2001-2012 trends on air quality in Spain.
X Querol1, A Alastuey1, M Pandolfi1
1Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research, IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain.
The Science of the Total Environment
|June 10, 2014
Summary
Air quality in Spain improved from 2001-2012, with significant reductions in PM10, PM2.5, CO, and SO2. European policies and vehicle emission standards drove these air pollutant trends.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Public Policy
Background:
- Air quality monitoring in Spain (2001-2012) is crucial for understanding pollutant trends.
- National Emission Inventories (NEI) and policy actions are key factors influencing air quality.
- Evaluating the impact of European directives and vehicle emission standards is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To interpret air pollutant trends in Spain from 2001 to 2012.
- To assess the relationship between air pollutant concentrations, NEI, and policy implementation.
- To identify the drivers behind observed air quality changes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of air pollutant concentration trends (PM10, PM2.5, CO, NO2, NOx, O3, SO2).
- Comparison of air quality data with NEI, national energy consumption, and policy timelines.
- Evaluation of meteorological influences on pollutant dispersion.
Main Results:
- Significant downward trends observed for PM10, PM2.5, CO, and SO2.
- NO2 and NOx concentrations declined, but less so at traffic and rural sites.
- Ozone (O3) remained constant at rural sites but increased in urban/industrial areas.
- European directives and reduced coal consumption correlated with SO2, NOx, and PM2.5 declines.
- EURO 4/5 standards showed effectiveness for PM and CO from vehicles, but limited impact on urban NO2.
- Financial crisis contributed to pollutant decrease via reduced energy consumption.
Conclusions:
- European directives on industrial emissions and power generation significantly improved air quality.
- Vehicle emission standards have had a noticeable effect on PM and CO, but less on urban NO2.
- Ozone trends are linked to NOx levels and complex formation reactions.
- Meteorological conditions played a role, with 2008-2012 being more favorable for pollutant dispersion.
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