Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
2.6 Constraining the Potential Source Strength
of Various Soil Dust Sources Contributing
to Atmospheric PM10 Concentrations in Europe
E.C.J. Hendriks, H.A.C. Denier van der Gon, and M. Schaap
TNO Environment and Geosciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
Abstract
Crustal material makes up 5-20% of the ambient PM10 mass. Despite
the importance of crustal material in total PM10 mass, the sources are still poorly
understood and not well-represented in emission inventories or air quality models.
In this paper we present a methodology to check first order estimates of the
various source strengths in Europe using the LOTOS-EUROS model. We have
implemented simple and therefore transparent emission functions for wind erosion,
(re-)suspension by traffic and agricultural land management as well as boundary
conditions for desert dust. First results indicate that the emissions as a result from
agricultural land management contribute most to the total modelled mineral dust
concentration followed by those from traffic and wind erosion. The total mineral
dust concentration is underestimated by the present model approaches. The large
uncertainties involved in the modelling of mineral dust are discussed.
1. Introduction
Crustal material (CM) typically contributes 5-20% to the ambient PM10 mass. In
certain regions and/or specific meteorological conditions the contribution may be
higher. Despite the importance of crustal material in total PM10 mass, the sources
are still poorly understood and not (well) represented in emission inventories or air
quality models. Crustal material may originate from distinctly different sources
e.g.,
wind erosion of bare soils, agricultural land management, resuspension of road
dust, road wear
, driving on unpaved roads, handling of materials and building and
construction activities. Here, we aim to develop a methodology to check first order
estimates of the various source strengths in Europe. For this purpose we will
implement simple and therefore transparent emission functions in the chemistry
transport model LOTOS-EUROS for the processes indicated in italics as they are
thought to give the highest source contributions in Europe.
