Regional-scale modelling of acidification associated with road transport and road transport scenarios

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Regional-scale modelling of acidification associated with road transport and road transport scenarios

Mensink, C. / Vlieger, I. De

The role of road transport emissions in regional scale air pollution and acidification has been evaluated, using the Operational Priority Substances (OPS) model as implemented and applied for modelling acidification in Flanders, Belgium. Details concerning road transport emissions are discussed and model results are presented, focusing on the relation between road transport emissions and acidification. This includes modelling the impact of legislative actions (EC directives) and road transport scenarios for policy support. The scenarios have been based on emission factors derived from on-the-road traffic emission measurements in combination with national statistics on traffic numbers and vehicle types. The contribution of road transport emissions to acidification due to NOx was found to be 64,3 % whereas the contribution to acidification due to SO2 was found to be 5,9 %. Almost 65 % of the NOx deposition due to road transport emissions is coming from outside Flanders, which stresses the need for policy actions on a European or international scale. Policy actions towards vehicle concept have the largest impact on acidification in Flanders, provided that they are supported by additional measures. Policy actions towards fuel composition seem to be efficient, but their impact on acidification is rather limited.