Project

In 2001, a global agreement, the Stockholm Convention, was signed to protect humans and the environment from known persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

POPs in food, humans and the environment have largely been discovered using advanced chemical analysis methods. A limitation of this method is that the new pollutants we find tend to be similar to the pollutants we already know about.

In the DEMO project, we take as our starting point the thousands of chemical substances that we already know are produced in significant quantities.

Based on this knowledge, we will develop and apply mathematical models to understand and predict whether these substances have properties that indicate that they can be transported via air and sea on a global scale and accumulate in the Arctic.

Based on an initial ranking, we will then repeat the analysis, but then also take into account how likely it is that we will find these prioritized substances in Svalbard, at what levels and where. We will use the revised list of relevant substances to plan and conduct fieldwork in Svalbard.

Finally, we will develop and apply new chemical analysis methods to see if any of the relevant substances are present in the environmental samples.

Through these research activities, we hope to gain better insight into whether there are chemical substances that may have gone under the radar, primarily with regard to their possible occurrence in the Arctic, but possibly also in a regulatory context.

Preliminary results from the project have been presented at scientific conferences, as well as communicated to relevant decision-makers involved in chemical strategies for substances that can accumulate in the Arctic (the Norwegian Environment Agency, OECD and the Stockholm Convention (POPRC)).

The project is also contributing to the upgrade of the existing modelling tool developed by the OECD to calculate long-range environmental transport and the overall lifetime of chemical substances in the environment.

Project

ACTRIS is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure (RI). It produces data for the understanding of short-lived atmospheric constituents and their trends, impacts on health, climate, and interactions. This is a European infrastructure that was established as "European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC)" in April 2023, with Norwegian membership.

ACTRIS provides high quality, reliable data of ca 100 atmospheric variables serving scientists addressing atmospheric, climate and air pollution science.

In particular, the understanding of spatially and temporal trends is greatly improved. NILU leads the ACTRIS data centre, which currently offers measurements from 80 state-of-the-art observational platforms/locations distributed across Europe. 3 of these are Norwegian:

• Zeppelin (Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard)
• Birkenes (Agder county)
• Trollhaugen (Antarctica)

All ACTRIS data are managed and made available to the user communities through the ACTRIS Data Centre.

ACTRIS-Norway’s overall objective is implementation of the ACTRIS Data Centre. These efforts will strengthen the curation and access to datasets of surface trace gas and aerosol concentrations in Norway, Europe and beyond. New functionalities and improvements to existing data centre functionalities will be implemented including database updates and data portal updates. This builds on a well-established internationally leading initiative already established and led by Norway.

New services integrating with international programmes will be developed, with the potential to elevate the profile of Norwegian research in this area. The EBAS and ACTRIS systems are a key aspect of Norwegian atmospheric composition research, and the leading international data centre of its type. The project will strengthen Norwegian participation in international environmental frameworks, European Infrastructures, and Open Science initiatives.

Project

The main aim of the CELLUX project was to develop a novel pharmaceutical based on CeO2 nanoparticles (NPs) in the form of eye drops to treat Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).

This treatment, in combination with stem cell-based therapeutic strategies, aims to halt degeneration and restore vision. The progression of AMD is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the eye, leading to retinal cell death. This chronic disease is a major cause of blindness in elderly people and affects millions worldwide. CeO2 NPs have antioxidant properties due to their unique electronic structure; when reduced to the nanoscale, oxygen defects appear on their surface, serving as sites for free radical scavenging.

Within the project, CeO2-NPs were developed to regulate cellular redox potential and protect tissue from oxidative stress. Nanoceria eye drops were formulated, and treatment with these drops reduced the loss of retinal cells and visual dysfunction, as well as decreased inflammation. In combination with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell transplants, increased RPE cell survival was demonstrated in rats, along with improved retinal light responses.

We demonstrated that such antioxidant therapy is a promising approach for enhancing the efficacy of RPE cell therapy in retinal degenerative diseases. Safety assessments of the nanoceria were performed in various models, and no hazardous potential was detected. Additionally, no irritation to human corneal epithelium was observed, confirming that the eye drop formulation is safe for ocular application.

NILU studied the safety of CeO2 NPs using in vitro models, measuring both the induction of cell death and DNA damage. Furthermore, the mechanisms of CeO2 NPs interaction with cells were studied using confocal microscopy, and the antioxidant protective effects of CeO2-NPs were compared with those of known antioxidants.

The project was financed through the ERA-NET EuroNanoMed3 program and was coordinated by the University Hospital (VHIR) in Barcelona. The consortium consisted of six partners from five countries: Spain, Norway, Italy, the Czech Republic, and France.
The results of the project are promising and will be published in scientific journals, even after the project is completed. Furthermore, the results will be used in new applications for research funding to achieve a higher Technology Readiness Level (TRL), with the goal of developing and producing eye drops for the treatment of patients with age-related macular degeneration.

Project

The RISKRES project aims to investigate the exposure of the Norwegian economy to climate and environmental hazards, which are expected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change. The project will begin by exploring the Norwegian economy by analyzing activities in different sectors at a fine scale, understanding the spatial distribution of value added. The goal is to distribute Norway's GDP at a point level. A map of Norwegian activity can be overlaid with maps of natural hazards (for example, floods) to understand the most vulnerable areas of the economy, the economic sectors affected, and the regions involved. The role of critical infrastructure, such as transportation or energy infrastructure, will be explored to evaluate Norwegian economic dependence on this infrastructure.
This project aims to explore the role of linkages within the economy, specifically in terms of demand and supply, to analyze how the impact of a hazardous event can propagate throughout the economy. The project will also discuss measures that can be taken to mitigate such risks and evaluate the mitigation potential of several approaches. The goal is to inform policymakers and local actors of the means available to them to reduce their exposure and minimize the impact of future events.

Started in September 2023, the project has so far focused on the following activities: Collecting data on location and key economic parameters at company level, as well as maps of flood risk for both coastal and river floods. Both datasets were plotted on a map of Norway to indicate which economic actors are most exposed to floods. Preliminary results are made available at https://apps.sustainability.nilu.no/activitymap-no.

In addition, the project contributed to a study on limits to graphite supply in the battery scale-up scenarios, required for electrification of the global transportation sector. Main conclusions were that both natural and synthetic graphite supply could be a constraining factor in the most ambitious decarbonization scenarios (Net Zero emissions in 2050), highlighting the importance of systematic recycling of graphite in batteries.

Project

NILU has carried out dispersion and deposition calculations of amines and amines' degradation products from the Elkem Rana conceptual Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) plant in Mo.

The study has been commissioned by Elkem Rana as part of the pre-Front End Engineering Design (FEED) project to develop a concept for CCS at the smelter facility in Rana.

The estimated maximum yearly concentration of the sum of nitrosamines and nitramines in air has been compared with the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) recommendation of 0.3 ng/m³ for the relevant solvents.

From deposition analysis and by using water catchment and precipitation data the concentration in drinking water has been estimated and compared with the NIPH recommended level in drinking water (4 ng/l) for relevant recipients in the region around Mo i Rana.

The dispersion calculations have been conducted using the WRF-EMEP, an atmospheric dispersion model which in this case is driven by the weather forecasting model WRF. The formation of amine degradation products is post-processed where the relevant chemical and physical processes have been taken into account.

The figure below shows a typical resulting concentration field of nitramines and nitrosamines from the method applied. The concentrations are within the NIPH recommendations with a significant margin.

[caption id="attachment_58480" align="alignnone" width="459"] The figure shows a typical resulting concentration field of nitramines and nitrosamines from the method applied. The concentrations are within the NIPH recommendations with a significant margin.[/caption]

Project

Equinor Hammerfest LNG on Melkøya is required to monitor the mercury content in precipitation, vegetation, soil and freshwater fish. The requirement is in connection with changes in the emission permit.

The project will last four years, from 2025 to 2028, and is a collaboration with Akvaplan-niva in Tromsø.

The purpose of the project is to map the levels of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in precipitation, vegetation, soil, freshwater, freshwater fish and sediment, as well as Hg in air at five sites located around Melkøya.

The goal is to obtain updated knowledge about the environmental impact of Equinor’s emissions from the LNG plant.

The stations are located between 6 and 20 km from Melkøya. The sampling locations are common to the entire measurement programme, i.e. the programme maps the distribution of components in air, precipitation, vegetation, soil and the freshwater environment.

The samples are taken during the frost-free period between June and September each year for four years.

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.

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.

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.

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 (PM_2.5, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, PM_2.5 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.

Project

NILU has prepared an assessment (part I) of local air quality in Levanger.

The assessment was carried out on behalf of Levanger municipality following a recommendation from the Norwegian Environment Agency.

The action plan outlines the air quality situation and potential measures to reduce air pollution levels to comply with the regulation (“forurensningsforskriften”). The assessment includes emission and dispersion calculations for all relevant sources of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 in 2017 and 2019. Additionally, measurements of these components were conducted throughout 2021 at a monitoring station (Kirkegata) in Levanger's town center.

Based on the results of the assessment, a four-point action plan has been proposed to help reduce pollution levels in Levanger.

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[/caption]

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, PM_2,5 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.

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 PM_2.5) 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.

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, PM_2.5, 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.

Project

The air quality assessment for Lørenskog municipality covers mapping of the air quality through traffic, emission and dispersion calculations of PM₁₀, PM_2,5 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.

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 PM_2.5 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.

• Read the project report: Air quality plan for improved air quality in Bergen

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.

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 Tenax^TM 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.

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 PM_2.5. 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 in Narvik. Copyright: LKAB.[/caption]