An integrated meteo-diffusional modelling system to manage atmospheric pollution in the Tuscany region: a preliminary application in the Livorno industrial area

The Laboratory for Meteorology and Environmental Modelling developed a meteorological and dispersion modelling system to manage atmospheric pollution. ne system is conceived as a modelling framework mainly based on the RAMS model meteorological forecasting. RAMS fields are used as input for the CALMET model, which works as a meteo converter to the CALPUFF and CALGRID dispersion models. Thereby, the modelling system is able to cover a wide range of typical pollutant applications, working as it does as two model chains: the RAMS-CALMET-CALPUFF chain to manage inert or slightly reactive pollutants such as particulate matter, and the RAMS-CALMET-CALGRID chain to evaluate photochemical pollution. Furthermore, a RAMS daily forecast archive has been built covering the whole of Tuscany with a 3-D point grid, which allows the system to work both in a diagnostic and in a prognostic mode (that is, by forecasting pollutant concentrations). In the present study a diagnostic preliminary application of the RAMS-CALMET-CALPUFF model chain has been made. The 40x60 Km(2) study area is located between the two cities of Livorno and Rosignano in Tuscany (Italy), where a large number of strongly emitting industrial sources is located. Starting from RAMS meteo fields, the CALPUFF model has been used in a long-term mode to estimate SO2 and NOx concentrations. The core of the work dealt with the configuration of CALMET and CALPUFF models over a three-month time period, particularly by investigating the more reliable chemical mechanism for CALPUFF. Setting, up such a modelling system is the preliminary step to build a supporting tool for Local Authorities in order to integrate meteorological monitoring networks and manage air pollution levels. RAMS-CALMET-CALGRID model option over the whole Tuscany region will be carried out in the next months, aiming at providing a first regional-scale scenario of ozone-related pollution concentration levels.