MNEQA, an emissions model for photochemical simulations

This study focuses on a new emissions model, Numerical Emissions Model for Air Quality (MNEQA), to be used in photochemical simulations and emission control strategies relating to tropospheric ozone pollutants. MNEQA processes available local information from external files and is easily adaptable to any desired spatial resolution. Top-down and bottom-up methodologies are combined to calculate emissions at the required resolution for photochemical simulations. It was used in conjunction with the MM5-CMAQ air quality modelling system and was applied to an episode of high ozone levels in June 2003. Emission results are widely analysed showing a difference of −8.8% with EMEP NOx emissions, and −18.7% with EMEP VOC emissions. Related to ozone simulations, comparative results between measurements and simulations indicated good behaviour of the model in reproducing diurnal ozone concentrations, as statistical values fall within the EPA and EU regulatory frameworks.