Air pollutants emissions from biomass combustion in the City of Novi Sad, Serbia

Energy for heating and cooking in the residential sector is often provided from solid fuels, including biomass, which significantly contribute to air pollution. The objective was to determine air pollution emissions originating from biomass combusted in the residential sector. The City of Novi Sad in Serbia is selected as an urban zone surrounded by rural suburbs, with significant biomass use in the residential sector. Within the 11-year period (2005-2015), emissions from biomass were compared with those from other fuels used and with other relevant sources (road transport and on-field burning). The emissions of pollutants (NOx, CO, SOx, PM10, and PM2.5) were determined based on the primary fuel energy used and emission factors for specific types of fuels and appliances. The results showed that households in the residential sector contribute more than 97% of CO and PM emissions. A high share of 83% of SOx is indirectly emitted due to the electricity use for heating and cooking purposes, predominantly originating from coal-fired power plants. More than 81% of CO and 90% of PM are formed directly by biomass combustion in the residential sector. NOx emissions mainly originate from road transport, with a share of 71%. The three possible scenarios for reducing the level of pollution showed that replacing solid fuels with natural gas in the urban zone and coal with firewood and baled straw in the rural zone of Novi Sad would lead to a reduction of 80% in SOx, 26% in CO, and 18% in PM emissions.