Modelling of Glass Soiling Due to Air Pollution Exposure at Urban and National Scales: Coimbra (Portugal) Case Study

Impacts of air pollution are not limited to human health and ecosystems, but are also important for building materials. The main objective of this study is the quantification and mapping of air pollution effects on the materials, namely the soiling effect of modern glass. An integrated modelling approach was implemented to quantify and analyze the spatial distribution of glass soiling due to exposure to air pollution. The methodology is based on an integrated modelling approach (transportation-emissions-dispersion modelling) applied with high spatial resolution for Coimbra (Portugal) urban area and compared with national scale modelling, showing the important contribution of local pollution sources affecting spatial variability in the soiling effect. Air quality data from CAMS (Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service) were used to quantify the soiling effect at national scale. The results are presented and analyzed in terms of haze. The results obtained at national scale suggest that the average time to reach a 1% haze is 320 days, and this time is reduced to 180 days in the most affected areas. However, urban scale modelling applied with a detailed characterization of local pollution sources in Coimbra provides significantly different results and reveals that in the most affected areas, near road traffic, 1% haze could be reached in approximately 80 days. The methodology proposed and implemented in this study provides relevant information for the maintenance and preservation of building materials and highlights the importance of integrated modelling with high spatial resolution for the assessment of the soiling effect in the built environment.

» Author: Nathale Batista

» Reference: doi: 10.3390/environments11100215

» Publication Date: 01/10/2024

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This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement Nº 768737


                   




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