MODELING OF OZONE LEVELS WITH PHOTOCHEMICAL MODELS IN RURAL AND URBAN AREAS

Ozone increments in differently polluted areas were studied by means of photochemical models. Scenarios with 20 % and 50 % reduction of NO(x)- and VOC emissions alone or in combination were modelled within an urban/suburban and rural area. One scenario studied short-term reduction of emissions and another long-term reduction of emissions, starting the model with lower initial concentrations. 20 % emission reduction of NO(x) and VOCs on a long-term lead to lower ozone peaks in all regions. The effect is stronger by reducing the emissions to 50 %. In the urban/suburban area VOC emission control was most effective. NO(x) emission reduction alone led to lower ozone levels as well. In the rural area NO(x) emission reduction was most effective whilst VOC control did not lower ozone peaks. In all cases, long-term control strategies were more effective than short-term reductions.