Evaluation of the contribution of biomass for domestic heating to air quality and health for analysis of the effectiveness of the Air Quality Remediation Plan of the Lazio Region

This thesis analyzes the impact of woody biomass combustion for domestic heating on air quality and public health in the Lazio Region, comparing the metropolitan area of Rome and the Sacco Valley. Biomass combustion for residential heating represents one of the primary sources of atmospheric particulate matter (PM10) and toxic compounds, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals, necessitating a thorough assessment of its actual environmental sustainability. The originality and innovative nature of this research lie in the integration of multiple data streams. In addition to environmental monitoring campaigns and advanced chemical analysis, the study utilizes datasets derived from specific emission studies and the results of a targeted questionnaire conducted across the Lazio Region. This latter tool allowed for the acquisition of unprecedented data on the actual consumption habits of the population, the types of appliances used (modern technologies vs. traditional fireplaces), and risk perception, providing a fundamental knowledge base to model emissions in a way that more closely reflects the local reality. Through the Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) technique, it was possible to quantify the contribution of biomass to PM10 concentrations, highlighting greater criticalities in the Sacco Valley, where orographic conditions also favor the stagnation of pollutants. The results show that, despite technological advancements, the widespread use of biomass continues to heavily affect winter air quality. The toxicological risk assessment, conducted according to the U.S. EPA algorithm, revealed concerning exceedances of the critical value for non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) at all monitored sites, indicating a potential health criticality related to chronic exposure to certain elements. Finally, the research serves as a support tool for public policies, integrating into the evaluation cycle of the effectiveness of the Air Quality Remediation Plan (A-PRQA) of the Lazio Region. The data obtained suggest the need to transition from metrics based exclusively on PM mass to qualitative and toxicological indicators, in order to implement more targeted mitigation strategies and effectively protect public health.