A Bayesian hierarchical model for assessing the impact of human activity on nitrogen dioxide concentrations in Europe

G. Shaddick, H. Yan, D. Vienneau

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

Ambient concentrations of many pollutants are associated with emissions due to human activity, such as road transport and other combustion sources. In this paper we consider air pollution as a multi-level phenomenon on a continental scale within a Bayesian hierarchical model. We examine different scales of variation in pollution concentrations ranging from large scale transboundary effects to more localised effects which are directly related to human activity. Specifically, in the first stage of the model, we isolate underlying patterns in pollution concentrations due to global factors such as underlying climate and topography, which are modelled together with spatial structure. At this stage measurements from monitoring sites located within rural areas are used which, as far as possible, are chosen to reflect background concentrations. Having isolated these global effects, in the second stage we assess the effects of human activity on pollution in urban areas. The proposed model was applied to concentrations of nitrogen dioxide measured throughout the EU for which significant increases are found to be associated with human activity in urban areas. The approach proposed here provides valuable information that could be used in performing health impact assessments and to inform policy.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)553-570
Number of pages18
JournalEnvironmental and Ecological Statistics
Volume20
Issue number4
Early online date1 Jan 2013
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Dec 2013

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A Bayesian hierarchical model for assessing the impact of human activity on nitrogen dioxide concentrations in Europe'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this