Modeling the effect of the energy crisis on air quality in the Po Valley, Italy.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the impact of the energy crisis on air quality in the Po Valley, Italy, with a focus on the effect of changes in methane consumption over the potential changes in wood burn ing consumption. The study employs the WRF-CHIMERE model to simulate the consequences of varying wood burning consumption on air quality. Observational data of benzo[a]pyrene and PM2.5 concentrations in the Po Valley are also analyzed. The results indicate that meteorological conditions have a significant influence on air quality, overshadowing the potential effects of emission changes resulting from the energy crisis. However, we observed a model’s bias correlated to the planetary boundary layer height, which could have influenced this result. Further investigation is necessary to correct this bias and comprehensively understand the relationship between energy consumption, air quality, and meteorology in the Po Valley.