Analysis of emissions-driven changes in the oxidation capacity of the atmosphere in Europe

Anthropogenic emissions in Europe have been gradually reduced thanks to a combination of factors, including restrictive regulation and policy implementation, fuel switching, technological developments, and improved energy efficiencies. Many measures have been specifically introduced to meet the annual and hourly limit value of NO2 for the protection of human health, mainly targeting traffic emissions. Due to NOX reduction policies in Europe, NO2 levels have generally declined, but O3 concentrations have been found to increase. This phenomenon would cause changes in the oxidant capacity of the atmosphere, altering the concentration of tropospheric oxidants in urban areas.