Use of the CMAQ and WRF-Chem models to investigate tropospheric ozone and particulate matter in the El Paso-Juarez airshed

Ground level ozone pollution is a continuing environmental concern in several U.S cities. A necessary step towards understanding and quantifying the problem is the implementation of numerical models that can predict pollutant concentrations. Simulations were performed using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) and the (Weather Research Forecast/Chemical (WRF-Chem) models to study the tropospheric ozone and particulate matter concentrations in the El Paso-Juarez Airshed and to analyze the influence of U.S and Mexican cities as possible contributors to ground level ozone pollution in this region. This study involves the implementation and validation of both the CMAQ and WRF-Chem models for the El Paso-Juarez Airshed. Representative high pollutant episodes were selected to obtain the models results and these were compared against corresponding TCEQ experimental data. Hysplit trajectories and synoptic meteorological conditions are also presented. These studies will have an impact in pollution control strategies over numerous U.S regions that are in non-compliance with U.S Standards for ozone concentration