Emissions of transboundary air pollutants in the Netherlands, 1990–2013: Netherlands Informative Inventory Report 2015

Publication

Calculated ammonia emissions in the Netherlands are still declining over time. However as a result of new research ammonia emissions can be calculated more accurate. This shows that over the whole period 1990-
2013 these emissions are higher than previously assumed. New research shows that emissions from pigs were higher than previously estimated and the manure applied contained more nitrogen, together resulting in higher ammonia emissions from agriculture. Ammonia emissions from road transport were also higher than previously estimated. In addition, following international guidelines, emissions from new sources have also been included, such as from the ripening of crops and from crop residues left on the field. The same holds for ammonia that is emitted following the application of compost and sewage sludge to soils. Calculations of ammonia emissions for the Netherlands show that emission levels are still declining.

This has become apparent from the Dutch emission data on transboundary air polluting substances, presented in the 2015 Informative Inventory Report (IIR) by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). For this report, PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency contributed to the calculation and reporting on air polluting emissions in the Netherlands.

The report describes Dutch emission trends and levels for sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs), ammonia (NH3), carbon monoxide (CO), particulate matter (PM), and heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), over the 1990–2013 period. For all these substances, emission levels have decreased. The downward trend may be attributed in particular to cleaner fuels, cleaner car engines and to emission reductions in industrial sectors.

Authors

B.A. Jimmink (RIVM), P.W.H.G. Coenen (TNO), R. Dröge (TNO), G.P. Geilenkirchen (PBL), A.J. Leekstra (RIVM), C.W.M. van der Maas (RIVM), R.A.B. te Molder (RIVM), C.J. Peek (RIVM), J. Vonk (RIVM), D. Wever (RIVM)

Specifications

Publication title
Emissions of transboundary air pollutants in the Netherlands, 1990–2013: Netherlands Informative Inventory Report 2015
Publication date
1 April 2015
Publication type
Publication
Product number
1736