Qatar Photochemical Modelling Platform: A New Tool to Optimize Air Pollution Control for the Oil and Gas Industries
Authors: Al-Mulla Ali H. , Ahmed Azhari F. , Lecoeur Diane 
Published: May 2016

This reference is for an abstract only. A full paper was not submitted for this conference.

During recent history, Qatar and other Gulf States, witnessed a phenomenal economic and industrial growth that led to an increase in air pollution emissions including precursors responsible for ozone formation (NOx and VOCs). Consequently the level of ambient air ozone observed in a number of countries in the region, including Qatar, has significantly increased over the national limits. The adverse effects of ambient air ozone and related photochemical oxidants and precursors to human health and the environment are well documented. However, correct representation of the chemical and physical processes that control formation and transport of these pollutants, are very complex and call for a comprehensive investigation using photochemical modelling. In view of this Qatar Petroleum, in collaboration with experts from TOTAL and ARIA Technologies, has undertaken a joint study to develop a modelling system, the Qatar Air Quality Model (QAQM). The primary objective of the model is to investigate and understand the chemistry and physics of surface ozone in the region, so as to develop an effective and optimum national pollution control policy and strategy. The QAQM modelling platform consists of three coupled modules: a multi-scale nested mesoscale meteorological model (MM5), an Emissions Management tool (EM), and a multi-grid photochemical algorithm (CHIMERE). The system covers three nested geographic scales that include the Arabian Peninsula, the Gulf region and Qatar's domain. All emission sources, at Qatar's and the Gulf region scales, were considered in the EM tool. The meteorological model, on the other hand, describes wind, temperature, water-content and turbulence fields in the atmosphere, in 3D and with a spatial resolution of 4 km. The emission model is the subsystem where all emissions are compiled and spatially organized. The photochemical model is the core system that uses inputs from EM and MM, to calculate concentrations in 3D for a complete list of atmospheric parameters taking into account the full system of chemical reactions that can occur. The architecture of the QAQM photochemical platform and a sample of time simulation are shown below. A one year validation of the QAQM platform outputs against observations, collected from a number of monitoring stations in Qatar, produced acceptable results for the meteorological parameters and ambient concentrations of ozone and its NOx precursor. The QAQM Modelling system is now fully operational. Overall, the measurement and simulated results suggest a clear inverse relationship between NOx and Ozone concentrations in Qatar. Moreover sensitivity studies, backed up by statistical analysis of the air quality monitoring data, imply significant transport of ozone & precursors from neighbouring states, situated mainly in the North West. The results also show that NOx control is not appropriate to roll down the observed high ozone level and, most likely, the issue of VOCs, VOC/NOx ratio and regional cooperation should be considered in an overall strategy to deal with this concern.