High-Resolution Air Quality Modeling in Poland: A Comparative Analysis of EMEP4PL and uEMEP Models for PM₂.₅, NO₂, and O₃ Concentrations

Abstract

This study compares two chemical transport models: the EMEP MSC-W (EMEP4PL) model at 4 km × 4 km resolution and the downscaling uEMEP model at 1 km × 1 km, 500 m × 500 m, and 100 m × 100 m, focusing on Poland. Daily PM₂.₅, NO₂, and O₃ concentrations for 2022 were analyzed. The uEMEP model (1 km × 1 km) demonstrated significant performance improvements, particularly at over 80% of PM₂.₅ stations and 87% of NO₂ stations, compared to EMEP4PL. The highest accuracy was achieved at 500 m × 500 m resolution. The uEMEP model outperformed EMEP4PL, with notable improvements at rural stations and weaker performance at urban traffic sites. Seasonal analysis revealed challenges in the summer months. The uEMEP model showed better accuracy, particularly for PM₂.₅ and NO₂, both for concentrations above and below WHO recommendations. These findings underscore the importance of high-resolution modeling for improving air quality predictions.

Keywords: air quality, downscaling, EMEP4PL, EMEP MSC-W, uEMEP