Monitoring particulate matter and other air pollution: Which sources contribute the most?

There is increasing scientific evidence of the harmful effects of air pollution on health, especially particulate matter. European directives require public authorities to analyse excesses and take measures where necessary. In order to be able to take targeted and effective measures, insights into the geographical and sectoral origin of air pollution including particulate matter are required.

Identifying the sources of air pollution

TOPAS (TNO Operational Source Apportionment Service) is based upon air quality modelling developed by TNO, as well as TNO’s knowledge of emissions and atmospheric models. This knowledge is combined with up-to-date weather information and European measurement data on air pollution. TNO has extensive experience in the field of air quality. We’ve been monitoring emissions for Dutch and European public authorities for 30 years. We make air quality predictions for the Netherlands and Europe as well as beyond (the United States, China and South America).

We also use our air pollution source apportionment tools for the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service. In this programme, we are working on behalf of ECMWF and together with our international partners (INERIS, MetNorway and NILU) to provide information to policymakers in order to identify the main sources of air pollution and support the development of mitigation strategies.

Helping public authorities to make choices

TOPAS gives policymakers much better insights than ever before into the sources of air pollution. On this basis, precautionary measures can then be taken. Certain sectors are particularly responsible for components of air pollution that are relatively harmful to health, such as black carbon.

The sectoral origin provided by TOPAS therefore also provides insights into the prioritisation of measures aimed at achieving maximum health gains. In this way, TNO offers public authorities assistance in making strategic policy choices in the field of air quality and health.

Particulate matter map

The result is a particulate matter map on which policymakers and other interested parties can see for each city which sources are responsible for particulate matter in the air. TOPAS offers free data for the last six weeks and is updated every 24 hours. The model is continuously being improved and is largely open source. Policymakers can request longer-term data from TNO.