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European Citizen Science

Project

The European Citizen Science (ECS) project aims to create a globally connected, inclusive, and strong citizen science community that drives societal change across Europe. Building upon the achievements of previous initiatives like Cos4Cloud, the project seeks to strengthen and expand the reach of citizen science through targeted capacity-building and awareness-raising activities. Central to this effort is the establishment of a European Citizen Science Academy and a network of 28 ECS Ambassadors. This will foster collaboration and knowledge-sharing across diverse European contexts.

With a vision of uniting communities through science, ECS focuses on empowering individuals and organizations to address societal challenges and create opportunities for sustainable development. The project advances the creation and sharing of citizen science data, enhances digital skills for FAIR principles and open science practices, and contributes to European policymaking. By further developing the European Citizen Science Platform through co-design, ECS strengthens its role as a unifying resource for actors across Europe.

ECS is committed to fostering inclusion and diversity, ensuring that citizen science becomes a mainstream approach to tackling societal issues. Through the development of free training programs and advocacy efforts, the project not only builds capacity but also highlights the transformative impact of citizen science on research, society, and the economy. By mobilizing communities, enhancing skills, and driving innovation, ECS paves the way for a more inclusive and sustainable Europe. Here citizen science serves as a powerful tool for addressing today’s challenges and shaping a better future.

Hakkespett på et tre i skogen

Empowering citizens in collaborative environmental compliance assurance via MOnitoring, REporting and action

Project

more4nature is a transformative project aimed at fostering a citizen-centric approach to environmental governance. The project envisions a sustainable future where citizens and communities play a pivotal role in reversing environmental degradation through active participation in compliance assurance and conservation efforts. By addressing critical challenges such as pollution, biodiversity loss, and deforestation, more4nature leverages citizen science as a powerful tool to drive collaborative action and systemic change.

Central to the project is the integration of Citizen Science Initiatives (CSIs) into environmental compliance assurance frameworks. More4nature enhances the capacity of CSIs to generate relevant, reliable data while strengthening their collaboration with public authorities to address data gaps and shape effective policies. The project also prioritizes the validation and integration of citizen-generated data into the European Open Science Cloud and the Green Deal Data Space, ensuring its accessibility and usability for broader environmental governance.

Through its socio-technical approach, more4nature creates synergies between CSIs and innovative platforms such as Living Labs and Fab Labs. These collaborations empower communities to co-design and implement actionable solutions for environmental challenges, aligning with the values of sustainability and digital transformation. By engaging 162 existing CSIs, 98 authorities, and numerous organizations across Europe and beyond, the project ensures widespread participation and lasting impact.

More4nature represents a bold step toward a future of shared responsibility for natural resource management. By fostering partnerships, enhancing data-driven governance, and mobilizing citizens as active environmental stewards, the project seeks to redefine conservation practices and inspire global replication of its innovative model.

Blå trikk i Oslo

Innovative sensor networks and citizen empowerment for urban sustainable mobility and clean air

Project

URBANITY aims to redefine urban environmental management and mobility planning by integrating innovative sensor technologies with active citizen participation. By addressing the challenges of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, the project seeks to foster sustainable urban environments and promote healthier cities in Norway.

At the heart of URBANITY is a novel approach to environmental monitoring. The project employs state-of-the-art low-cost sensors for real-time, high-resolution data collection on air quality and traffic. These sensor networks, combined with advanced data assimilation and machine learning techniques, will provide municipalities with actionable insights to design and implement effective environmental policies. Citizens, too, play a pivotal role as co-creators, contributing data and engaging in participatory processes to shape their urban spaces.

URBANITY's methodology is centered on Urban Living Labs (ULLs) in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand. These labs serve as dynamic platforms for experimentation and innovation, uniting citizens, local authorities and researchers to co-design mobility solutions tailored to local needs. By blending digital tools, such as geographic information systems, with traditional participatory methods, URBANITY ensures inclusivity and broad engagement.

Beyond monitoring, URBANITY focuses on actionable outcomes. From improving emission inventories to co-creating sustainable mobility services, the project emphasizes scalable, citizen-centered solutions. By fostering community participation and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, URBANITY envisions a future of cleaner air, reduced emissions, and resilient urban environments.

Group of multinational friends

CitiObs – Enhancing Citizen Observatories for healthy, sustainable, resilient and inclusive cities

Project

CitiObs seeks to revolutionize urban environmental governance by empowering citizens to become active contributors to the observation and management of their local environments. The project’s core objective is to consolidate and scale up Citizen Observatories (COs) as tools for fostering sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity in urban areas across Europe. By integrating citizen-generated data with advanced environmental observation systems, CitiObs aims to bridge the gap between local action and global environmental goals, including the European Green Deal.

The project addresses the urgent need for innovative and inclusive approaches to mitigate urban environmental challenges such as air pollution and climate change. By leveraging low-cost sensors and wearable technologies, CitiObs empowers diverse communities to monitor key environmental parameters while actively contributing to policy development and local decision-making processes.

CitiObs employs a co-creation framework, working closely with five Frontrunner cases, 30 Alliance cases, and 50 Fellow cases to develop, test, and scale its tools and methodologies. This multi-level engagement ensures that COs are adapted to diverse socio-political contexts while promoting horizontal and vertical governance models. Activities such as needs assessment workshops, capacity-building sessions, and strategic roadshows ensure the broad participation of stakeholders, from local citizens to EU policymakers.

The project’s outcomes include the development of a comprehensive knowledge platform and the CitiObs Cookbook, which will serve as resources for cities worldwide to establish or enhance their own Citizen Observatories. By formalizing the role of citizen-generated data in environmental management, CitiObs not only legitimizes but also elevates the contributions of individuals and communities to achieving sustainable urban futures.

Through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, CitiObs envisions a future where cities are not only more resilient and sustainable but also deeply reflective of the collective input and aspirations of their citizens.

Alcoa

Alcoa Mosjøen, Ambient measurements of fluorine, SO2, heavy metals, and dust deposition

Project

NILU, on behalf of Alcoa Norway AS, Mosjøen division, has conducted measurements of fluoride, SO2, heavy metals, PAH, and dust deposition in the ambient air around the aluminium smelter in Mosjøen. The measurements were carried out from May 22 to August 19, 2024, and the results show that all measured components were well below the individual limit values, target values, and air quality criteria during the measurement period.

Mosjøen is most affected by emissions from the smelter during the summer months due to the prevailing wind direction from the fjord, over the smelter, and towards the town. Therefore, the measurement results provide an upper estimate of the smelter's contribution to the concentrations in Mosjøen throughout the year.

The SO2 concentration in Mosjøen, measured at Helgeland Kraft (south of Mosjøen centre) and at six locations in Mosjøen, was well below the annual mean limit value (20 µg/m3) during the measurement period. Previous measurements from 2009 also showed that SO2 concentrations were well below the limit values for hourly, daily, and annual means. The fluoride concentration, measured at Helgeland Kraft, was significantly lower than at Finnskoggata in 2004. The particulate matter concentration (PM10) was also well below the annual mean limit value (20 µg/m3) during the measurement period.

The metal concentrations in Mosjøen, measured in PM10 at Helgeland Kraft, were well below the limit and target values as well as the air quality criteria for annual means. PAH concentrations were far below the target value for annual means of BaP, and the levels were lower than in 2008/09. Dust deposition was measured at three locations in Mosjøen, and the monthly mean values for the amount of water-insoluble dust were well below the limit value.

Overall, the measurements show that the air quality in Mosjøen is well within the established limit values, and the contribution from the smelter to local air pollution is limited.

Røyk fra pipene i Cesky Krumlov, Tsjekkia

Development, improvement and maintenance of high-resolution modelling for Residential Wood Combustion emissions

Project

MetVed is a long-standing project that began in 2017 with the development the MedVed model, a methodology to estimate Residential Wood Burning emissions at high spatial resolution in Norway.

In 2020, the project entered its second phase, during which the MetVed model was significantly updated and improved. These updates included the incorporation of new emission factors and additional species, such as greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O), as well as improvement to the model’s functionality. Among the key improvements are:

  • New parameters to describe the emission altitude,
  • Improved temporal variation of emissions,
  • Inclusion of a holiday cabin emission module to better account for the distinct characteristics of emissions from cabins compared to residential buildings. For instance, cabins are more dispersed and often located in rural areas. The model distinguishes between alpine and coastal cabins, which have distinctive seasonal variations.

The MetVed model uses diverse datasets, including wood consumption for heating at county level, official emission factors, building and property type data at 250-meter resolution, meteorological data from observation, location of wood burning installation and other heating technologies from the fire and rescue agencies and the housing market, and energy consumption in residential buildings.

The MetVed model provides emissions at 250 meters resolution for Norway, covering both air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, BC, OC, CO, PAH, Nox, PCBs, dioxins, NMVOC and SO2) and greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O).

These outputs are delivered with updated residential emissions to the Norwegian Environment Agency for use in the climate gas accounting at municipality level and air quality services, including air quality forecast.

Logo Seeds

Sentinel EO-based Emission and Deposition Service (SEEDS)

Project

The SEEDS project is a Horizon 2020 funded project.

SEEDS aims at using all available satellite observations to improve estimates of European air quality and pollutant emissions.

In addition to the coordination of the project, NILU was responsible for work to understand dry deposition fluxes by combining satellite observations with a land surface model to better understand the role played by vegetation, droughts, and heatwaves on surface fluxes of trace gases and pollutants.

NILU also studied the emissions of volatile organic compounds from vegetation within the same frame of work.

NatureScape – Pioneering Urban Sustainability through Nature-Based Solutions

Project

NatureScape project, in an ambitious initiative led by NILU aimed at transforming urban environments into sustainable and resilient spaces through the strategic integration of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS). Funded by national and European research grants under the European Biodiversity Partnership, NatureScape has secured a total budget of €2 million for its operations spanning from 2025 to 2028.

NatureScape's Vision

NatureScape seeks to address the critical post-implementation phases of NBS, enhancing not only biodiversity and climate resilience but also the health and well-being of urban populations. With a focus on creating dynamic urban spaces that respond to environmental challenges, the project underscores NILU’s commitment to leading edge research and development in environmental sciences.

Core Objectives

The primary goals of NatureScape include developing robust indicators for assessing the functionality and impact of NBS, and establishing NBS Transformation Labs (T-Labs) in key cities across Europe. These labs will serve as hubs of innovation and community engagement, fostering the co-development of sustainable urban solutions. The project will also delve into analyzing the synergies and trade-offs associated with NBS, drawing lessons to refine future strategies and creating comprehensive tools and guidelines for urban planners.

European Cities as Living Labs

Demonstrating its strategies across seven diverse cities including Oslo, Dublin, Riga, Milan, Lisbon, Lublin, and Saint-Gallen, NatureScape aims to showcase the adaptability and effectiveness of NBS in various urban settings. Each city was selected for its unique characteristics, providing a rich ground for testing and optimizing NBS approaches.

Innovative Approaches and Tools

The project will employ a mix of cutting-edge methodologies:

  • Community Engagement: Utilizing citizen science and geo-based platforms to ensure inclusive stakeholder involvement.
  • Environmental Governance Models: To enhance stewardship of urban NBS.
  • Impact Assessment Frameworks: Sophisticated tools to enhance NBS synergies and minimize trade-offs.
  • Causal Loop Diagrams (CLD): For visualizing and analyzing the complex dynamics within NBS ecosystems.
  • Challenge-Based Methodologies: To foster adaptive urban planning and policy development.

A Strong Consortium

Under the coordination of NILU, NatureScape brings together a consortium of esteemed institutions including the Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, University College Dublin, Politecnico di Milano, Lisboa E-Nova, Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie, and Nodibinajums Baltic Studies Centre. This diverse team ensures a robust multidisciplinary approach to tackling urban environmental issues.

ETC Human health and the environment (ETC HE)

Project

The European Topic Centre on Human Health and the Environment (ETC HE) is a Consortium of 10 partners with expertise in air quality, air pollution, industrial emissions, chemicals, noise and environmental health.

The lead institution of the ETC HE is the Environment and Climate Institute NILU (NO), supported by the German Environment Agency who acts as a scientific co-coordinator.

The ETC HE assists the European Environment Agency (EEA) in the following areas:

- Better understanding of health impacts form environment and climate pressures

- Benefits to well-being delivered by healthy environments

- Supporting policy implementation: Air quality, Air pollutant emissions, Chemicals, Environmental noise, Industrial releases

- Exploring links between environment/climate pressures and social inequalities, socio-economic dimensions

- Zero pollution ambition for a toxic free environment

- Chemical strategy for sustainability

- Just transition.

Copernicus Atmospheric Monitoring Service Policy User Support (CAMS Policy User Support)

Project

The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) is funded by the European Union and administered by ECMWF. CAMS is the dedicated service within the Copernicus programme for providing services and data products to help understand European air quality and global atmospheric composition.

NILU is part of a consortium of research organisations across Europe responsible for providing tools to help support decision and policy making in the management of air pollution episodes and reporting under European Directives.

In addition to providing tools, the project also creates an annual report documenting the air quality situation in Europe during the previous year. This report helps policy users with their responsibilities for national reporting under the European air quality directives.

The reports are available here.

Illustrasjonsbilde

Transformative interaction between digital technologies and people for a sustainable indoor climate in schools (DIGG-MIN-SKOLE)

Project

A good indoor environment at school is important for the health and well-being of pupils and staff, and has a significant impact on pupils' learning outcomes.

Good maintenance of buildings and operation of the technical facilities is important to have good indoor climate, but it is also crucial that staff and pupils use the school buildings correctly and are involved in practical indoor environment work at school level.

This requires that staff and pupils are aware of and have knowledge of how their behavior affects the indoor climate, as well as how the individual can contribute to ensuring as good an indoor climate as possible at the school.

Data from indoor climate sensors, combined with information about how employees and pupils experience indoor climate and related health problems, can provide new opportunities to both identify indoor climate problems, find the cause and identify the right measures, and to create new tools that engage and involve the users of the school buildings.

Today's schools are largely equipped with sensor systems for indoor climate, but there are no tools to collect data on user experiences. Data from integrated sensors is to a small extent available to the school. Information on connections between sensor data and experiences is currently lacking.

DIGG-MIN-SKOLE vill combine data from sensors that are an integral part of the school's technical facilities and/or individual indoor climate sensors with self-acquired data related to user experience.

This data will be used to develop a machine learning model that can estimate the probability that the users will experience reduced well-being/health problems, which factors in the indoor climate are most likely to be the cause of the health problems (temperature, light conditions, noise, CO2 etc.) and identify targeted mitigating measures at school /classroom level.

Unit managers, staff and students must contribute to the design of (part) tools so that the results from the machine learning model are suitable for use in the school's everyday life. The end result will be a technical specification and demonstration of a user-oriented management system (BOF) in several schools.

Field evaluation of Vaisala sensor systems

Project

The aim of the project was to perform a field test of three commercial Vaisala sensor system units to validate the measurements of NO2, O3, PM2.5 and PM10 against results from reference instrumentation.

The field test took place at a measuring station in Oslo, which is characterized as an urban background station. The field test lasted 3 months.

Air quality assessment for Levanger municipality

Project

NILU har utarbeidet en tiltaksutredning del I (kartlegging) for lokal luftkvalitet i Levanger. Utredningen er gjennomført på oppdrag for Levanger kommune etter anbefaling fra Miljødirektoratet.

Tiltaksutredningen gjør rede for forurensningssituasjonen og mulige tiltak for å redusere nivået av luftforurensning innenfor kravene i forurensningsforskriften.

Tiltaksutredningen omfatter en kartlegging med utslipps- og spredningsberegninger for alle relevante kilder til PM10 og PM2,5 i 2017 og 2019. I tillegg er det utført målinger av disse komponentene gjennom hele 2021 ved en målestasjon (Kirkegata) i Levanger sentrum.

Basert på resultatene fra kartleggingen, er det foreslått en handlingsplan med fire hovedpunkter som kan bidra til å redusere forurensningsnivåene i Levanger.

User-driven Health risk Assessment Services and Innovative ADAPTation options against Threats from Heatwaves, Air Pollution, Wildfire Emission and Pollen

Project

Transformative adaptation is gaining recognition as the appropriate response to climate change as the current adaptive measures reach their limits.

In addressing health risks associated with heat waves, air pollution, wildfire emission and pollen, the implementation of comprehensive transformative adaptation remains largely unreported in Europe.

healthRiskADAPT’s objective is to develop and implement a health risk assessment system for Mediterranean, Alpine and Continental regions. Its contents and tools will be in line with Climate-ADAPT described Urban adaptation support tool. This will support empowerment of local and regional authorities to make informed decisions in strategic planning, management and daily operational mitigation of health challenges related to climate change.

healthRiskADAPT will address the fundamental causes of vulnerability and implement concrete adaptation measures aiming to mitigate the health impacts of climate change. The key details of this approach include:

1) Co-creation with users of integrated transformative adaptation options encompassing technical, nature based, and social solutions, reducing the impact of climate-related risks on human health in both indoor and outdoor environments. (SO1, SO5, SO6)

2) Vulnerability assessments, health indicators, and risk indices related to climate change impact on health, considering different temporal and spatial scales. (SO2, SO3)

3) Interactive and user-friendly toolkit for local & regional authorities to assess hazards, vulnerability, and risks specific to their regions. These toolkits will facilitate the prioritization, planning, and evaluation of adaptation options. (SO4)

healthRiskADAPT will use various communication techniques (SO7) to actively engage with all stakeholders involved in the adaptation process, and develop an upscaling strategy to meet the ambitions of the Climate mission. Furthermore, we seek to enhance the preparedness of the healthcare system to respond effectively to the challenges posed by the effects of climate change.

DOI: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101157458

[caption id="attachment_53972" align="alignnone" width="1037"]Floatchart for the project HealthRiskADAPT Floatchart for the project HealthRiskADAPT[/caption]

Tromsø

Air quality assessment for Tromsø

Project

NILU and Urbanet analyse have prepared a revised air quality assessment for Tromsø.

The action plan, including strategies and measures, aims to reduce air pollution to a level that meets the requirements of the regulation.

The air quality assessment covers mapping of the air quality in Tromsø through traffic, emission and dispersion calculations of PM10, PM2,5 and NO2 for the current situation in 2016 and future situation in 2023 with and without measures to combat particulate matter.

Based on the results from the calculations and in collaboration with Tromsø municipality and the working group, a revised action and emergency plan has been proposed for political consideration.

Drammen, Ypsilon bro

Revision of air quality assessment for Drammen

Project

NILU, in collaboration with Asplan Viak AS, has prepared a local air quality assessment for Drammen municipality.

The project includes an assessment of air quality in Drammen through traffic calculations and emission and dispersion calculations for airborne particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) for the Present situation in 2021, and future scenarios (2030) with and without measures aimed at PM emissions.

Based on the results from the calculations and in collaboration with Drammen municipality, Statens vegvesen, and Viken fylkeskommune, a revised action plan has been proposed for political processing.

Bergen

Revised local air quality assessment for Bergen

Project

NILU has prepared a revised air quality assessment for Bergen.

The assessment with an action plan for improved local air quality aims to ensure that pollution levels remain within the limits set by the Norwegian regulation. The assessment of air quality in Bergen municipality includes traffic and emission and dispersion calculations for PM10, PM2.5, and NO2 for the current situation in 2019 and the reference situation in 2030 with existing and potential new measures.

The plan evaluates the effectiveness of these measures in meeting the requirements and considers the possibility of further reductions according to the recommendations of health authorities.

Based on the results of the calculations and in collaboration with Bergen municipality, Statens vegvesen, Bergen port authority, and Vestland fylkeskommune, a revised action plan has been proposed for political processing.

Air quality assessment for Lørenskog municipality

Project

The air quality assessment for Lørenskog municipality covers mapping of the air quality through traffic, emission and dispersion calculations of PM10, PM2,5 and NO2 for the present situation (2019) and future scenarios (2030) with existing and possible future measures.

Based on the calculations and in coordination with Lørenskog municipality and the reference group, a plan for improved local air quality and a management plan for periods with high concentration levels is proposed for political processing.

Oversiktsbilde over Bergen. Sommer.

Air quality plan for improved air quality in Bergen

Project

NILU and Urbanet Analyze (UA) have prepared a revised air quality plan for Bergen city. The air quality plan will help to reduce the air pollution to a level that meets the requirements of the pollution regulations.

This revised action plan includes air quality calculations for Bergen for NO2, PM10 and PM2.5 for the present situation (2015) and scenario calculations for the year 2021 following a business as usual (BAU) emission scenario.

Mitigation scenario calculations of air quality in 2021, with the introduction of a new set of measures to control pollution levels Bergen, were also carried out.

Based on the results of the calculations and in dialogue with Bergen municipality and stakeholders, a revised 10-point action program has been proposed to be addressed politically.

GRC pilot – Enhancing Climate, Air Quality, Well-being, and Sustainable Development Goals

Project

Alternative title: GRC-pilot: Overvåking, kartlegging og modellering av luftkvalitet for bærekraftige miljøer i byer og samfunn

Overview

The MASSEV project is a pioneering initiative designed to enhance health, urban living, and foster global partnerships, with a specific focus on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This innovative project employs a holistic nexus approach to examine the intricate relationships between climate change, air quality, health, and overall well-being. It aims to leverage and further develop cutting-edge digital tools, social solutions, and nature-based solutions (NBS) to create robust strategies for mitigating climate change and air pollution. These strategies will be crafted considering various factors such as governance, societal structures, and economic implications, ensuring a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.

Objectives

  • Comprehensive Monitoring and Assessment: Evaluating the dynamic relationship between air quality, health, and well-being under varying climate conditions.
  • Indicator Development: Creating and implementing indicators that align with responsible research and innovation (RRI), and the SDGs, providing measurable outcomes and benchmarks.
  • Ex-post Impact Analysis: Analyzing the project's effects on various societal aspects such as social inclusion, community empowerment, attitudes towards climate change and air pollution, and overall community well-being.

Demonstration Cities

  • Jinan and Qingdao, China: These cities will serve as key sites for implementing and testing the project's initiatives, particularly focusing on urban settings in fast developing countries.
  • Santiago, Chile: As a contrast, Santiago will provide insights into the project's application in different geographical and cultural contexts, enhancing the project's global relevance.

Key Approaches and Tools

  • European Digital Citizen Engagement Tools: Utilizing advanced digital platforms to engage citizens in China and Chile, enhancing public participation and awareness.
  • Chinese Ecological Monitoring Platforms: Implementing sophisticated sensor networks and big data analytics to monitor ecological changes and air quality in China.
  • Advanced Modeling Techniques: Deploying the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) and CityChem models, combined with machine learning algorithms and dose-response functions, to conduct in-depth analyses of environmental impacts on health.

Consortium

The project brings together a diverse array of partners, including researchers, local authorities, community groups, NGOs, and academic institutions. This collaborative approach is designed to foster societal ownership and empower stakeholders through active involvement and co-design of the project's initiatives.

Dacon – VOC-monitoring in working environment

Project

Dacon is a small production facility located in Baerum, west of Oslo, Norway. The main products are equipment for search and rescue designed for boats and maritime sector.

During the production, the company uses various types of plastic and plastic fabrics that are treated, melted and moulded into new products. This process gives emissions of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) into the working environment.

In this project, samples were taken during melting and burning of plastic materials, as well as in different locations in the production facility in Baerum.

All concentrations were below the threshold values given in Norwegian legislation.

VOC-monitoring at Hydrovolt, Fredrikstad

Project

Hydrovolt is a joint venture owned by Hydro (NO) and Northvolt (SE), and the company operates a battery recycling facility in Fredrikstad, S-E Norway.

The purpose of the NILU monitoring was to quantify the levels of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) at the Hydrovolt plant. The sampling took place at various steps throughout the production line.

The NILU technology to remove hydrogen fluoride (HF) was applied. If HF is not removed, HF can dissolve the TenaxTM sampling material and hence give erroneously high concentrations of VOCs.

There was also sampling of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), hydrogen fluoride (HF), ozone (O3), sulphur dioxide (SO2), formic acid (HCOOH), and acetic acid (CH3COOH) using passive samplers.

The monitoring results will be sent to Norwegian authorities (County Governor) to document components emitted from the Hydrovolt facility.

For all practical purposes, the volume flow emitted from Hydrovolt is small (55 m3/h) and the total amount emitted is regarded as minor.

Diffuse emissions of dust from LKAB Narvik

Project

NILU has, on behalf of LKAB Norge AS, carried out emission and dispersion calculations for combined emissions from point sources and diffuse sources from the facility in Narvik. The purpose of the project was to develop dispersion calculations that indicate LKAB's contribution to the pollution situation in Narvik.

LKAB Norge AS in Narvik is responsible for loading iron ore from Sweden onto ships at LKAB's port in Narvik, as well as unloading additives for transport back to LKAB in Sweden. This process involves both controlled point source emissions and emissions from diffuse sources. Several factors, including correlation between loading activity and measured deposition, suggest that the loading and unloading operation is the most significant diffuse source.

The dispersion calculations have been conducted using FLEXPART-WRF, an atmospheric dispersion model based on meteorological data from the weather forecasting model WRF. FLEXPART models particles that follow the turbulent air movements of the atmosphere and are deposited on the surface through dry and wet deposition. In this analysis, total emissions are estimated on inverse calculations from  the relationship between measured and calculated dust deposition, rather than from generic emission factors such as the EEA/EMEP air pollutant emission inventory Guidebook (2019).

This, along with an assumption about the size distribution of dust emissions, yields a resulting field of ground concentrations for PM10 and PM2.5. The concentration field can be extracted from the model at the desired time and spatial resolution.

The figure shows three snapshots of the PM10 concentration field along with the temporal variation at a given point over a period in February. A full calendar year is calculated, providing annual mean, daily mean, and hourly mean concentrations.

[caption id="attachment_52069" align="alignnone" width="1171"] The figure shows three snapshots of the PM10 concentration field along with the temporal variation at a given point over a period in February. A full calendar year is calculated, providing annual mean, daily mean, and hourly mean concentrations.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_52067" align="aligncenter" width="1379"]LKAB LKAB in Narvik. Copyright: LKAB.[/caption]