Air pollution monitoring and modelling in the urban area of Catania

This paper presents the network for air pollution monitoring implemented in the city of Catania (Italy) since 1993. Information concerning the global level of air pollution and trends in the area, as it appears from analysis of data recorded until 2002, is given and discussed in the light of control action undertaken by the municipal authorities in order to reduce the level of pollution. Finally some recent research initiatives, undertaken by the DIEES of the University of Catania in cooperation with the Ecology and Environment Department of Catania City Council, to model pollutant time series recorded by the described monitoring network are described. The purpose of the research is to implement prediction models that could serve as a decision support system (DSS) to control air quality in the area.