PM10 emission inventory in Ile de France for transport and industrial sources: PM10 re-suspension, a key factor for air quality

Although the particles in ambient air have adverse effects on the health of the population, very few data on the emissions of PM10 (particles with a diameter of less than 10 mm) released into the atmosphere of Ile de France are available. PM10 are of special interest since they are inhalable. An emission inventory of PM10 was carried out for the following major sources: large combustion installations burning fuel oil or coal; cement factories; waste incinerators and road traffic. The area studied is the “re´gion of Ile de France” (i.e. Paris and the surrounding districts). One of the major challenges encountered during the realization of this inventory was showing that long term (i.e. yearly) estimated emissions are representative values of the activity emitting the pollutant (PM10). For this reason, it was necessary to consider also the quantity of TSP (Total Suspended Particles) which was continuously measured in major factory sites of Ile de France. The results of this inventory show that road traffic is a very significant source of PM10. However, the re-suspension of PM10 originating from loose material present on the paved road surface seems to be several times higher than vehicle exhaust gas emission. This is a key parameter of air quality in Ile de France