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Air quality |
What
is the general situation with the air quality?
EMMISIONS FROM MOBILE SOURCES
The
largest mobile source of pollution in the City of
Riga is motorised vehicles. The number of vehicles
has been growing by 10-12% per year. Most emissions from mobile
sources come in the form of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2,
N2O5), carbon monoxide (CO) and volatile
organic compounds (VOC). In 2001, about 63-67% of the total
NOx and 61-65% of the CO emissions were caused by mobile
sources (data provided by the Air Protection Division of the
Department of Environment). Pollution with nitrogen oxides and
hydrocarbons in sunny days increases troposphere ozone
(O3) concentrations which together
with unfavourable weather conditions, creates smog that dramatically
affects human health and vegetation.
Air
pollution with benzene is another serious problem in
Riga.
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EMMISIONS FROM STATIONARY
SOURCES
Emissions
from stationary sources, mostly sulphur dioxide (SO2) and
carbon monoxide (CO) form when different kinds of fuel is burned in
the city's co-generation stations and boiler plants, as well as in
private homes, industrial enterprises and other heating facilities.
However, recently, emissions from stationary sources in the city
have diminished due to closing down of many industrial enterprises.
Remarkable reducing of SO2 emissions during last years in
Riga
is caused by changing from fuels with high sulphur content (coal,
heating oil) to clean environmentally friendly fuel - natural gas.
Nevertheless,
not all polluting substances follow the tendency of
decline.
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