reduce of fuel consumption, etc.) of the storage system with regard to the
specific requirements of the envisaged application.
It is easy to establish from the figure 8 that the compressed air energy storage system
(CAES) answers the choice criteria with a performance index of approximately 82 %.
5. Medium-scale wind-diesel-compressed air hybrid system

5.1. Operation principle
The medium scale wind-diesel-compressed air hybrid system (MSWDCAHS) (figure 9) can be
used, for example, in the case of remote villages or islands with important level of local
electrical load (few hundred kilowatts to few tens of MW). MSWDCAHS combined with diesel
engine supercharging, will increase the wind energy penetration rate. Supercharging is a
process consisting of a preliminary compression that aims to increase the density of the
engine’s air intake, in order to increase the specific power (power by swept volume). During
periods of strong wind (when wind power penetration rate – WPPR, defined as the quotient
between the wind generated power and the charge is greater than 1; WPPR>1), the wind
power surplus is used to compress the air via a compressor and store it in a tank. The
compressed air is then used to supercharge the diesel engine with the two-fold advantage of
increasing its power and decreasing its fuel consumption. The diesel generator works during
periods of low wind speed, i.e., when the wind power is not sufficient to sustain the load.
Figure 9. Illustration of the medium-scale wind-diesel compressed air hybrid system

5.2. Technical advantages of an additional supercharging of diesel generator

with stored compressed air
Most diesel generators used in remote areas (medium-scale case) are already equipped with
a turbocharging system via a turbocharger. However, this type of system loses its
advantages during operation at low regime because its efficiency is directly related to the
quantity of exhaust gases. To understand the advantage of an additional turbocharging of
diesel engine and the operation limits of a turbocharger, we present in figure 10 an example
which compares a diesel engine in two functioning modes: atmospheric (without
turbocharger) and turbocharged.
Figure 10 shows that as compared to an atmospheric diesel engine with an engine capacity
of 10 L, supercharging can increase the values of the indicated efficiency of the engine
(maximal efficiency = 45%) and extend the operating range in the area of high efficiency
thanks to the large permissible quantity of air into the engine. For a load of 600 N.m, the
efficiency of the supercharged engine is about 38% compared with that of atmospheric
engine (14%), i.e., an increase about 170%. On the other hand, increasing the applied load on
the engine triggers a degradation of the diesel performance due to the operation limits of the
turbocharger and to the increase of the heat loss through the cylinder walls. However, this
does not exclude the fact that the efficiency for high loads are better through supercharging
as compared to the efficiency obtained with atmospheric engine (an increase about 64% for a
load of 1200 N.m).
The figure 10 also shows that the compression ratio reaches its maximal value (figure 10)
only for the highest loads (this corresponds to high flow and pressure of exhaust gas). This
delay to reach the maximal pressure of the compressed air at the engine intake will delay the
achievement of the maximal power of the turbocharged engine. The objective of the
additional supercharging via the stored compressed air is, then, to maximize the overall
efficiency of the diesel engine (figure 10), by several improvements:
 Improving the combustion efficiency by operating the engine at all times with an
optimal air/fuel ratio, which does not allow the turbocharger to operate alone.
 Reducing the pumping losses for the low pressure loop of the thermodynamic cycle of
diesel engine to increase the work supplied for the same quantity of burned fuel.
 Increasing the specific power (power per swept volume unit) of the diesel engine and
its performance.
 Increase the intake pressure at a level which allows a decrease of the fuel quantity
injected while maintaining the same maximal pressure in the cylinder of the engine.
This allows decreasing the mechanical and thermal constraints due to the
supercharging.
6. Small-scale wind-diesel-compressed air hybrid system

The small scale wind-diesel-compressed air hybrid system (SSWDCAHS) (figure 11) can be
used, for example, in the case of remote telecom infrastructures that the level of electrical
load is not very high (few tens of kW). These infrastructures require continuous, stable, and
safe energy supply to maximize the deployment, signal strength, and coverage of the
cellular phone. The difference between MSWDCAHS and the SSWDCAHS is the utilization
method of the stored compressed air. Indeed, when the output energy of a wind turbine is
more than energy demand at the load side (WPPR>1), the excess energy will be converted
into the mechanical form using high pressure compressors. The energy is stored in a high
pressure reservoir as potential energy. In a case that the wind turbine cannot deliver the
required energy at the load side (WPPR<1), the stored mechanical energy will be converted
to the electrical energy. In this case, the stored compressed air will be expanded into a
pneumatic generator that supply the load. In this step, the diesel generator is stopped. The
genset works during periods of low wind speed and only if the compressed air energy
storage capacity is not sufficient to supply the pneumatic generator.
Figure 10. Potential of the additional supercharging of diesel engine by the stored compressed air
Figure 11. Illustration of the small-scale wind-diesel compressed air hybrid system
7. Advantages of wind-diesel-compressed air hybrid system

WDCAHS represents an innovative concept and it has a very important commercial
potential for remote areas as it is based on the use of diesel generators already in place. To
our knowledge, the type of WDCAHS that is, proposed in this paper was never the object of
a commercial application or an experimental project, and we did not find studies relative to
the design or performance of such a system in the scientific literature.
The lack of information on the economics, as well as on performances and reliability data of
such systems is currently the main barrier to the acceptance of wind energy deployment in
the remote areas. WDCAHS is designed to overcome most of the technical, economic and
social barriers that face the deployment of wind energy in isolated sites [28]. Indeed,
implementation costs are minimized and reliability is increased by using the existing diesel
generators. Our WDCAS solution is threefold: modification and adaptation of the existing
engines at the intake level (for medium-scale), addition of a generator that functions with
compressed air (for small-scale), addition of a wind power plant and addition of an air
compression and storage system.
Using information available [29-31], and performance analysis [32-33], we estimate that on a
site with appreciable wind potential, the return on investment (ROI) for such installation is
between 2 and 5 years, subject to the costs of fuel transport. For sites accessible only by
helicopters the ROI can be less than a year [25].
This analysis does not take into account the raising prices of fuel, nor GHG credit which
only tend to reduce the ROI [34].
8. Case study applied to the medium scale wind-diesel-compressed air

system
To estimate the potential gain of the MSWDCAS on a target site, we recovered the hourly
wind speed data and the hourly electrical load of the diesel engine on the site of the village
of Tuktoyaktuk in the Northwest Territories of Canada on the Arctic coast. The maximum
and average electric loads of this village are respectively 851 kW and 506 kW. Initially, the
village's electricity is supplied by 2 diesel generators, each having 544 kW as maximal
power. To these generators a wind plant composed of 4 wind turbines of type Enercon, each
having a nominal power equal to 335 kilowatts, a total power equal to 1340 kW was added.
We estimated fuel consumption, greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and maintenance cost
of diesel engines for different scenarios: diesel only, wind–diesel hybrid system (WDHS)
without CAES and wind–diesel hybrid system with CAES, over a period of 1 year (2007
year’s). Figures 12–18 illustrate the results.
Figures 12 and 13 represent the profile of the average wind speed corrected to hub height of
wind turbines, the profile of the monthly electric load of the village, the variations of power
supplied by wind turbines, the variations of power supplied by diesel generators before and
after hybridization with the wind turbines, the operation frequency of diesel engines after
hybridization and the profiles of the power directed toward the storage system and that
absorbed by the compressor. These figures show that the maximal average consumption of
the village occurs during the fall and winter seasons due to the increase of the electric load
for the heating. Unfortunately, the highest wind speed is registered during the spring and
summer seasons where the average electricity consumption decreases approximately 200
kW in comparison with that of the winter.
Figure 14 shows the operation frequency of diesel engines after the hybridization with the
wind turbines. The number of functioning hours of diesel engines depends strongly of the
availability of the wind power and the level of the electric load of the village. During 2007, the
hybridization would have allowed the operation of a single engine during 5628 h (64%), of two
engines during 1766 h (20%) and stop both diesel generators approximately 1366 h (16%).
Figure 15 represents the operation frequency of diesel engines according to their

supercharging mode (with or without CAES). This figure shows that the hybridization
allows the functioning of diesel engines supercharged by stored compressed air during 3608
h (41%). During 3786 h (43%), the diesel engines are operating without CAES and they are
stopped for 1366 h.
Figure 12. Average wind speed and power profiles of the: electrical load, wind turbines, compressor
and energy storage system
Figure 13. Operation frequency and power curve of diesel engines and profile of the electrical load
Figure 14. Operation frequency of diesel engines after the hybridization with the wind turbines
Figure 15. Operation frequency of diesel engines according to their supercharging mode
Figure 16. Annual reduction of maintenance and operation costs

The estimation of the annual reduction of maintenance and operation costs, based on the
reduction of operation time of the two diesel engines, is represented in figure 16. The base
line for comparison is the scenario without hybridization, where no savings in the cost of
maintenance can be realized. The WDHS without CAES allows 13% reduction while with
CAES, this rate increases to 51%. It is important to mention that the supercharged diesel
engine by compressed air stored allows operating with a single diesel engine, whatever
the load of the village. On the other hand, a permutation between the two supercharged
engines will be necessary to avoid the blocking of some mechanical moving pieces of the
engine.
Figure 17 shows the monthly consumption of fuel along a year (2007). Compared with the
base line scenario, the use of WDHS without CAES allows fuel reduction varying from 3,000
litres (minimal value) in February to 36,000 litres (maximal value) in November. On the
other hand, a WDHS with CAES will significantly increase this economy with a minimum
fuel saving of 10,000 litres (February) and a maximum of 53,000 litres (November).
Figure 17. Monthly consumption of fuel along a 2007 year’s
Figure 18 illustrates the annual fuel savings. The hybridization between wind energy and
diesel engines without CAES reduces by 168,324 L the annual fuel consumption (15%) while
with CAES, this reduction increases to 27% (303,143 L). This quantity (27%) is equivalent to
848.8 tons of CO2 or the annual emission of 167 automobiles and light trucks traveling
15,000 km per year. In Table 2, we review the quantity of greenhouse gases (GHG) avoided
thanks to the use of MSWDCAHS.
Figure 18. Annual fuel savings
Total value of emissions

Name of the substance Emission Factor (kg/m3)
(tones)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 2800 848.8
Carbon monoxide (CO) 13.954 4.23
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 0.083 0.025
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) 52.532 15.925
Volatile organic Compounds (VOC) 1.344 0.408
Total suspended Particles (TSP) 1.018 0.309
Particles with diameters  10 m (P10) 0.814 0.247
Particles with diameters  2.5 m (P2.5) 0.786 0.238
Table 2. Quantities of GHG avoided by MSWDCAHS
9. Case study applied to the small scale wind-diesel-compressed air

system
To estimate the potential gain of the SSWDCAS on a target site, we recovered the hourly
wind speed data (for one month, April 2005) on the site of the telecom station of Bell-
Canada situated in Kuujjuarapik (North of Quebec) at 1130 kilometers from Montreal
(figure 19). The wind speed data of this site for the month April 2005 are shown in
figures 20.
The electrical load of the station is considered constant, about 5kW, including the secondary
load of heating. The diesel generator guarantees the supply’s continuity of the station by
providing exactly the power level consumed by the load. The case study was conducted
using two types of wind turbines: the first is a Bergey [35] (10kW, already installed on site)
and the second is a PGE (currently named Endurance, 35kW) [36] that we propose to be able
to increase the penetration of wind energy and use the excess of this energy to produce the
compressed air. Figures 21-24 illustrate the obtained results.
Figure 19. Telecom station of Bell-Canada at Kuujjuarapik [37]
Figure 20. Wind speed data of the Kuujjuarapik site along an April month of 2005 year’s
Figure 21. Operating modes of the studied systems along period from 4 to 5 April 2005
Figure 22. Operating modes of the studied systems along period from 4 to 5 April 2005
In figures 21 and 22, the legends (Diesel + Bergey), (Diesel + PGE) and (diesel + PGE + CAM)
represent the power supplied by diesel generator according to the different types of
hybridizations with two models of wind turbines and a compressed air energy storage
system, respectively.
It is interesting to observe, in figures 21 et 22, the advantages of hybridization (Diesel + PGE

+ CAM) that appears in the short duration of the diesel operation time (DOT). Indeed, it can
stop completely the diesel generator for 33 hours during two days of operation (saving of
69% of the DOT) compared to 13 hours of shutdown of the diesel (27% of DOT is avoided)
obtained through the system (Diesel + PGE) and 1 hour (saving of 2% of the DOT) during
which the diesel will be stopped thanks to the hybridization between it and Bergey wind
turbine..
Figure 23. Operating time of diesel generator according to the exploitation scenarios
Figure 24. Fuel saving according to the exploitation scenarios

Figure 23 represents the operating time of diesel generator according to the functioning
scenario of the system (diesel only, Bergey + diesel, PGE + diesel or PGE + diesel + CAM).
Figure 23 shows that hybridization between the Bergey wind turbine and diesel does not
allow a remarkable decrease in the operation frequency of the diesel generator (DG) that
runs about 91% of operating time in April 2005 (607 h). But by combining the DG to a PGE
wind turbine, the DG will work almost 43% (290 h) of time during the month of April and 15
h (2%) if it works in hybridization with the CAM and a PGE wind turbine.
Figure 24 represents the fuel saving according to the functioning scenario of the system
(diesel only, Bergey + diesel, PGE + diesel or PGE + diesel + CAM), Figure 24 shows that
WDHS avoids approximately 139 liters of fuel (9% saving in fuel consumption) if the diesel
is associated with a Bergey wind turbine. However, this rate increases to 57% (863 liters), if
the hybridization of the diesel generator is done with the PGE wind turbine. On the other
hand, the hybridization between diesel generator, compressed air generator and PGE wind
turbine increases this fuel saving very significantly where the amount of fuel avoided is
approximately 1491 liters (98%). The fuel saved thanks to SSWDCAHS (during the month of
April 2005), allows to reduce the greenhouse gases (GHG) emission approximately 4 tons,
which is equivalent to the GHG amount emitted by one automobile or light truck traveling
15,000 km per year. In Table 3, we review the quantity of greenhouse gases (GHG) avoided
thanks to the use of WDCAHS.
Total value of emissions

Name of the substance Emission Factor (kg/m3)
(tones)
Carbon dioxide (CO2) 2800 4.174
Carbon monoxide (CO) 13.954 0.023
Sulfur dioxide (SO2) 0.083 0.007
Oxides of nitrogen (NOx) 52.532 0.108
Volatile organic Compounds (VOC) 1.344 0.009
Total suspended Particles (TSP) 1.018 0.008
Particles with diameters  10 m (P10) 0.814 0.008
Particles with diameters  2.5 m (P2.5) 0.786 0.008
Table 3. Quantities of GHG avoided by SSWDCAHS during one month (April 2005)
10. Conclusion
WDCAHS (medium and small scales) represents an innovative concept designed to
overcome most of the technical, economic and social barriers that face the deployment of
wind energy in isolated sites. Indeed, implementation costs are minimized and reliability is
increased by using the existing diesel generators. Thus, the results, theoretical and
experimental, obtained have demonstrated the great potential of wind-diesel-compressed
air energy storage system for two types of applications: small and medium scale. The
application of these systems on real case studies has demonstrated that the fuel economy
and the saved GHG obtained with MSWDCAHS (for medium-scale) and SSWDCAHS
(small-scale) is about 30% and 98% respectively.
Despite the low average wind speed that characterize the sites chosen for the case
studies, remarkable savings may be obtained through the use of compressed air, by
avoiding the consumption of large fuel quantities and by allowing the use of a single
diesel engine (instead of two: medium-scale case) or by stopping the diesel thanks to the
compressed air motor (small-scale case). This allows not only reducing the exploitation
deficit of diesel engines supplying the autonomous networks in remote areas, but also to
prolong engine life-cycle and reduce maintenance costs. These percentages, especially for
medium-scale application, can be increased if the wind-diesel-compressed air hybrid
system is used in the sites characterized by a good wind energy potential (average wind
speed about 8-9 m/s).
However, in future works, the calculation of the energy cost (kW/h), based on the
investment cost and the purchase of new equipment (wind turbines, CAES equipment, etc.)
will allow determining the system’s economic viability for remote applications.
Finally, further investigation and analysis, as well as building and testing a prototype, are
required to validate the present conclusions. This can be validated on the future bed-test of
TechnoCentre éolien at Rivière-au-Renard (Quebec, Canada).
Author details
Hussein Ibrahim
TechnoCentre Éolien, Gaspé, QC, Canada
Adrian Ilinca
Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, QC, Canada
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[32] Ibrahim H, Younès R, Ilinca A. Optimal conception of a hybrid generator of electricity.
CANCAM02007 ETS-39, Toronto, Canada. p. 358 - 359.
[33] Ibrahim H, Ilinca A, Perron J. Moteur diesel suralimenté, bases et calculs, cycles réel,
théorique et thermodynamique. Rapport interne, UQAR-UQAC, LREE-02; Novembre
2006.
[34] Ibrahim H, Ilinca A, Younès R, Perron J, Basbous T. Study of a hybrid wind-diesel

system with compressed air energy storage. IEEE Canada, electrical power conference
2007, “Renewable and alternative energy resources”, EPC2007, Montreal, Canada,
October 25e26, 2007.
[35] http://www.bergey.com/
[36] http://www.endurancewindpower.com/
[37] Bell-Canada, www.bell.ca
Chapter
Chapter14
0
Advances in Spatio-Temporal Modeling and

Prediction for Environmental Risk Assessment
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/51227
1. Introduction
Meteorological readings, hydrological parameters and many measures of air, soil and water
pollution are often collected for a certain span, regularly in time, and at different survey
stations of a monitoring network. Then, these observations can be viewed as realizations
of a random function with a spatio-temporal variability. In this context, the arrangement of
valid models for spatio-temporal prediction and environmental risk assessment is strongly
required. Spatio-temporal models might be used for different goals: optimization of sampling
design network, prediction at unsampled spatial locations or unsampled time points and
computation of maps of predicted values, assessing the uncertainty of predicted values
starting from the experimental measurements, trend detection in space and time, particularly
important to cope with risks coming from concentrations of hazardous pollutants. Hence,
more and more attention is given to spatio-temporal analysis in order to sort out these issues.
Spatio-temporal geostatistical techniques provide useful tools to analyze, interpret and
control the complex evolution of various variables observed by environmental monitoring
networks. However, in the literature there are no specialized monographs which contain a
thorough presentation of multivariate methodologies available in Geostatistics, especially in
a spatio-temporal context. Several authors have developed different multivariate models for
analyzing the spatial and spatio-temporal behavior of environmental variables, as it is clarified
in the following brief review.
In multivariate spatial analysis, direct and cross correlations for the variables under study are
quantified by estimating and modeling the matrix variogram. The difficulty in modeling this
matrix function, especially the off diagonal entries of the same matrix, has been first faced by
using the linear coregionalization model (LCM), proposed by [45].
For matrix covariance functions, [28] constructed a parametric family of symmetric covariance
models for stationary and isotropic multivariate Gaussian spatial random fields, where both
the diagonal and off diagonal entries are of the Matérn type. In the bivariate case, they
©2012 De Iaco et al., licensee InTech. This is an open access chapter distributed under the terms of the
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly
cited.
366 2Air Pollution – A Comprehensive Perspective Will-be-set-by-IN-TECH
provided necessary and sufficient conditions for the positive definiteness of the second-order
structure, whereas for the other multivariate cases they suggested a parsimonious model
which imposes restrictions on the scale and cross-covariance smoothness parameters. In the
bivariate case, where the smoothness parameter is the same for both covariance functions,
the Gneiting model is a simplified LCM. The Gneiting cross-covariance model also assumes
that the scale parameter is the same for all the covariance functions and the cross-covariance
functions. Both the LCM and Gneiting constructions for cross-covariances result in symmetric
models; however, no distributional assumptions are required for using a LCM, which can
easily incorporate components with compact support and multiple ranges and an unbounded
variogram component.
Although models for multivariate spatial data have been extensively explored [25, 54, 55],
models for multivariate spatio-temporal data have received relatively less attention. In the
literature, it is common to use classical techniques for multivariate spatial and temporal
analysis [8, 54]. Recently, canonical correlation analysis was combined with space-time
geostatistical tools for detecting possible interactions between two groups of variables,
associated with pollutants and atmospheric conditions [6]. In the dynamic modeling
framework, there are some results in studying the spatio-temporal variability of several
correlated variables: [26], for example, extended univariate spatio-temporal dynamic models
to multivariate dynamic spatial models. Moreover, [38] proposed a methodology to evaluate
the appropriateness of several common assumptions, such as symmetry, separability and
linear model of coregionalization, on multivariate covariance functions in the spatio-temporal
context, while [4] proposed a spatio-temporal LCM where the multivariate spatio-temporal
process was expressed as a linear combination of independent Gaussian processes in
space-time with mean zero and a separable spatio-temporal covariance. [1] considered some
solutions to the symmetry problem; moreover, they proposed a class of cross-covariance
functions for multivariate random fields based on the work of [27]. The maximum likelihood
estimation of heterotopic spatio-temporal models with spatial LCM components and temporal
dynamics was developed by [22]. A GSLib [19] routine for cokriging was properly modified
in [12] to incorporate the spatio-temporal LCM, previously developed using the generalized
product-sum variogram model [10]. Recently, in [15] an automatic procedure for fitting the
spatio-temporal LCM using the product-sum variogram model has been presented and some
computational aspects, analytically described by a main flow-chart, have been discussed. In
[16] simultaneous diagonalization of the sample matrix variograms has been used to isolate
the basic components of a spatio-temporal LCM and it has been illustrated how nearly
simultaneous diagonalization of the cross-variogram matrices simplifies modeling of the
matrix variogram.
In the following, after an introduction of the theoretical framework of the multivariate
spatio-temporal random function and its features (Section 2), a review of recent techniques
for building admissible models is proposed (Section 3). Successively, the spatio-temporal
LCM, its assumptions and appropriate statistical tests are presented (Section 4) and
techniques for prediction and risk assessment maps are introduced (Section 5). Some
critical aspects regarding sampling, modeling and computational problems are discussed
(Section 6). Finally, a case study concerning particle pollution (PM10 ) and two atmospheric
variables (Temperature and Wind Speed) in the South of Apulian region (Italy), has been
presented (Section 7). Before using the spatio-temporal LCM to describe the spatio-temporal
Advances
Advances in Spatio-Temporal Modeling in Spatio-Temporal
and Prediction Modeling
for Environmental Risk Assessment and Prediction for Environmental Risk Assessment3 367
multivariate correlation structure among the variables under study, its adequacy with
respect to the data has been analyzed; in particular, the assumption of symmetry of
the cross-covariance function, has been properly tested [38]. By using a recent fitting
procedure [16], based on the simultaneous diagonalization of several symmetric real-valued
matrix variograms, the basic structures of the spatio-temporal LCM which describes the
spatio-temporal correlation among the variables, have been easily detected. Predictions of the
primary variable (PM10 ) are obtained by using a modified GSLib program, called “COK2ST”
[12]. Then, risk maps showing the probability that the particle pollution exceeds the national
law limit have been associated to predition maps and the estimation of the probability
distributions for two sites of interest have been produced.
2. Multivariate spatio-temporal random function

Let Z(u ) = [ Z1 (u ), . . . , Z p (u )] T , be a vector of p spatio-temporal random functions (STRF)
defined on the domain D × T ⊆ R d+1, with (d ≤ 3), then
{Z(u ), u = (s, t) ∈ D × T ⊆ R d+1 },
represents a multivariate spatio-temporal random function (MSTRF), where s = (s1 , . . . , sd )

are the coordinates of the spatial domain D ⊆ R d and t the coordinate of the temporal domain
T ⊆ R.
Afterwards, the MSTRF will be denoted with Z and its components with Zi . The p STRF
Zi , i = 1, . . . , p, are the components of Z and they are associated to the spatio-temporal
variables under study; these components are called coregionalized variables [29].
The observations zi (u α ), i = 1, . . . , p, α = 1, . . . , Ni , of the p variables Zi , at the points
u α ∈ D × T, are considered as a finite realization of a MSTRF Z.
2.1. Moments of a MSTRF

Given a MSTRF Z, with p components, we define, if they exist and they are finite:
• the expected value, or first-order moment of each component Zi ,
E [ Zi (u )] = mi (u ), u ∈ D × T, i = 1, . . . , p; (1)
• the second-order moments,

1. the variance of each component Zi ,
Var [ Zi (u )] = E [ Zi (u ) − mi (u )]2 , u ∈ D × T, i = 1, . . . , p; (2)
2. the cross-covariance for each pair of STRF ( Zi , Zj ), i = j,
Cov[ Zi (u ), Zj (u )] =

= Cij (u, u ) = E ( Zi (u ) − mi (u ))( Zj (u ) − m j (u )) , (3)
u, u ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p, i = j;
3. the cross-variogram for each pair of STRF ( Zi , Zj ), i = j,

2 γij (u, u ) = Cov ( Zi (u ) − Zi (u )), ( Zj (u ) − Zj (u )) , (4)
u, u ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p, i = j.
Note that for i = j, we obtain:
• the covariance of the STRF Zi , called direct covariance, or simply covariance,

Cii (u, u ) = E ( Zi (u ) − mi (u ))( Zi (u ) − mi (u )) ,
with u, u ∈ D × T;
• the direct variogram of the STRF Zi ,

2 γii (u, u ) = Var ( Zi (u ) − Zi (u ) , u, u ∈ D × T.
These moments describe the basic features of a MSTRF, such as the spatio-temporal
correlation for each variable and the cross-correlation among the variables.
2.2. Admissibility conditions

In multivariate Geostatistics, admissibility conditions concern both the cross-covariances and
the cross-variograms, as described in the following.
Let Z be a MSTRF, with components Zi , i = 1, . . . , p, and let {u1 , . . . , u N } a set of N points of
a spatio-temporal domain D × T; the direct and cross-covariances of the MSTRF must satisfy
the following inequality:
p p N N
∑∑ ∑ ∑ λαi λ βj Cij (u α − u β ) ≥ 0,
i =1 j =1 α =1 β =1
for any choice of the N points uα and for any choice of the weights λαi . Using the
matrix notation, the ( p × p) matrices C(u α − u β ) = Cij (u α − u β ) of the direct and
cross-covariances of the STRF Zi (uα ) and Zj (u β ) will be admissible if they satisfy the
following condition:
N N
∑ ∑ λαT C(uα − u β )λβ ≥ 0, (5)
α =1 β =1
T
where λα = λα1 , . . . , λαp is a ( p × 1) vector of weights λαi .

As in the univariate case, the ( p × p) matrices Γ (u α − u β ) = γij (u α − u β ) of the direct and
cross-variograms of the STRF Zi (uα ) and Zj (uβ ) will be admissible if, for any choice of the N
points uα , they satisfy the following condition
N N
− ∑ ∑ λαT Γ(uα − u β )λβ ≥ 0,
α =1 β =1
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N
under the constraint: ∑ λα = 0.
α =1
2.3. Stationarity hypotheses

Stationarity hypotheses allow to make inference on the MSTRF. In particular, second-order
stationarity and intrinsic hypotheses concern the first and second-order moments of the
MSTRF.
2.3.1. Second-order stationarity

A MSTRF Z, with p components, is second-order stationary if:
• for any STRF Zi , i, . . . , p,
E [ Zi (u )] = mi , u ∈ D × T, i = 1, . . . , p; (6)
• for any pair of STRF Zi and Zj , i, j = 1, . . . , p, the cross-covariance Cij depends only on the
spatio-temporal separation vector h = (h s , ht ) between the points u and u + h:
Cij (h ) = E [( Zi (u + h ) − mi ) ( Zj (u ) − m j )] =
= E [ Zi (u + h ) Zj (u )] − mi m j , (7)
where u, u + h ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p. For i = j, the direct covariance function of the
STRF Zi is obtained.
There exist several physical phenomena for which neither variance, nor the covariance exist,
however it is possible to assume the existence of the variogram.
2.3.2. Intrinsic hypotheses

A MSTRF Z, with p components, satisfies the intrinsic hypotheses if:
• for any STRF Zi , i = 1, . . . , p,
E [ Zi (u + h ) − Zi (u )] = 0 , u, u + h ∈ D × T, i = 1, . . . , p; (8)
• for any pair of STRF Zi and Zj , i, j = 1, . . . , p, the cross-variogram exists and it depends
only on the spatio-temporal separation vector h:
2 γij (h ) = Cov[( Zi (u + h ) − Zi (u )), ( Zj (u + h ) − Zj (u ))], (9)
where u, u + h ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p.
Second-order stationarity implies the existence of the intrinsic hypotheses, however the
converse is not true. Intrinsic hypotheses imply that the cross-variogram can be expressed
as the expected value of the product of the increments:
1
γij (h ) = E {[ Zi (u + h ) − Zi (u )][ Zj (u + h ) − Zj (u )]}, (10)
2
u, u + h ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p. For i = j, the direct variogram of the STRF Zi is obtained.
2.3.3. Properties of the cross-covariance for second-order stationary MSTRF

Given a second-order stationary MSTRF, the cross-covariance satisfies the properties listed
below.
The cross-covariance is not invariant with respect to the exchange of the variables:
Cij (h ) = Cji (h ), i = j, (11)
as well as it is not invariant with respect to the sign of the vector h:
Cij (− h ) = Cij (h ), i = j. (12)
However, the cross-covariance is invariant with respect to the joint exchange of the variables
and the sign of the vector h:
Cij (h ) = Cji (− h ). (13)
2.3.4. Properties of the cross-variogram for intrinsic MSTRF

Afterwards, the main properties of the cross-variogram for intrinsic MSTRF are given.
1. The cross-variogram vanishes at the origin, that is:
γij (0) = 0. (14)
2. The cross-variogram is invariant with respect to the exchange of the variables:
γij (h ) = γ ji (h ). (15)
3. The cross-variogram is invariant with respect to the sign of the vector h:
γij (− h ) = γij (h ). (16)
From (15) and (16) follows that the cross-variogram is completely symmetric, as it will be
pointed out in the next sections.
2.3.5. Separability for a MSTRF

The cross-covariance Cij for a second-order stationary MSTRF Z is separable if:
Cij (h ) = ρ(h ) aij , h = (h s , ht ) ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p,
where aij are the elements of a ( p × p) positive definite matrix and ρ(·) is a correlation
function. In this case, it results:
Cij (h ) ρ(h )
= , h, h ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p,
Cij (h ) ρ(h )
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hence the changes of the cross-covariance functions, with respect to the changes of the vector
h, do not depend on the pair of the STRF Zi , Zj .
The cross-covariance Cij for a second-order stationary MSTRF Z is fully separable if:
Cij (h s , ht ) = ρS (h s ) ρ T (ht ) aij , (h s , ht ) ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p,
where aij are the elements of a ( p × p) positive definite matrix, ρS (·) is a spatial correlation
function and ρ T (·) is a temporal correlation function. In the literature, many statistical tests
for separability have been proposed and are based on parametric models [2, 32, 51], likelihood
ratio tests and subsampling [46] or spectral methods [23, 50].
2.3.6. Symmetry for a MSTRF

The cross-covariance Cij of a second-order stationary MSTRF Z, with p components, is
symmetric if:
Cij (h ) = Cij (− h), h ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p,
or, equivalently, if:
Cij (h ) = Cji (h ), h ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p.
The cross-covariance Cij of a second-order stationary MSTRF Z, with p components, is fully
symmetric if:
Cij (h s , ht ) = Cij (h s , − ht ), (h s , ht ) ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p,
or, equivalently,
Cij (h s , ht ) = Cij (− h s , ht ), (h s , ht ) ∈ D × T, i, j = 1, . . . , p.
Atmospheric, environmental and geophysical processes are often under the influence of
prevailing air or water flows, resulting in a lack of full symmetry [18, 27, 52].
Fig. 1 summarizes the relationships between separability, symmetry, stationarity and the LCM
in the general class of the cross-covariance functions of a MSTRF Z. If a cross-covariance is
separable, then it is symmetric, however, in general, the converse is not true. Moreover, the
hypothesis of full separability is a special case of full symmetry.
Several tests to check symmetry and separability of cross-covariance functions can be found
in the literature [38–40, 50].
Figure 1. Relationships among different classes of spatio-temporal covariance functions

3. Techniques for building admissible models

In the following, a brief review of the most utilized techniques to construct admissible
cross-covariance models is presented.
1. For the intrinsic correlation model, the matrices C are described by separable
cross-covariances Cij , i, j = 1, . . . , p [44], that is:
Cij (u α , u β ) = ρ(u α , u β ) aij ,
where the coefficients aij are the elements of a ( p × p) positive definite matrix, and
ρ(·, ·) is a correlation function. However, this model is not flexible enough to handle
complex relationships between processes, because the cross-covariance function between
components measured at each location always has the same shape regardless of the relative
displacement of the locations. As it will be discussed in the next section, the LCM is a
straightforward extension of the intrinsic correlation model.
2. In the kernel convolution method [55] the cross-covariance functions is represented as
follows:
Cij (u α , u β ) = k i (u α − u )k j (u β − u )ρ(u − u )dudu ,
R d +1 R d +1
where the k i are square integrable kernel functions and ρ is a valid stationary correlation
function. This approach assumes that all the variables Zi , i = 1, . . . , p, are generated
by the same underlying process, which is very restrictive. Moreover, this model and its
parameters lack interpretability and, except for some special cases, it requires Monte Carlo
integration.
3. In the covariance convolution for stationary processes [24, 43] the cross-covariance
functions is represented as follows:

Cij (h ) = Ci (h − h )Cj (h )dh ,
R d +1
where Ci are second-order stationary covariances. The motivation and interpretation of

the resulting cross-dependency structure is rather unclear. Although some closed-form
expressions exist, this method usually requires Monte Carlo integration.
4. Recently, an approach based on latent dimensions and existing covariance models for
univariate random fields, has been proposed; the idea is to develop flexible, interpretable
and computationally feasible classes of cross-covariance functions in closed form [1].
4. Linear coregionalization model

LCM is based on the hypothesis that each direct or cross-variogram (covariogram) can be
represented as a linear combination of some basic models and each direct or cross-variogram
(covariogram) must be built using the same basic models [33].
LCM is utilized in several applications because of its flexibility, moreover it encouraged the
development of algorithms able to estimate quickly the parameters of the selected model,
assuring the admissibility conditions, even in presence of several variables [29–31].
Advances
Let Z be a second-order stationary MSTRF with p components, Zi , i = 1, . . . , p, the direct and

cross-covariances for the spatio-temporal LCM are defined as follows:
L
Cij (h ) = Cov Zi (u ), Zj (u + h ) = ∑ bijl cl (h), i, j = 1, . . . , p, (17)
l =1
where cl are covariances, called basic structures, and the non-negative coefficients bijl satisfy
the following property:
bijl = b lji , i, j = 1, . . . , p;
hence, in the LCM, it is assumed that:
Cij (h ) = Cij (− h ),
Cij (h ) = Cji (h ),
with i, j = 1, . . . , p, i = j.
The matrix C for the second-order stationary Z is built as follows:
L
C(h ) = ∑ B l c l ( h ). (18)
l =1
Analogously, it is also possible to introduce the LCM for a MSTRF which satisfies the intrinsic
hypotheses. In such a case, the direct and cross-variograms are built as follows:
L
γij (h ) = ∑ bijl gl (h) , i, j = 1, . . . , p, (19)
l =1
where each basic structure gl is a variogram and the L matrices Bl of the coefficients bijl ,
corresponding to the sill values of the basic models gl , are positive definite.
Then, for a MSTRF which satisfies the intrinsic hypotheses the matrix Γ of the direct and
cross-variograms is:
L
Γ (h ) = ∑ B l gl ( h ). (20)
l =1
The necessary and sufficient conditions because the model defined in (17) and (20) are
admissible are:
1. cl ( gl ) must be covariances (variograms),

2. the matrices Bl = bijl , called coregionalization matrices, must be positive definite.
The necessary, but not sufficient conditions, for the coefficients bijl are the following:
a) biil ≥ 0 i = 1, . . . , p, l = 1, . . . , L;

b) | bijl | ≤ biil b ljj i, j = 1, . . . , p, l = 1, . . . , L.
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Air Pollution – A Comprehensive Perspective Will-be-set-by-IN-TECH
The basic structures gl (h ) = gl (h s , ht ) of the spatio-temporal LCM (20) can be modelled by

using several spatio-temporal variogram models known in the literature, such as the metric
model [20], Cressie-Huang models [5], Gneiting models [27] and many others [9, 35, 41, 42, 49, 52].
As discussed in [10], each basic spatio-temporal structure, gl (h s , ht ), l = 1, . . . , L, can be
modelled as a generalized product-sum variogram [7], that is
gl (h s , ht ) = γl (h s , 0) + γl (0, ht ) − k l γl (h s , 0) γl (0, ht ), l = 1, . . . , L, (21)

where
• γl (h s , 0) and γl (0, ht ) are, respectively, the marginal spatial and temporal variograms at
lth scale of variability;
• k l , defined as follows
sill [ γl (h s , 0)] + sill [ γl (0, ht )] − sill [ gl (h s , ht )]

kl = , (22)
sill [ γl (h s , 0)] sill [ γl (0, ht )]
is the parameter of generalized product-sum variogram model and it is such that
1
0 < kl ≤ . (23)
max {sill [ γl (h s , 0)]; sill [ γl (0, ht )]}
The inequality (23) represents a necessary and sufficient condition in order that each basic
structure gl (h s , ht ), with l = 1, . . . , L, is admissible. Recently, it was shown that strict
conditional negative definiteness of both marginals is a necessary as well as a sufficient
condition for the generalized product-sum (21) to be strictly conditionally negative definite
[13, 14].
Substituting (21) in (20), the spatio-temporal LCM can be defined through two marginals: one
in space and one in time, i.e.:
L L
Γ ( h s , 0) = ∑ B l γ l ( h s , 0), Γ (0, ht ) = ∑ Bl γl (0, ht ). (24)
l =1 l =1
Using the generalized product-sum variogram model it is possible:
1. to identify the different scales of variability and build the matrices Bl , l = 1, . . . , L, by

means of the direct and cross marginal variograms;
2. to describe the correlation structure of processes characterized by a different spatial and
temporal variability.
4.1. Assumptions in the spatio-temporal LCM

Fitting a spatio-temporal LCM to the data requires the identification of the spatio-temporal
basic variograms and the corresponding positive definite coregionalization matrices, however
this is often a hard step to tackle. A recent approach [16], based on the simultaneous
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for Environmental Risk Assessment and Prediction for Environmental Risk Assessment
11 375
diagonalization of a set of matrix variograms computed for several spatio-temporal lags,

allows to determine the spatio-temporal LCM parameters in a very simple way.
In several environmental applications [54], the cross-covariance function is not symmetric,
as for example, in time series in presence of a delay effect, as well as in hydrology, for the
cross-correlation between a variable and its derivative, such as water head and transmissivity
[53]. Hence, this assumption should be tested before fitting a spatio-temporal LCM.
A useful hint to verify the symmetry of the cross-covariance can be given by estimating
all the pseudo cross-variograms [47] of the standardized variables Z̃i , i = 1, . . . , p, i.e.,
γ̃ij (h ) = 0.5 Var[ Z̃i (u ) − Z̃j (u + h )], i, j = 1, . . . , p, i = j. If the differences between the
estimated pseudo cross-variograms γ̃ij (h ) and γ̃ ji (h ), i, j = 1, . . . , p, are zero or close to zero,
then it could be assumed that the cross-covariances are symmetric.
The appropriateness of the assumption of symmetry of a spatio-temporal LCM can be tested
by using the methodology proposed by [38], based on the asymptotic joint normality of
the sample spatio-temporal cross-covariances estimators. Given a set Λ of user-chosen
spatio-temporal lags and the cardinality c of Λ, let Gn = {Cji (h s , ht ) : (h s , ht ) ∈ Λ, i, j =
1, . . . , p} be a vector of cp2 cross-covariances at spatio-temporal lags k = (h s , ht ) in Λ.
Moreover, let C ji (h s , ht ) be the estimator of Cji (h s , ht ) based on the sample data in the
spatio-temporal domain D × Tn , where D represents the spatial domain and Tn = {1, . . . , n }
the temporal one, and define {C ji (h s , ht ) : (h s , ht ) ∈ Λ, i, j = 1, . . . , p}. Under the
n − G) →
assumptions given in the above paper, | Tn |1/2 (G
d
Ncp2 (0, Σ), where | Tn | Σ converges

to Cov(Gn , Gn ). Then the tests for symmetry properties can be based on the following
statistics
n ) T (AΣAT )−1 (AG
TS = | Tn |(AG n) →
d
χ2a , (25)
where a is the row rank of the matrix A, which is such that AG = 0 under the null hypothesis.
Moreover, the choice of modeling the MSTRF Z by a spatio-temporal LCM is based on the
prior assumption that the multivariate correlation structure of the variables under study is
characterized by L ( L ≥ 2) scales of spatio-temporal variability. On the other hand, if the
multivariate correlation of a set of variables does not present different scales of variability
(L = 1), then the cross-covariance functions are separable, i.e.,
Cij (h ) = ρ(h ) bij , i, j = 1, . . . , p, (26)
where bij are the entries of a ( p × p) positive definite matrix B and ρ(·) is a spatio-temporal
correlation function. Hence, as in the spatial context [54], a spatio-temporal intrinsic
coregionalization model can be considered.
Obviously, this last model is just a particular case (L = 1) of the spatio-temporal LCM defined
in (17) and it is much more restrictive than the linear model of coregionalization since it
requires that all the variables have the same correlation function, with possible changes in
the sill values. Note that, if a cross-covariance is separable, then it is symmetric.
Remarks
• In the spatio-temporal LCM, each component is represented as a linear combination of

latent, independent univariate spatio-temporal processes. However, the smoothness of
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any component defaults to that of the roughest latent process, and thus the standard
approach does not admit individually distinct smoothness properties, unless structural
zeros are imposed on the latent process coefficients [28].
• In most applications, the wide use of the spatio-temporal LCM is justified by practical
aspects concerning the admissibility condition for the matrix variograms (covariances).
Indeed, it is enough to verify the positive definiteness of the coregionalization matrices,
Bl , at all scales of variability.
• The spatio-temporal LCM allows unbounded variogram components to be used [54].
5. Prediction and risk assessment in space-time

For prediction purposes, various cokriging algorithms can be found in the literature [3, 33].
As a natural extension of spatial ordinary cokriging to the spatio-temporal context, the linear
spatio-temporal predictor can be written as
N
(u ) =
Z ∑ Λ α ( u ) Z ( u α ), (27)
α =1
where u = (s, t) ∈ D × T is a point in the spatio-temporal domain, u α = (s, t)α ∈ D × T,

α = 1, . . . , N, are the data points in the same domain and Λα (u ), α = 1, . . . , N, are ( p × p)
ij
matrices of weights whose elements λα (u ) are the weights assigned to the value of the jth
variable, j = 1, . . . , p, at the αth data point, to predict the ith variable, i = 1, . . . , p, at the point
u ∈ D × T.
The predicted spatio-temporal random vector Z (u ) at u ∈ D × T, is such that

each component Zi (u ), i = 1, . . . , p, is obtained by using all information at the data points
u α = (s, t)α ∈ D × T, α = 1, . . . , N.
The matrices of weights Λα (u ), α = 1, . . . , N, are determined by ensuring the unbiased
(u ) and the efficiency condition, obtained by minimizing the
condition for the predictor Z
error variance [29].
The new GSLib routine “COK2ST” [12] produces multivariate predictions in space-time,
for one or all the variables under study, using the spatio-temporal LCM (20) where the
basic spatio-temporal variograms are modelled as generalized product-sum variograms. An
application is also given in [11].
Similarly, for environmental risk assessment, the formalism of multivariate spatio-temporal
indicator random function (MSTIRF) and corresponding predictor, have to be introduced.
Let
I(u, z) = [ I1 (u, z1 ), . . . , I p (u, z p )] T ,
be a vector of p spatio-temporal indicator random functions (STIRF) defined on the domain

D × T ⊆ R d+1 , with (d ≤ 3), as follows

1 if Zi is not greater (or not less) than the threshold zi ,
Ii (u, zi ) =
0 otherwise
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13 377
where z = [ z1 , . . . , z p ] T . Then
{I(u, z), u = (s, t) ∈ D × T ⊆ R d+1 },
represents a MSTIRF. In other words, for each coregionalized variable Zi , with i = 1, . . . , p, a

STIRF Ii can be appropriately defined. Then the linear spatio-temporal predictor (27) can be
easily written in terms of the indicator random variables Ii , i = 1, . . . , p. If the spatio-temporal
correlation structure of a MSTIRF is modelled by using the spatio-temporal LCM, based
on the product-sum, the new GSLib routine “COK2ST” [12] can be used to produce risk
assessment maps, for one or all the variables under study. If p = 1, the dependence
of the indicator variable is characterized by the corresponding indicator variogram of I:
2γST (h) = Var[ I (s + hs , t + ht ) − I (s, t)], which depends solely on the lag vector h = (hs , ht ),
(s, s + hs ) ∈ D2 and (t, t + ht ) ∈ T 2 . After fitting a model for γST , which must be
conditionally negative definite, ordinary kriging can be applied to generate the environmental
risk assessment maps. In this case, the GSLib routine “K2ST” [17] can be used for prediction
purposes in space and time.
6. Some critical aspects

Multivariate geostatistical analysis for spatio-temporal data is rather complex because of
several problems concerning:
a) sampling,
b) the choice of admissible direct and cross-correlation models,
c) the definition of automatic procedures for estimation and modeling.
Sampling problems
There exist several sampling techniques for multivariate spatio-temporal data, as specified
herein. Let
Ui = {u α ∈ D × T, α = 1, . . . , Ni }, i = 1, . . . , p,
be the sets of sampled points in the spatio-temporal domain for the p variables under study.
It is possible to distinguish the following situations:
1. total heterotopy, where the sets of the sampled points are pairwise disjoint, that is
∀ i, j = 1, . . . , p, Ui ∩ Uj = ∅, i = j; (28)
2. partial heterotopy, where the sets of the sampled points are not pairwise disjoint, that is
∃ i = j | Ui ∩ Uj = ∅, i, j = 1, . . . , p; (29)
3. isotopy, where the sets of the sampled points coincide, that is
∀ i, j = 1, . . . , p, Ui ≡ Uj . (30)
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A special case of partial heterotopy is the so-called undersampling: in such a case, the points
where a variable, called primary or principal, has been sampled, constitute a subset of the
points where the remaining variables, called auxiliary or secondary, have been observed. The
secondary variables provide additional information useful to improve the prediction of the
primary variable.
Modeling problems
In Geostatistics, the main modeling problems concern the choice of an admissible parametric
model to be fitted to the empirical correlation function (covariance or variogram). In
particular, in multivariate analysis for spatio-temporal data it is important to identify an
admissible model able to describe the correlation among several variables which describe the
spatio-temporal process. In this context, it is suitable to underline that
• it is not enough to select an admissible direct variogram to model a cross-variogram;

• the direct variograms are positive functions, on the other hand cross-variograms could be
negative functions;
• only some necessary conditions of admissibility are known to model a cross-variogram,
as the Cauchy-Schwartz inequality, however sufficient conditions cannot be easily applied
[54].
The use of multivariate correlation models well-known in the literature, such as the LCM
[54], the class of non-separable and asymmetric cross-covariances, proposed by [1], or the
parametric family of cross-covariances, where each component is a Matérn process [28],
requires the identification of several parameters, especially in presence of many variables.
Moreover, estimation and modeling the direct and cross-correlation functions could be
compromised by the sampling plan.
Computational problems
For spatial multivariate data different algorithms for fitting the LCM have been implemented
in software packages. [30] and [31] described an iterative procedure to fit a LCM using a
weighted least-squares like technique: this requires first fitting the diagonal entries, i.e. the
basic variogram structures must be determined first. In contrast, [56] and [57] developed
an alternative method for modeling the matrix-valued variogram by near simultaneously
diagonalizing the sample variogram matrices, without assuming any model for the variogram
matrix; [36] proposed estimating the range parameters of a LCM using a non-linear
regression method to fit the range parameters; [37] used simulated annealing to minimize a
weighted sum of squares of differences between the empirical and the modelled variograms;
[48] modified the Goulard and Voltz algorithm to make it more general and usable for
generalized least-squares or any other least-squares estimation procedure, such as ordinary
least-squares; [58] developed an algorithm for the maximum-likelihood estimation for the
purely spatial LCM and proved that the EM algorithm gives an iterative procedure based on
quasi-closed-form formulas, at least in the isotopic case. Significant contributions concerning
estimation and computational aspects of a LCM can be found in [21]. Unfortunately, for
multivariate spatio-temporal data there does not exist software packages which perform in
an unified way a) the structural analysis, b) a convenient graphical representation of the
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15 379
covariance (variogram) models fitted to the empirical ones and c) predictions. One of the
solutions could be to extend the above mentioned techniques to space-time. Indeed, some
routines already implemented in the GSLib software [19] or in the module gstat of R, can only
be applied in a multivariate spatial context.
In the last years, a new GSLib routine, called “COK2ST”, can be used to make predictions
in the domain under study, utilizing the spatio-temporal LCM, based on the generalized
product-sum model [12]. This routine could be merged with the automatic procedure for
fitting the spatio-temporal LCM using the product-sum variogram model, presented in [15],
in order to provide a complete and helpful package for the analyst who needs to obtain
predictions in a spatio-temporal multivariate context. This is certainly the first step for other
developments and improvements in this field.
7. Case study
In the present case study, the environmental data set, with a multivariate spatio-temporal
structure, involves PM10 daily concentrations, Temperature and Wind Speed daily averages
measured at some monitored stations located in the South of Apulia region (Italy), from the
1st to the 23rd of November 2009. In particular, there are 28 PM10 survey stations, 60 and
54 atmospherical stations for monitoring Temperature and Wind Speed, respectively. As it is
highlighted in Fig. 2(a), over the domain of interest, almost all the PM10 monitoring stations
are either traffic or industrial stations, depending on the area where they are located (close
to heavy traffic area or to industrialized area). The remaining monitoring stations are called
peripheral. In Fig. 2(b), box plots of PM10 daily concentrations classified by typology of
survey stations are illustrated. Fig. 3 shows the temporal profiles of the observed values. It is
(a) Survey stations (b) Box plots of PM10 values
Figure 2. Posting map and box plots of PM10 daily concentrations classified by typology of survey
stations
evident that low (high) values of Temperature and Wind Speed are associated with high (low)
values of PM10 .
Note that, during the period of interest, the PM10 threshold value fixed by National Laws
for the human health protection (i.e. 50 μg/m3 which should not be exceeded more than 35
times per year) has been overcome the 13rd, the 14th, the 15th and the 23rd of November 2009.
Indeed, as regards this last aspect, it is worth noting that the highest PM10 daily averages have
380 16
60 18 4
Wind Speed (m/sec)

threshold value
Temperature (°C)
50
PM10 (mg/m3)
16
3
40
14
30 2
12
20
1
10 10
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
days days days
Figure 3. Time series plots of PM10 , Temperature and Wind Speed daily averages
been registered at all kinds of monitored stations, even at stations located at peripheral areas,
likely for the transport effects caused by wind. As shown in Fig. 2(b), although the maximum
PM10 values registered at stations close to heavy traffic area are greater than the threshold
value, it is evident that these values are less than the ones measured at the other stations.
Spatio-temporal modeling and prediction techniques have been applied in order to assess
PM10 risk pollution over the area of interest for the period 24-29 November 2009. In particular,
the following aspects have been considered:
(1) estimating and modeling spatio-temporal correlation among the variables; in the
fitting stage of a spatio-temporal LCM, the recent procedure [16] based on the nearly
simultaneous diagonalization of several sample matrix variograms, has been applied and
the product-sum variogram model [7] has been fitted to the basic components;
(2) spatio-temporal cokriging based on the estimated model, in order to obtain prediction
maps for PM10 pollution levels during the period 24-29 November 2009 and indicator
kriging [34] in order to construct risk maps related to the probability that predicted PM10
concentrations exceed the threshold value (50 μg/m3 ) fixed by National Laws;
(3) generating and comparing, for two sites of interest (one close to an industrial area and
the other one close to a heavy traffic area), the probability distributions that PM10 daily
concentrations exceed some risk levels during the period 24-29 November 2009.
7.1. Modeling spatio-temporal LCM

Modeling the spatio-temporal correlation among the variables under study by using the
spatio-temporal LCM, requires first to check the adequacy of such model. In particular, the
symmetry assumption has been checked by
a) exploring the differences between the pseudo cross-variograms of the standardized

variables (standardized by subtracting the mean value and dividing this difference by the
standard deviation),
b) using the methodology proposed by [38].
As regards point a), the largest absolute difference has been equal to 0.135 and has been
observed among the differences between the two pseudo cross-variograms concerning PM10
and Wind Speed standardized data. On the other hand, for the point b), three pairs composed
by six stations, with consecutive daily average measurements have been selected for the test.
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17 381
These pairs of monitoring stations have been picked to be approximately along the SE − NW
direction, since the prevalent wind direction over the area under study and during the
analyzed period was SE − NW. Moreover, the temporal lag has been selected in connection
with the largest empirical cross-correlations for all variable combinations; hence ht = 1 has
been considered for all testing lags. Three different variables and three pairs of stations
generate 9 testing pairs in the symmetry test, and consequently the degree of freedom a
for the symmetry test is equal to 9. The test statistic TS (25) has been equal to 0.34 with
a corresponding p-value equal to 0.99. Hence, the results from both the procedures have
highlighted that the spatio-temporal LCM is suitable for the data set under study.
By using the recent fitting procedure [16] based on the nearly simultaneous diagonalization
of several sample matrix variograms computed for a selection of spatio-temporal lags, the
basic independent components and the scales of spatio-temporal variability have been simply
identified. In particular, the spatio-temporal surfaces of the variables under study have been
computed for 7 and 5 user-chosen spatial and temporal lags, respectively (Fig. 4). Then, the
35 symmetric matrices of sample direct and cross-variograms have been nearly simultaneous
diagonalization in order to detect the independent basic components. In this way, 3 scales of
spatial and temporal variability have been identified: 10, 18 and 31.5 km in space, and 2.5, 3.5
and 6 days in time.
Thus, the following spatio-temporal LCM has been fitted to the observed data:
Γ (h s , ht ) = B1 g1 (h s , ht ) + B2 g2 (h s , ht ) + B3 g3 (h s , ht ), (31)
where the spatio-temporal variograms gl (h s , ht ), l = 1, 2, 3, are modelled as a generalized

product-sum model, i.e.
gl (h s , ht ) = γl (h s , 0) + γl (0, ht ) − k l γl (h s , 0) γl (0, ht ). (32)
The spatial and temporal marginal basic variogram models, γl (h s , 0) and γl (0, ht ),
respectively, and the coefficients k l , l = 1, 2, 3, previously defined in (22), are shown below:
γ1 (h s , 0) = 86 Exp(|| h s ||; 10), γ1 (0, ht ) = 165 Exp(| ht |; 2.5), k1 = 0.0057, (33)
γ2 (h s , 0) = 0.95 Exp(|| h s ||; 18), γ2 (0, ht ) = 3.7 Exp(| ht |; 3.5), k2 = 0.02418, (34)
γ3 (h s , 0) = 0.29 Gau(|| h s ||; 31.5), γ3 (0, ht ) = 0.83 Exp(| ht |; 6), k3 = 1.1633, (35)
where Exp(·; a) and Gau(·; a) denote the well known exponential and Gaussian variogram
models, with practical range a [19].
Finally, the matrices Bl , l = 1, 2, 3, of the spatio-temporal LCM (31), computed by the
procedure described in [15], are the following:
⎡ ⎤ ⎡ ⎤
0.982 −0.044 −0.024 43.421 −2.632 −1.550
B1 = ⎣ −0.044 0.018 0.006 ⎦ , B2 = ⎣ −2.632 0.395 0.118 ⎦ , (36)
−0.024 0.006 0.007 −1.550 0.118 0.105
⎡ ⎤
71.429 −10.119 −4.167
B3 = ⎣ −10.119 1.726 0.414 ⎦ . (37)
−4.167 0.414 0.357
382 18
400 0
350
-5
500
for PM10-Temperature
300
0
Variogram surface
Variogram surface
400
250 -10
for PM10
-10
300
200 -20
200
-15
-30
100 150 9
0 8
7 35 -20
9 100 6
8 35 |h 30
7
6 30 t| 5 4 25
|h 5 25 50 (d 20 )
t| ( 4 20 ay 3 15 km
day 3 15 km
) s)
2 10 || ( -25
s) 2 10 || ( 1 5 ||h s
1
0 0
5 ||h s 0
0 0
0
5
for PM10-Wind Speed
4
Variogram surface
for Temperature
6
Variogram surface
-5
0
4 -4
3
-8
2
-12
0 -16
9 2 -10
9
8 35 8 35
7 30 7 30
6 25 6 25
|h 1 |h 5
t| 5 4 20 ) t| 20 m)
(d km (d 4 k
ay 3 15 || ( ay 3 15 || (
s) 2 10 ||h s s)
2 10 ||h s -15
1 5 0 5
0 0 1
0 0
1.8
1.8
1.6
1.6
for Temperature-Wind Speed
2 1.4
1.4
Variogram surface
Variogram surface
2
for Wind Speed
1.5 1.2
1.5 1.2
1.0 1
1 1
0.5
0.8 0.8
0.5
0
0.6 9
0 8 0.6
35
9 7 30
8 35 0.4 6 25 0.4
7 30 |h 5
|h 6 5 25 t| ( 4 20
km
)
t| (
da 4 3
20 0.2 da
ys 3 15 || ( 0.2
ys) 15 km
) ) 2 10 ||h s
2 10 || ( 1 5
1
0 0
5 ||h s 0
0 0
0
Figure 4. Spatio-temporal variogram and cross-variogram surfaces of PM10 , Temperature and Wind
Speed daily averages
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19 383
Fig. 5 shows the spatio-temporal variograms and cross-variograms fitted to the surfaces of
PM10 , Temperature and Wind Speed daily averages. Then, the spatio-temporal LCM (31) has
been used to produce prediction and risk assessment maps for PM10 daily concentrations, as
discussed hereafter.
7.2. Prediction maps and risk assessment

In order to obtain the prediction maps for PM10 pollution levels for the period 24-29
November 2009, spatio-temporal cokriging has been applied, using the routine “COK2ST”
[12]. Risk assessment maps have been associated to the prediction maps. Spatial indicator
kriging has been applied to assess the probability that predicted PM10 daily concentrations
exceed the PM10 threshold value fixed by National Laws for the human health protection (i.e.
50 μg/m3 ), during the period of interest. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show contour maps of the predicted
PM10 values and the corresponding risk maps, for the period 24-29 November 2009. The red
points on the maps represent the monitoring stations.
It is important to highlight that the highest PM10 values are predicted in the Eastern part of
the domain of interest: this area corresponds to the boundary between Lecce and Brindisi
districts which is strictly close to an industrial site, such as the thermoelectric power station
“Enel-Federico II”, located in Cerano (Brindisi district). Moreover, in this area the probability
that PM10 daily concentrations exceed 50 μg/m3 is high during the predicted week. It is worth
noting that on Saturday and Sunday the predicted values of PM10 daily concentrations show
lower average levels than the ones estimated during the working days, when heavy traffic
contributes to keep pollution concentrations high; consequently, the corresponding risk maps
do not show hazardous PM10 conditions.
7.3. Probability distributions for different sites

After producing predicted maps of PM10 daily concentrations, it is also interesting to estimate
the probability distribution that PM10 daily concentrations exceed some risk levels at sites
characterized by sources of pollution.
Two different sites, one close to an industrialized area, located at Brindisi district, and the
other one close to a heavy traffic area, located at Lecce district, have been considered in
order to generate and compare the probability distributions that PM10 daily concentrations
overcome several risk levels during the period 24-29 November 2009. Fig. 8 shows that, all
over the industrialized area of interest, the probability that PM10 daily concentrations exceed
the threshold fixed by National Laws (50 μg/m3 ) is very high (greater than 80%) during the
period 24-27 November 2009 (working days); on the other hand, during the weekend (28-29
November 2009) such a probability decreases at 40-42%.
Note that at the site close to a heavy traffic area, the probability that PM10 daily concentrations
exceed the national law limit is very low during the analyzed period, except on the 25th
of November; moreover, it drops off rapidly for values below the national threshold. This
empirical evidence highlights that there is no critical PM10 exceeding for the selected traffic
site, especially during the last 3 days of the week. As it is shown, this is a very powerful
tool since any action of environmental protection might be adopted in advance by taking into
account the actual likelihood of dangerous PM10 exceeding.
384 20
for PM10-Temperature
Variogram surface
Variogram surface
for PM10
0
6
-2
for PM10-Wind Speed
-4
Variogram surface
0
-4 -6
-8
-12 -8
-16
-10
-12
-14
Figure 5. Spatio-temporal variograms and cross-variograms fitted to variogram and cross-variogram

surfaces of PM10 , Temperature and Wind Speed daily averages
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21 385
24 November 2009 (Tuesday)

Predicted map Risk map
Brindisi Brindisi
4500000 Taranto
4500000 Taranto
4480000 4480000
Lecce Lecce
4460000 4460000
4440000 4440000
670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000 670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000
25 November 2009 (Wednesday)

Brindisi Brindisi
4500000 4500000 Taranto
Taranto
4480000 4480000
Lecce Lecce
4460000 4460000
4440000 4440000
670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000 670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000
Predicted map 26 November 2009 (Thursday) Risk map
Brindisi Brindisi
4500000 Taranto 4500000 Taranto
4480000 4480000
Lecce
Lecce
4460000 4460000
4440000 4440000
670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000 670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000
22 26 30 34 38 42 46 50 54 58 62 mg/m3 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
PM10 survey stations
Figure 6. Prediction maps of PM10 daily concentrations and risk maps at the threshold fixed by National
Laws, for the 24th, 25th and 26th of November 2009
386 22
27 November 2009 (Friday)

Brindisi Brindisi
Taranto
4500000 Taranto 4500000
4480000 4480000
Lecce
4460000 4460000 Lecce
4440000 4440000
670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000 670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000
28 November 2009 (Saturday)

Brindisi Brindisi
4500000 4500000
Taranto Taranto
4480000 4480000
Lecce Lecce
4460000 4460000
4440000 4440000
670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000 670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000
Predicted map 29 November 2009 (Sunday) Risk map
Brindisi Brindisi
4500000 Taranto 4500000
Taranto
4480000 4480000
Lecce Lecce
4460000 4460000
4440000 4440000
670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000 670000 690000 710000 730000 750000 770000
22 26 30 34 38 42 46 50 54 58 62 mg/m3 0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
PM10 survey stations
Figure 7. Prediction maps of PM10 daily concentrations and risk maps at the threshold fixed by National
Laws, for the 27th, 28th and 29th of November 2009
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23 387
(a) Site close to an industrialized area (b) Site close to a heavy traffic area
Figure 8. Probability distributions that PM10 daily concentrations overcome several risk levels during
the period 24-29 November 2009
8. Conclusions
In this paper, some significant theoretical and practical aspects for multivariate geostatistical
analysis have been discussed and some critical issues concerning sampling, modeling and
computational aspects, which should be faced, have been pointed out. The proposed
multivariate geostatistical techniques have been applied to a case study pertaining particle
pollution (PM10 ) and two atmospheric variables (Temperature and Wind Speed) in the South
of Apulian region.
Further analysis regarding the integration of land use and possible sources of pollution
through an appropriate geographical information system could be helpful to fully understand
the dynamics of PM10 , which is still considered one of the most hazardous pollutant for
human health.
Acknowledgments
The authors are grateful to the Editor and the reviewers, whose comments contribute to
improve the present version of the paper. This research has been partially supported by the
“5per1000” project (grant given by University of Salento in 2011).
Author details
Università del Salento, DSE, Complesso Ecotekne, Italy
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AIR POLLUTION –

Copyright © 2012 InTech

Publishing Process Manager Daria Nahtigal

First published August, 2012

A free online edition of this book is available at www.intechopen.com

Air Pollution – A Comprehensive Perspective, Edited by Budi Haryanto

Section 1 Current Characteristic of Air Pollutants 1

Chapter 1 Old and New Air Pollutants:

Chapter 2 Urban Structure and Air Quality 27

Chapter 3 Particulate Matter Exposure in Agriculture 73

Chapter 4 Pollutants and Greenhouse Gases Emissions Produced by

Section 2 Air Pollution Monitoring and Health Effects 139

Chapter 5 Time Series Analysis of Surface

Chapter 6 Particulate Air Pollutants and Respiratory Diseases 153

Chapter 7 Air Pollution and Death Due to Cardiovascular Diseases

Chapter 8 Spatial and Temporal Analysis of Surface

Section 3 Air Pollution Management and Prediction 213

Chapter 9 Non-Thermal Plasma Technic for Air Pollution Control 215

Chapter 10 Environmental Control and Emission

Chapter 11 Mitigating Urban Heat Island

Chapter 12 Managing Emergency Response

Chapter 13 Contribution of the Compressed Air Energy

Chapter 14 Advances in Spatio-Temporal Modeling and

Current Characteristic of Air Pollutants

Old and New Air Pollutants:

Margherita Ferrante, Maria Fiore, Gea Oliveri Conti, Caterina Ledda,

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

2. “Old” and “new” pollutants trend

3. Carbon monoxide (CO)

4. Sulphur dioxide (SO2)

5. Particulate Matter (PM)

6. Ammonia (NH3) emission

7. Nitrogen oxides (NO2)

Cadmium is widely spread in the environment. Its consumption is growing, as a result

Heavy metals can reside in or be attached to PM.

10. Organic compound

polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs or dioxin) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans

10.2. Dioxins and furans (PCDDs and PCDFs)

10.3. Polycyclic AromaticH (PAHs)

10.4. Non-Methane Volatile Organic Compounds (NMVOCs or TNMHC)

Figure 1. TNMCH Anthropogenic emission in Italy (da APAT)

10.5. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Figure 2. Percentage of subjects with detectable PCB levels in seminal plasma.

10.6. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

recent population based case-control study of children in Western Australia, two to

We made a critical analysis of recent literature on biomarkers used in the assessment of

11. Platinum Group Elements (PGEs or PGMs)

Urban Structure and Air Quality

Helena Martins, Ana Miranda and Carlos Borrego

Additional information is available at the end of the chapter

1.1. Urban planning

1.1.1. Urban planning perspectives

1.1.2. Urban sprawl in Europe

Figure 1. European areas with very rapid urbanization [17].

1.2. Urban air quality

1.2.1. Main atmospheric pollutants and sources

ozone is destroyed according to the reaction NO + O3 = NO2 + O2, generally referred as O3

1.2.2. Emissions and air quality trends in Europe

Figure 2. EU emissions of PM and ozone precursor gases 1990-2009 [25].

1.3. Integrating urban planning and air quality