Elevated stacks’ pollutants’ dispersion and its contributions to photochemical smog formation in a heavily industrialized area

Abstract

In this study, the photochemical smog formation over a heavily industrialized area with complex terrain was investigated. A mesoscale prognostic meteorological and air pollution model was used in combination with data, which were collected by in situ and remote monitoring stations. The area of interest is a mountainous basin in north-western Greece. The intensive industrial activity in this area has resulted in effects on the air quality of the area, mainly caused by the lignite-fired power stations and the lignite mining operation. The study focused on the dispersion of ozone production due to primary pollutants’ emissions from the power stations (PSs). Moreover, the investigation of this external sources’ contribution to the ozone concentrations measured in Kozani, the most populated city of the area, is ventured. The results showed a considerable skill of the model in predicting the major mesoscale features affecting the pollutants’ dispersion and concentrations in the area of interest. Numerical simulation data of photochemical pollutants were significantly correlated with meteorology during the simulation period. The correlation reveals the most important factors of ozone production, such as solar radiation, temperature, wind speed and topography. The obtained results have contributed to the verification of distant pollutants’ transfer from industrial sources.