Application and validation of a comprehensive model for PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Belgium and Europe

PM10 and PM2.5 concentration in Belgium and its surrounding countries were simulated for 2002 by means of the air quality model EUROS. The EUROS model simulates the transport and chemistry of gaseous species as well as the formation of fine particles. The paper describes the mathematical formulation of the partial differential equations used in the model and briefly discusses the main numerical solution techniques. The extension of the model with two modules for the calculation of atmospheric aerosol particles is lined out. The modelled concentrations for 2002 are compared with measured PM10 concentrations in an urban background station in Brussels. Results show that the trends in the PM10 time series are well represented. However, the model substantially underestimates the actual measured concentrations due to the fact that the emission inventories do not include all of the known sources of primary PM10 emissions. The geographical pattern of PM10 as observed over Belgium is well reproduced by the model.