Periodic Reporting for period 3 - RI-URBANS (Research Infrastructures Services Reinforcing Air Quality Monitoring Capacities in European Urban & Industrial AreaS (RI-URBANS))
Période du rapport: 2024-10-01 au 2025-09-30
Air pollution is the first environmental cause of premature motility and morbidity. In spite of the EU’s success in decreasing urban pollution, the Environmental European Agency reports that, in 2023, 92% of the urban population was exposed to levels of fine particulate matter (PM) above the WHO Guidelines, and 239,000 premature deaths in the EU-27 were attributed to exposure to PM2.5 above this target.The marked decrease of urban pollution in EU made more challenging further abating levels of pollutants to close the gaps with the WHO Guidelines, and reach compliance of the new Ambient Air Quality (AQ) Directive (EU) 2024/2881 (NAQD) in 2030. Thus, an advanced AQ monitoring is required to better assess policy actions.
RI-URBANS responds to the need to substantially reduce air pollution across in the EU. The main objective is to demonstrate how Service Tools (STs) from atmospheric Research Infrastructures (RIs) can be adapted and enhanced to better address these challenges in European cities and industrial, harbour, airport and road traffic AQ hotspots. We develop and enhance synergies between AQ Monitoring Networks (AQMNs) and RIs to implement AQ observations in support of an advanced policy assessment. The project combined state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and innovative technical/scientific work to develop STs. RI-URBANS also deploys tools and information systems in the hands of citizens and communities to support decision-making by AQ managers and regulators.
The focus is on outdoor ambient nano- (or ultrafine-) particles (UFP, in number concentration and size distribution, PNSD), black carbon (BC), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PM (in mass concentration) in terms of their sizes and constituents, as well as their source contributions, gaseous precursors, and oxidative potential (OP). RI-URBANS evaluated the advanced AQ parameters/pollutants (AAQPs) and source contributions, and their associated health effects, to demonstrate the European added value of implementing these observations. The project addressed all aspects of sustainability, including efficient curation, preservation and provision of access to data, training and capacity building, and how the use of tools will be secured in the future. The implementation of 5 pilots involving 12 cities was used to demonstrate the ability to integrate complementary measurement systems and methods, as well as data quality control, managing and communication. RI-URBANS strongly relies on the expertise of AQMNs, AQ experts and the European RIs ACTRIS and IAGOS to apply existing methodologies to the urban areas, developing new suited STs, enhancing the synergies with AQMNs through knowledge transfer and offering a sustainable framework for providing dedicated and focused urban STs.
To reach these objectives, RI-URBANS builds upon 4 major strategic pillars (SP):
● SP1 compiles available RIs and AQMNs advanced observations, tools and protocols; evaluates the datasets and operational conditions, new monitoring and modelling tools; and develops STs in work packages (WPs) 1-3 to be demonstrated in SP2 and upscaled in SP3.
● SP2 (WP4) demonstrates the sustainable and interoperable implementation of STs developed in SP1. Here, 5 pilot concepts are implemented with the participation of the RIs and AQMNs from Athens, Barcelona, Birmingham, Bucharest, Milan-Bologna, Paris, Rotterdam-Amsterdam, Helsinki and Zurich.
● SP3 proposes the roadmap for upscaling the implementation (by RIs-AQMNs) of the STs and data management (WP5) provided by SP1 and demonstrated by SP2, as well as the transfer of these to stakeholders (WP6).
● SP4 includes the support actions on communication, exploitation, dissemination, management and coordination (WP7-8).
RI-URBANS intensively interacted with AQ stakeholders and contributed to the elaboration and implementation of the above measurements in the NAQD concerning the creation and implementation of a EU network of AQ supersites to provide these measurements (Art 10 and Annex VII).
ation and implementation of a EU network of AQ supersites to provide these measurements (Art 10 and Annex VII).
RI-URBANS responds to the need to substantially reduce air pollution across in the EU. The main objective is to demonstrate how Service Tools (STs) from atmospheric Research Infrastructures (RIs) can be adapted and enhanced to better address these challenges in European cities and industrial, harbour, airport and road traffic AQ hotspots. We develop and enhance synergies between AQ Monitoring Networks (AQMNs) and RIs to implement AQ observations in support of an advanced policy assessment. The project combined state-of-the-art scientific knowledge and innovative technical/scientific work to develop STs. RI-URBANS also deploys tools and information systems in the hands of citizens and communities to support decision-making by AQ managers and regulators.
The focus is on outdoor ambient nano- (or ultrafine-) particles (UFP, in number concentration and size distribution, PNSD), black carbon (BC), ammonia (NH3), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PM (in mass concentration) in terms of their sizes and constituents, as well as their source contributions, gaseous precursors, and oxidative potential (OP). RI-URBANS evaluated the advanced AQ parameters/pollutants (AAQPs) and source contributions, and their associated health effects, to demonstrate the European added value of implementing these observations. The project addressed all aspects of sustainability, including efficient curation, preservation and provision of access to data, training and capacity building, and how the use of tools will be secured in the future. The implementation of 5 pilots involving 12 cities was used to demonstrate the ability to integrate complementary measurement systems and methods, as well as data quality control, managing and communication. RI-URBANS strongly relies on the expertise of AQMNs, AQ experts and the European RIs ACTRIS and IAGOS to apply existing methodologies to the urban areas, developing new suited STs, enhancing the synergies with AQMNs through knowledge transfer and offering a sustainable framework for providing dedicated and focused urban STs.
To reach these objectives, RI-URBANS builds upon 4 major strategic pillars (SP):
● SP1 compiles available RIs and AQMNs advanced observations, tools and protocols; evaluates the datasets and operational conditions, new monitoring and modelling tools; and develops STs in work packages (WPs) 1-3 to be demonstrated in SP2 and upscaled in SP3.
● SP2 (WP4) demonstrates the sustainable and interoperable implementation of STs developed in SP1. Here, 5 pilot concepts are implemented with the participation of the RIs and AQMNs from Athens, Barcelona, Birmingham, Bucharest, Milan-Bologna, Paris, Rotterdam-Amsterdam, Helsinki and Zurich.
● SP3 proposes the roadmap for upscaling the implementation (by RIs-AQMNs) of the STs and data management (WP5) provided by SP1 and demonstrated by SP2, as well as the transfer of these to stakeholders (WP6).
● SP4 includes the support actions on communication, exploitation, dissemination, management and coordination (WP7-8).
RI-URBANS intensively interacted with AQ stakeholders and contributed to the elaboration and implementation of the above measurements in the NAQD concerning the creation and implementation of a EU network of AQ supersites to provide these measurements (Art 10 and Annex VII).
ation and implementation of a EU network of AQ supersites to provide these measurements (Art 10 and Annex VII).
The progress of the tasks was as planned, with minor deviations reflected in 2 amendments.
WP1 compiled datasets on measurements and measuring protocols of the AAQPs from existing supersites. As planned, this included UFP, BC, PNSD, PM speciation (off-line and on-line), NH3, VOCs and OP, as well as vertical and 3D measurements. Data was cured and made it available for the other WPs. Furthermore, an analysis of the protocols used was carried out with ACTRIS and CEN recommendations. This yielded to numerous specific STs.
WP2 compiled health data from cities where the AAQPs were available and the epidemiological analyses of short-term effects were carried out by combining health datasets and those from WP1. Three STs were produced, for OP analysis, epidemiological evaluations of AAQPs and urban mapping of AAQPs with and without citizens’ involvement.
WP3 created a detailed emission inventory for UFP-PNSD (as one ST), and of non-exhaust vehicle PM emissions. Another ST on UFP-PNSD was released. Furthermore, tools to model concentrations of UFP-PNSD at urban and regional scales were produced in another ST.
WP4 demonstrated the above reported STs elaborated in WP1-3 in 5 pilots in 12 cities along 2023-2024. These tools were tested the STs modified according the results of the pilots.
WP5 proposed a strategy for upscaling the devised and demonstrated STs.
WP6 engaged around 920 stakeholders (at least in one of the activities) to help WP5 in upscaling the implementation of STs, but specially elaborated the final 16 guidelines for each of the STs, and a summary booklet that links to the STs and showing the added value of implementing these. Furthermore, WP6 provided recommendations, from RI-URBANS-ACTRIS to DG ENV-EC, EEA and AQUILA, on measurements of AAQPs proposed in Art 10 of the NAQD and presented final results and recommendations to WMO and WHO.
WP7 was very active and efficient in communication and dissemination, by creating website, intranet, offering open data and reports, flyers and video, as projected in the communication plan. The kick off, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th stakeholder meetings, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th scientific meetings were organised and held in collaboration with WP4, 6, and 8. Videos, news,....
WP8 made operative in the foreseen deadlines the structure, coordination team, data management plans, communication plan, and ethics guides (WP9), among others.
The 16 STs guidance documents, the booklet, and the open data and the progress of the project are available with linked in our website. 140 SCI papers were produced.
WP1 compiled datasets on measurements and measuring protocols of the AAQPs from existing supersites. As planned, this included UFP, BC, PNSD, PM speciation (off-line and on-line), NH3, VOCs and OP, as well as vertical and 3D measurements. Data was cured and made it available for the other WPs. Furthermore, an analysis of the protocols used was carried out with ACTRIS and CEN recommendations. This yielded to numerous specific STs.
WP2 compiled health data from cities where the AAQPs were available and the epidemiological analyses of short-term effects were carried out by combining health datasets and those from WP1. Three STs were produced, for OP analysis, epidemiological evaluations of AAQPs and urban mapping of AAQPs with and without citizens’ involvement.
WP3 created a detailed emission inventory for UFP-PNSD (as one ST), and of non-exhaust vehicle PM emissions. Another ST on UFP-PNSD was released. Furthermore, tools to model concentrations of UFP-PNSD at urban and regional scales were produced in another ST.
WP4 demonstrated the above reported STs elaborated in WP1-3 in 5 pilots in 12 cities along 2023-2024. These tools were tested the STs modified according the results of the pilots.
WP5 proposed a strategy for upscaling the devised and demonstrated STs.
WP6 engaged around 920 stakeholders (at least in one of the activities) to help WP5 in upscaling the implementation of STs, but specially elaborated the final 16 guidelines for each of the STs, and a summary booklet that links to the STs and showing the added value of implementing these. Furthermore, WP6 provided recommendations, from RI-URBANS-ACTRIS to DG ENV-EC, EEA and AQUILA, on measurements of AAQPs proposed in Art 10 of the NAQD and presented final results and recommendations to WMO and WHO.
WP7 was very active and efficient in communication and dissemination, by creating website, intranet, offering open data and reports, flyers and video, as projected in the communication plan. The kick off, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th stakeholder meetings, and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th scientific meetings were organised and held in collaboration with WP4, 6, and 8. Videos, news,....
WP8 made operative in the foreseen deadlines the structure, coordination team, data management plans, communication plan, and ethics guides (WP9), among others.
The 16 STs guidance documents, the booklet, and the open data and the progress of the project are available with linked in our website. 140 SCI papers were produced.
The innovation resides mainly in carrying out the monitoring and interpretation of advanced AAQPs. This is transferred to stakeholders and supported the revision and implementation of the NAQD. The base docs of the NAQD refer to RI-URBANS as for measurements at supersites in Art 10 Annex VIID. We influenced in the elaboration of the NAQD and we contributed to the implementation. The official DG ENV document supporting the implementation of measurements in the NAQD cites our STs for the above AAQPs 29 times, demonstrating the support for implementing these.