Dynamic modeling of air pollution and acid rain from energy system and transport in Kosovo

Abstract

Sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) emissions generated at coal burning power plants and from transport are a leading cause of acid deposition and chemical smog in many parts of the world. Sulfur dioxide emitted by thermal power plants and from transport in Kosovo is transported via prevailing winds to other locations. Through its journey, this SO2 gas undergoes a series of chemical reactions that ultimately transform it into sulfuric acid (H2SO4) which is deposited as acid rain. As a consequence of NO2 emissions from electricity production and transport in Kosovo the ozone (O3) is formed as photochemical smog due to sunlight, which triggers the breakdown of NO2.We modeled the impact of SO2 and NO2 emissions from energy system and transport in Kosovo on acid deposition and chemical smog locally. In model we consider the role of SO2 and NO2 pollution control technologies on mitigating these impacts.