Open AccessModeling air pollution in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games
Author(s) -
Jenni Vanos
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
studies by undergraduate researchers at guelph
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2291-1367
DOI - 10.21083/surg.v1i2.404
Subject(s) - beijing , ozone , environmental science , pollution , air pollution , pollutant , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , elite athletes , chemistry , athletes , geography , physics , china , medicine , ecology , physical therapy , archaeology , organic chemistry , biology
High levels of ambient oxidant air pollution, such as ozone, have been associated with negative health effects in elite athletes. The photochemical model OzCalc was used to calculate ozone concentrations as a function of time in Beijing for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games. By making use of the data obtained in Hastings, Ontario in August 1993, the model was adjusted for Beijing with respect to radiation geometry and ambient levels of primary air pollutants. Ozone concentrations were calculated using three scenarios: keeping pollution levels constant, a moderate success in pollution clean-up, and a high success in pollution clean-up. Results of ozone obtained with the model predicted very high levels associated with Scenario’s 1 and 2, while Scenario 3 showed acceptable levels for athletic competition, in accordance with WHO and Chinese Standards. A high NO-to-NO2 concentration ratio showed less ozone formation, which displayed the dependence of ozone on the variable levels of NO2 and NO. The level of the hydroxyl radical formation was closely related to that of ozone. The overall results suggest that Beijing will have a difficult time bringing pollution down to an acceptable level; athletes will have to deal with an added negative physiological response.