A reparação dos tecidos periapicais testemunha o êxito da terapia endodôntica. Por intervir de forma favorável na reparação tecidual, a ozonioterapia é reconhecida como um importante coadjuvante ao protocolo terapêutico, sendo oportuno verificar sua eficácia no caso da terapia endodôntica. Para isso, foi avaliada, in vivo a influência do gás ozônio, da água ozonizada e óleo ozonizado na reparação tecidual em situações de necrose pulpar com alterações ósseas periapicais, diagnosticado e caracterizado como quadros de infecção primária. Foram feitas radiografias previamente e ao final do tratamento e novamente no terceiro e no sexto mês após a conclusão da terapia endodôntica. Respeitando-se os critérios de inclusão, 36 pacientes da Clínica Odontológica da Faculdade de Odontologia da Universidade de São Paulo foram divididos aleatoriamente em 3 grupos: Grupo I (12 dentes) Controle: tratamento endodôntico segundo protocolo da Disciplina de Endodontia da FOUSP; Grupo II (12 dentes) protocolo terapêutico empregado pelo Grupo I e associado ao final com irrigação de 10 mL de água bidestilada ozonizada na concentração de 8 g/mL; e, Grupo III (12 dentes) protocolo terapêutico empregado pelo Grupo I e associado ao final do preparo do canal da aplicação de 10 mL do gás ozônio na concentração de 40 g/mL. Foi utilizado como medicação intracanal o hidróxido de cálcio veiculado em PRP no Grupo I e o óleo de girassol ozonizado (Philozon, Santa Catarina, SC, Brasil) nos Grupos II e III. As medicações permaneceram por um período de 15 dias e em seguida foi feita obturação com cimento AH-Plus. A avaliação da reparação óssea periapical foi realizada analisando as radiografias digitalizadas no programa ImageLab. Após a delimitação e quantificação de pixels das lesões periapicais, as radiografias finais e controles de 3 e 6 meses foram comparadas, indicando o quanto de redução da radiolucência periapical. Paralelamente, foi feita a análise de sensibilidade pós-operatória utilizando uma Escala Visual Analógica. Os pacientes foram questionados com relação à sensibilidade previamente ao início do tratamento, 72 horas após consulta inicial e nos controles de 3 e 6 meses, devendo associá-la com uma nota de 0 a 10 de acordo com a intensidade. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, complementado pelo teste de Tukey, com significância de 5%. Os três protocolos terapêuticos instituídos promoveram redução da imagem radiolúcida periapical sem diferença estatística significante. Na análise da sensibilidade, o Grupo III apresentou os melhores resultados, com diferença estatística significante em relação aos demais grupos. Com base nos dados obtidos e na análise estatística executada, foi possível concluir que a ozonioterapia, por meio do emprego do gás ozônio e água ozonizada na fase do preparo químico cirúrgico e do óleo ozonizado como medicação intracanal, interviu de maneira favorável na reparação, em situações de necrose pulpar com alterações ósseas periapicais, sendo o gás mais efetivo que a água ozonizada, com diferenças estatísticas significantes. Os 2 grupos experimentais de ozonioterapia comparado ao grupo controle (protocolo FOUSP) apresentaram padrão de reparação óssea semelhante. A utilização da água ozonizada como irrigante e do óleo ozonizado como medicação intracanal mostrou a melhor eficácia do ponto de vista sintomatológico. / The success of the endodontic treatment is related to the repair of the periapical tissues. The ozone therapy is known for its therapeutic usefulness, favorable tissue healing, thus it seems suitable for evaluating its efficiency in the endodontic therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the influence of ozone gas, ozonated water and oil in bone repair in cases of pulpar necrosis with radiographic evidence of periapical bone loss associated with primary endodontic infection. Radiographs (Xrays) were taken prior and after the completion of the endodontic treatment, three and six months later. According to the enclosure criteria, 36 patients of the Dental Clinic of the School of Dentistry, University of Sao Paulo, were selected and randomly divided in three groups: Group I (12 teeth) Control: endodontic treatment protocol according to the discipline of Endodontics FOUSP, Group II (12 teeth): endodontic protocol associated with final irrigation with 10 mL of bidestilated ozonated water at concentration of 8 g/mL and Group III (12 teeth): endodontic protocol associated with application of 10 mL of ozone gas at concentration of 40 g/mL. Calcium Hydroxide was used as intracanal medication for 15 days. In Group I it was associated with anesthetic solution and in the Groups II and III associated with ozonated oil (Philozon, Santa Catarina, SC, Brazil). After this period, all teeth were obturated with AH-Plus root canal sealer. Evaluation of periapical bone repair was performed with Image Lab software after image digitalization. After delimitation and pixel quantification of the periapical lesion area of the images immediately after the endodontic treatment, 3 and 6-months follow up, the obtained data were compared indicating the quantum reduction of the periapical radiolucency. In parallel, a postoperative sensitivity analysis was performed using a Visual Analog Scale. Patients were asked to score the sensitivity from 0 to 10 according to its intensity prior to first appointment, 72 hours later the first visit, 3 and 6 months later. Data were submitted to analysis of variance (ANOVA), complemented by the Tukey test at 5% of significance. All the three groups promoted a reduction of the apical radiolucent image without statistical difference. In the sensitivity analysis, Group III showed the best results with statistically significant difference compared to the other groups. Based on the statistical data analysis we concluded that ozone therapy through the use of ozone gas and ozonated water during the root canal instrumentation and ozonated oil as intracanal medication, positively intervene in the repair of periapical bone loss. The ozone gas was more effective than the ozonated water with significant statistical difference. Group II and III (experimental groups) compared to Group I (endodontic protocol FOUSP) showed a similar pattern of bone repair. The use of ozonated water as irrigant and ozonated oil as intracanal dressing showed better efficacy in terms of symptomatology.

Une grande partie de la variabilité naturelle de l’atmosphère et du climat est liée à la variabilité solaire. L’un des modes d’action du forçage solaire repose sur des perturbations de la moyenne atmosphère (stratosphère, mésosphère), notamment par l’intermédiaire de variations d’ozone (processus photochimiques) qui ensuite se propagent dans la troposphère jusqu’à la surface. La thèse se focalise sur la première étape de ce mode d’action, i.e. les perturbations de l’ozone associées à la variabilité solaire et plus particulièrement aux échelles de temps du cycle à 27 jours. Cette relation entre ozone et variabilité solaire est étudiée non seulement à partir de plusieurs séries temporelles de données satellitaires (MLS et GOMOS) mais également de résultats d’un modèle de chimie-climat (LMDz-Reprobus) sur des fenêtres d’analyse variant de 1 à 15 ans. La sensibilité moyenne d’ozone au cycle solaire à 27 jours (% de variation d’ozone pour 1% de variation du forçage solaire) se caractérise par des valeurs positives de 10 à 1 hPa avec un maximum de 0.4 vers 3 hPa. Cette sensibilité varie beaucoup selon la taille de la fenêtre d’analyse au point d’être masquée par la variabilité dynamique, même pendant les périodes de forte activité solaire. La dispersion des résultats apparaît aussi anti-corrélée à l’amplitude des fluctuations solaires rotationnelles qui est liée à la phase du cycle solaire à 11 ans. Dans la mésosphère, l’ozone est anti-corrélé à la variabilité solaire avec un maximum autour de 80 km. Il correspond exactement à l’altitude où la réponse de OH (le radical dominant dans la destruction de l’ozone mésosphérique) à la variabilité solaire est maximum. / A large part of the natural variability of the atmosphere and climate is related to solar variability. One of the forcing mechanisms of solar variability is based on perturbations of the middle atmosphere (stratosphere, mesosphere), particularly through ozone variations (photochemical processes), that then propagate through the troposphere to the surface. The thesis focuses on the first stage of this forcing mechanism, i.e. perturbations of ozone associated with solar variability and more specifically at the 27-day solar rotational time scales. The relationship between ozone and solar variability is studied not only using several time series of satellite data (MLS and GOMOS) but also results of a chemistry-climate model (LMDz-Reprobus) over analysis windows varying from 1 to 15 years. The mean ozone sensitivity to the 27-day solar cycle (% of ozone variation for 1% change in solar forcing) is characterized by positive values from 10 to 1 hPa with a maximum of 0.4 at 3 hPa. This sensitivity varies strongly depending on the size of the analysis window indicating that the solar signal can be masked by the dynamical variability, even during periods of strong solar activity. The dispersion of the results is found to be anti-correlated with the amplitude of the solar rotational fluctuations that are related to the phase of the 11-year solar cycle. In the mesosphere, ozone is found to be anti-correlated with solar variability with a maximum around 80 km. This corresponds exactly to the altitude of the maximum in the solar-induced enhancement of OH, the dominant radical in the destruction of mesospheric ozone.

L’objectif de ces travaux de doctorat est de développer un modèle prédictif capable de prévoir correctement les concentrations en polluants du jour pour le lendemain en Corse. Nous nous sommes intéressés aux PM10 et à l’ozone, les deux polluants les plus problématiques sur l’île. Le modèle devait correspondre aux contraintes d’un usage opérationnel au sein d’une petite structure, comme Qualitair Corse, l’association locale de surveillance de la qualité de l’air.La prévision a été réalisée à l’aide de réseaux de neurones artificiels. Ces modèles statistiques offrent une grande précision tout en nécessitant peu de ressources informatiques. Nous avons choisi le Perceptron MultiCouche (PMC), avec en entrée à la fois des mesures de polluants, des mesures météorologiques, et des sorties de modèles de chimie-transport (CHIMERE via la plate-forme AIRES) et de modèles météorologiques (AROME).La configuration des PMC a été optimisée avant leur apprentissage automatique, en conformité avec le principe de parcimonie. Pour en améliorer les performances, une étude de sélection de variables a été au préalable menée. Nous avons comparé l’usage d’algorithmes génétiques, de recuits simulés et d’analyse en composantes principales afin d’optimiser le choix des variables d’entrées. L’élagage du PMC a été également mis en œuvre.Nous avons ensuite proposé un nouveau type de modèle hybride, combinaison d’un classifieur et de plusieurs PMC, chacun spécialisé sur un régime météorologique particulier. Ces modèles, qui demandent un large historique de données d’apprentissage, permettent d’améliorer la prévision des valeurs extrêmes et rares, correspondant aux pics de pollution. La classification non-supervisée a été menée avec des cartes auto-organisatrices couplées à l’algorithme des k-means, ainsi que par classification hiérarchique ascendante. L’analyse de sensibilité à été menée grâce à l’usage de courbes ROC.Afin de gérer les jeux de données utilisés, de mener les expérimentations de manière rigoureuse et de créer les modèles destinés à l’usage opérationnel, nous avons développé l’application « Aria Base », fonctionnant sous Matlab à l’aide de la Neural Network Toolbox.Nous avons également développé l’application « Aria Web » destinée à l’usage quotidien à Qualitair Corse. Elle est capable de mener automatiquement les prévisions par PMC et de synthétiser les différentes informations qui aident la prévision rendues disponibles sur internet par d’autres organismes. / The objective of this doctoral work is to develop a forecasting model able to correctly predict next day pollutant concentrations in Corsica. We focused on PM10 and ozone, the two most problematic pollutants in the island. The model had to correspond to the constraints of an operational use in a small structure like Qualitair Corse, the local air quality monitoring association.The prediction was performed using artificial neural networks. These statistical models offer a great precision while requiring few computing resources. We chose the MultiLayer Perceptron (MLP), with input data coming from pollutants measurements, meteorological measurements, chemical transport model (CHIMERE via AIRES platform) and numerical weather prediction model (AROME).The configuration of the MLP was optimized prior to machine learning, in accordance with the principle of parsimony. To improve forecasting performances, we led a feature selection study. We compared the use of genetic algorithms, simulated annealing and principal component analysis to optimize the choice of input variables. The pruning of the MLP was also implemented.Then we proposed a new type of hybrid model, combination of a classification model and various MLPs, each specialized on a specific weather pattern. These models, which need large learning datasets, allow an improvement of the forecasting for extreme and rare values, corresponding to pollution peaks. We led unsupervised classification with self organizing maps coupled with k-means algorithm, and with hierarchical ascendant classification. Sensitivity analysis was led with ROC curves.We developed the application “Aria Base” running with Matlab and its Neural Network Toolbox, able to manage our datasets, to lead rigorously the experiments and to create operational models.We also developed the application “Aria Web” to be used daily by Qualitair Corse. It is able to lead automatically the prevision with MLP, and to synthesize forecasting information provided by other organizations and available on the Internet.

This diploma thesis deals with the impact of pollutants on colour photography made by inkjet printing technology. There are summarized basic principles of inkjet printing, composition of inks and negative factors influencing the printout quality. The ozone was studied in the experimental part, because it has the stongest degrading effect of all common pollutants. The accelerated ageing test with changing the concentration of ozone and the time of exposure was performed. The test scales were made by using two different inks. The L*a*b* values and optical densities of selected fields were calculated from the reflectance spectra of 918 colour fileds. The colour gamut and its volume were calculated from the L*a*b* values. The changes of colour gamut volume correlated with the changes of optical densities. It emerged that using the colour gamut as the instrument of evaluation of the inkjet printout dyes degradation rate is eligible and it is suitable to recommend this method for the ozone accelerated tests.

Among the most ubiquitous and persistent air quality problems facing urban areas are high concentrations of gas phase oxidants and fine particulate matter. Ozone and particulate matter concentrations in urban areas are significantly influenced by other factors in addition to local emissions, such as regional transport spanning distances as large as 1000 kilometers. Despite the importance of regional transport in meeting air quality standards, to date most analyses of regional transport have focused only on short duration episodes, or semi-quantitative assessments. The development and evaluation of seasonal, quantitative assessments of regional pollutant transport, based on modeling calculations and observational data is the topic of this dissertation. The observational data available through the Texas Air Quality Studies in 2000 and 2006 provide a unique opportunity to develop, evaluate, and improve methods for characterizing regional air pollutant transport. Measurements collected during these studies are used as the primary observational basis for characterizing regional ozone transport and to evaluate the performance of photochemical models. Results suggest that measurements (from aircraft and surface monitors) and the photochemical model provide consistent estimates of the magnitude of ozone transport. On this basis, photochemical modeling is used to determine potential impacts of regional ozone transport in Texas, under varying meteorological and photochemical conditions, as well as to characterize the dominant chemical and physical processes within urban plumes. While qualitative studies and limited quantitative analyses have been performed to assess regional ozone transport, this work includes the first detailed quantitative characterization of the importance of ozone transport over the course of an entire ozone season using both photochemical modeling and ambient data. Results demonstrate that urban plumes in Texas are capable of transporting significant amounts of ozone over distances spanning hundreds of kilometers. Furthermore, on a seasonal basis, there are a number of days characterized by high contributions from inter-city transport coinciding with high total ozone concentrations, suggesting that the role of inter-city transport will remain significant for many areas to demonstrate attainment of the NAAQS for ozone. Results also indicate that reductions in the impacts of inter-city transport are possible by decreases in emissions from source regions. / text

There are two parts in this study. The first part is to test the validity of the assumption of thermodynamic equilibrium between fine particulate (PM2.5) nitrate and ammonium and gas-phase nitric acid (HNO3(g)) and ammonia (NH3(g)). A rough estimation of the characteristic time to achieve thermodynamic equilibrium is first carried out, which suggests that PM2.5 and gas-phase species are in thermodynamic equilibrium. Then equilibrium is tested by calculating the equilibrium concentrations of HNO3(g) and NH3(g) implied by the PM2.5 inorganic composition, temperature and relative humidity observed at the Atlanta Supersite 1999 using ISORROPIA model. The second part of this study is to analyze the ground-level ozone pollution precursor relationships in Hong Kong area. Characteristics of O3 precursors are explored. Trace gases NO and CO, VOCs, absorption coefficient, temperature and solar radiation are associated with the O3 formation. Specific VOC and VOC-sources that contribute most to the formation of photochemical smog are identified. The accuracy of pollutant emission inventories for Hong Kong and PRD region is also assessed. Combined with back trajectory information, dCO/dNOy is used to define whether O3 is locally or regionally occurred. An OBM is used to investigate the relative benefits of various emission-control strategies. Generally the formation of O3 throughout much of Hong Kong area is limited by VOC, in which reactive aromatics are dominant.

Ambient observations have indicated that ozone formation in the Houston area is frequently faster and more efficient, with respect to NOx consumed, than other urban areas in the country. It is believed that these unique characteristics of ozone formation in the Houston area are associated with the plumes of reactive hydrocarbons, emanating from the industrial Houston Ship Channel area. Thus, accurate quantification of industrial emissions, particularly of reactive hydrocarbons, is critical to effectively address the rapid ozone formation and the consequent high levels of ozone in the area. Industrial emissions of hydrocarbons have significant temporal variability as evidenced by various measurements, but they have been assumed to be continuous at constant levels for air quality regulation and photochemical modeling studies. This thesis examines the effect of emission variability from industrial sources on ozone formation in the HoustonGalveston area. Both discrete emission events and variability in continuous emissions are examined; new air quality modeling tools have been developed to perform these analyses. Also, this thesis evaluates the impact of emission variability on the effectiveness of emission control strategies in the Houston-Galveston area. Overall, the results indicate that industrial emission variability plays a substantial role in ozone formation and that controlling emission variability can be effective in ozone reduction. These results suggest that a quantitative treatment of emission variability should be included in the development of air quality plans for regions with extensive industrial activity, such as Houston.

L'assimilation de données permet de combiner d'une manière optimale un modèle numérique décrivant l'évolution de la composition chimique de l'atmosphère et les mesures disponibles. Dans cette thèse, l'assimilation de données est utilisée afin de caractériser les distributions troposphériques et stratosphériques de l'ozone (O3) et du monoxyde de carbone (CO). Le Modèle de Chimie Transport (CTM) MOCAGE (MOdèle de Chimie Atmosphérique à Grande échelle) est utilisé dans une configuration à deux domaines imbriqués avec les résolutions de 2◦ (global) et de 0.2◦ (régional). La technique variationnelle du 3D-FGAT est utilisée pour toutes les études que constituent cette thèse. Nous avons évalué la complémentarité des mesures satellites au limbe et au nadir aujourd'hui disponibles pour la caractérisation de l'UTLS (Haute Troposphère Basse Stratosphère) en assimilant ces deux types de mesures simultanément. Nous nous sommes en particulier intéressé à la propagation de l'information provenant des mesures assimilés dans le modèle et plus particulièrement, aux impacts de l'assimilation de mesures stratosphérique d'ozone en troposphère aux moyennes latitudes. Les principaux objectifs de cette thèse ont été de montrer la valeur ajoutée de l'augmentation de la résolution modèle pour l'assimilation de données et les effets synergiques de l'assimilation combinée d'un sondeur au limbe et au nadir. Des développements au niveau du système d'assimilation en domaine imbriqué à 0.2◦ ont été effectués. L'assimilation des données dans le domaine global est maintenant prise en compte et les conditions aux bords provenant des champs assimilés montre un impact significatif sur le domaine imbriqué. Dans un premier temps, nous avons assimilé les profils d'ozone stratosphériques mesurés au limbe provenant de MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder) afin d'étudier deux cas d'échange entre la Stratosphère et la Troposphère (STE). / Data assimilation combines in an optimal way a numerical model describing the evolution of the atmospheric chemical composition and the available trace gases measurements. In this thesis, data assimilation is used to characterize the ozone (O3) and the carbon monoxide (CO) distributions in the stratosphere and in the troposphere. The Chemistry Transport Model (CTM) MOCAGE (MOdèle de Chimie Atmosphérique à Grande Echelle) is used in a configuration with two nested domains at 2◦ (global) and at 0.2◦ (regional). To perform the assimilation experiments a 3D-FGAT variational method is used. We evaluate the complementarity of limb and nadir measurements available at the present day at characterizing the UTLS (Upper Troposphere Lower Stratosphere) region by assimilating simultaneously the two type of measurements. We particularly focus on the impacts of data assimilation of stratospheric ozone measurements on troposphere and conversely of tropospheric data assimilation on stratosphere. Showing the added value of the increased horizontal resolution in the UTLS assimilated fields and the synergistic effects of limb and nadir assimilation were the main objectives of this work. Development in the assimilation system have been made in the assimilation system with the nested domain. Data assimilation in the global domain is now taken in account and the boundary condition from the assimilated fields show significant impacts on the regional domain. Firstly, we assimilate stratospheric ozone profiles from MLS (Microwave Limb Sounder) to investigate two Stratosphere-Troposphere Exchange (STE) case studies. .

Cette thèse porte sur l’étude de l’évolution de la qualité de l’air en Europe et en France dans les prochaines décennies à l’aide de simulations numériques. Dans les études des impacts de l’évolution du climat sur la qualité de l’air, les modèles de chimie atmosphérique utilisent des sorties de modèles climatiques globaux ou régionaux qui fournissent les « forçages », c’est-à-dire les conditions météorologiques simulées pour les périodes futures. Contrairement aux analyses météorologiques, qui représentent la variabilité jour à jour du temps, les sorties des modèles de climat doivent nécessairement être interprétées de manière statistique : elles ne représentent la météorologie que dans un sens climatologique. Afin de pouvoir commenter utilement les simulations futures de qualité de l’air, il est nécessaire d’évaluer au préalable et pour le climat présent, la qualité des simulations calculées avec des forçages climatiques par rapport aux références que constituent les simulations calculées avec des forçages analysés et, bien entendu, les observations. Trois simulations pluri-annuelles (6 ans) ont été lancées pour la période actuelle (2000-2010) et ont été comparées ; elles différent par l’utilisation d’analyses météorologiques ou de forçages de modèle de climat (pour les paramètres atmosphériques seuls et par ailleurs, pour les paramètres atmosphériques et le calcul des échanges en surface) en entrée du modèle de chimie-transport tridimensionnel de Météo-France, MOCAGE. Nous avons évalué ces différentes simulations par comparaison aux observations de la base de données européenne AirBase. Nous avons ensuite comparé les performances de ces simulations pour un grand nombre de scores quantitatifs, en analysant d’une part les effets liés aux champs météorologiques (température, vent, humidité, etc.) et d’autre part, ceux liés aux échanges en surface (comme les vitesses de dépôts, les émissions biogéniques) qui dépendent également de la météorologie. Nous avons ainsi évalué comment ces changements affectent les distributions horizontales et verticales des polluants. In fine, nous avons caractérisé la fiabilité des simulations de qualité de l’air reposant sur des forçages issus de modèles climatiques pour le climat présent : des indicateurs (biais moyens, biais moyens normalisés, RMSE, déviations standards) et des index de qualité de l’air (comme le dépassement de seuils) se distinguent et peuvent donc servir de base fiable pour l’interprétation des résultats pour les simulations du futur. Enfin dans une troisième partie, ces indicateurs considérés comme pertinents ont été utilisés pour étudier des simulations de qualité de l’air aux horizons 2030 et 2050 (5 ans). Comme attendu, l’évolution des paramètres météorologiques (température, précipitation, vent) modifie les quantités et la dispersion des polluants dans l’atmosphère, mais l’évolution des émissions en Europe et dans le reste du monde joue aussi un rôle important. Ainsi, face à l’évolution du climat et la hausse des émissions dans certains pays du monde, en Asie notamment, les effets des politiques Européennes pour réduire les émissions anthropiques sont mitigés selon les régions et les polluants, dépendant de l’influence relative des phénomènes locaux et du transport de polluant à longue distance. / This thesis aims at predicting how European and French air quality could evolve over the next decades using numerical modeling. In order to study the impacts of climate change up on regional air quality, atmospheric chemistry models rely on global or regional climate models to produce “forcings”, i.e. meteorological conditions for future periods. Unlike meteorological analyses, which can represent specifically each date and hour thanks to the assimilation of observations, climate model outputs need to be averaged and can only be interpreted in a climatological sense. And so are air quality hindcasts relying on them for their forcings. In order to properly interpret air quality simulations in a future climate, it is a pre-requisite to assess how realistic air quality hindcasts are when driven by forcings from climate models for the current period in comparison to the references, which are simulations with the same set-up but relying on meteorological analyses and observations. Three six-year simulations for the current climate (2000-2010) have been run with the three-dimensional chemistry transport model of Météo-France, MOCAGE. These simulations only differ by the meteorological forcings used, either operational meteorological analyses or outputs from climate simulations (for atmospheric parameters only ; for atmospheric parameters as well as surface exchanges, which depend also on the weather). We compared the three simulations and evaluated them against the European air quality database of the European Environment Agency, AirBase. Further, we investigated how statistical skill indicators compare in the different simulations, assessing the effects of meteorology on atmospheric fields (temperature, wind, humidity,...) and on the dependent emissions and deposition processes (such as deposition velocities, volatile organic compound emissions, ...) that depend upon meteorology. We have in particular studied how these factors affect the horizontal and vertical distributions of species. In the end, we have estimated how reliable are skill indicators for the simulations run with “climate” forcings : some indicators (mean bias, mean normalized bias, RMSE, deviation standards, number of exceedance days) are sufficiently close to the ones obtained with the reference configuration (relying on analysed meteorological forcings) to be considered reliable. They can thus be used to interpret simulations for future periods. We have run simulations of European air quality in the 2030s and 2050s (5 years for each period). They are discussed using the indicators previously indentified. As expected, the changes in meteorological parameters (temperature, precipitation, wind, ...) affect the quantities and distributions of pollutants in the atmosphere, but the future evolutions in European and global emissions also play a significant role. Faced with climate change and increased emissions in some countries in the world, as in Asia, the impacts of European policies for reducing anthropogenic emissions are mitigated, depending on the regions and the pollutants due to the respective influence of local emission and of long-range transport of pollutants.

Regarding the vegetation, the most affected areas by high levels of surface ozone (O3) are the mountain ridges. Our study has been carried out in the Jizerske hory Mts. High O3 levels together with the convenient environmental conditions for stomatal conductance could be a threat for the health of recovering ecosystems in this area. The aims of this study was both to assess the influence of O3 on vegetation in the Czech mountains and to provide recommendations and outlooks for possible future using of relatively new methods (visible symptoms and stomatal O3 flux modelling) used for O3 impact assessment on native vegetation in the field; that means physiologically relevant methods for the determination of O3 influence. During 2006 and 2007, O3-like visible symptoms were assessed on the leaves of seven species at four sites. Symptoms on only two species (Fagus sylvatica L. and Rubus idaeus L.) have been determined as O3-induced. To our knowledge, it is the first study in the Czech Republic in which the O3-like symptoms on native plants have been verified by the Ozone Validation Centre for Central Europe. Our results based on O3-induced symptoms indicate that ambient O3 is likely to have a much lower impact than expected, considering the measured O3 concentrations (measured with passive samplers) and...