European guide on air pollution source apportionment with receptor models

Abstract

This report contains a guide and a European harmonised protocol for the identification of air pollution sources using receptor models. The document aims at disseminating and promoting the best available methodologies for source identification and at harmonising their application across Europe. It was developed by a committee of leading experts within the framework of the JRC initiative for the harmonisation of source apportionment that has been launched in collaboration with the European networks in the field of air quality modelling (FAIRMODE) and measurements (AQUILA). The protocol has been conceived as a reference document that includes tutorials, technical recommendations and check lists connected to the most up –to-date and rigorous scientific standards. As a guide, it is structured in sections with increasing levels of complexity that make it accessible to readers with different degrees of familiarity with this topic, from air quality managers to air pollution experts and modellers.