Modelling of particulate matter concentrations and source contributions in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area in 2008 and 2010.

Abstract

We refined an urban-scale dispersion modelling system by adding a road dust suspension model, FORE. The deterministic modelling includes both vehicular exhaust emissions (including cold start and cold driving) and suspended road dust. The urban scale modelling system was used in combination with the regional scale chemical transport model LOTOS- EUROS, for 2008, and the measured regional background concentrations, for 2010. The predictions were compared against measured concentrations of PM 2.5 and PM 10 . PM 2.5 concentrations were slightly and the PM 10 concentrations substantially under-predicted in 2008, mainly due to the under-predicted regional background concentration. Source contri- butions of suspended road dust varied from 2% to 8% and from 12% to 38% for PM 2.5 and PM 10 , respectively. Long-range transported contributions at the urban traffic stations were 72% to 92% for PM 2.5 and 50% to 83% for PM 10 .