Identifying the impact of Beirut Airport's activities on local air quality - Part I: Emissions inventory of NO2 and VOCs

In Lebanon, the steady growth of aircraft movements at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (RHIA) and its geographical characteristics, signifies the necessity to assess the impact of Beirut airport on air quality. Up till now, no study has assessed the impact of Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (RHIA) on the air quality of Beirut. Hence, we produce the first emissions inventory of Beirut airport activities (2012) - including emissions from aircraft landing and take-off (LTO) operations, ground support equipment, stationary sources, as well as airside and landside vehicles. This study, in which the first comprehensive emissions inventory in the Middle East region is conducted, provides a methodology to assess airport emissions in a country with no data. We estimated that in 2012, Beirut airport emitted 454.8 t of NOx, 50.7 t of NO2, 404.1 t of NO, and 24.4 t of VOCs. Results showed that aircraft emissions (Landing/Take-off cycle and auxiliary power units) dominate the airport emissions for NOx (91%), NO2 (92%), NO (91%), and VOCs (58%). Our emissions estimates will be used in identifying the contribution of Beirut airport emissions to national emissions and in order to assess the airport's compliance with environmental legislations and to assess mitigation options. •Beirut Airport is located between the sea and mountains within a populated area.•A methodology to conduct airport emission inventories has been established.•Beirut Airport activities emitted 454.8 t of NOx, 50.7 t of NO2, and 24.4 t of VOCs.•The methodology allowed identifying emission factors from airport activities.