Ambient PM10 concentrations from wood combustion – Emission modeling and dispersion calculation for the city area of Augsburg, Germany

Ambient PM10 concentration monitoring as well as dispersion calculations were conducted to determine the influence of emissions from domestic heating on ambient PM10 concentrations in Augsburg, Germany. Based on the Augsburg emission inventory for domestic heating an average emission factor for particulate emissions from the combustion of different solid fuels (wood logs, pellets, briquettes) in different types of stoves under various combustion conditions was found to be 120 mg MJ−1 related to energy input. Hence an emission model as well as a wind field model were created for dispersion calculation of the emitted PM from wood combustion within Augsburg. The results of the dispersion calculation concurred with the ambient PM10 monitoring data measured during the heating period 2007/2008. One result found that in residential areas with a high density of stoves the observed maximum concentration value of 9 μg m−3 from wood combustion was up to 50% higher than in the city center. Ambient monitoring as well as dispersion calculation have shown a significant influence of wood combustion on ambient PM10 concentrations in Augsburg. Based on these results the impact of wood combustion in a city can be estimated.

► Influence of wood combustion on ambient PM10 shown by monitoring and calculation.
► Results of dispersion calculation concurred with ambient PM10 monitoring data.
► PM10 max. concentration in residential areas up to 50% higher than in city center.
► The impact of wood combustion in a city can be estimated based on these results.