Dynamic Modeling of Air Pollution and Acid Rain from Energy System and Transport in Kosovo

Skender Kabashi, Sadik Bekteshi, Skender Ahmetaj, Gazmend Kabashi, Kushtrim Podrimqaku, Valon Veliu, Albert Jonuzaj, Aleksander Zidanšek

Faculty of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Prishtina, Prishtina, Kosovo.
Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia.

DOI: 10.4236/ojap.2012.13011                

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.

Keywords

Modeling; Air Pollution Transport; Acid Rain; Chemical Smog; Kosovo

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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