Urban Air Quality Plans In Europe: A Review On Applied Methodologies

Air pollution is seen as one of the most pressing problems in many urban areas with serious implications on the environment and human health. Focusing on this critical issue, the 2008 European Air Quality Directive (2008/50/EC) requires European Member States to design appropriate Air Quality Plans (AQP) for zones and agglomerations where the air quality does not comply with the limit/target values. A review of assessment capabilities and modelling tools used to evaluate the effects of emission abatement measures on the air quality and health has been performed based on a compilation of regional and local AQP. In general, models are applied to estimate emissions and to assess the current air quality and the impact of emission abatement scenarios. This review of AQP modelling practices helps understanding the reasons for the still on-going levels of non-compliance, as well as, evaluating available and commonly used tools to predict the air quality and their effects, contributing to the decision-making process on air quality management policies.