Integrated Methodological Framework for Air Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment in Urban Areas

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7546/CRABS.2026.09.06

Keywords:

multi-scale modelling approach, data-integrated methodology for urban areas, detailed bottom-up local emissions inventory, air pollution, health risk assessment

Abstract

A multi-scale, multi-model, and data-integrated methodology was developed and applied to assess urban air quality, emission sources, and associated health impacts in Sofia within the framework of the project “Development of a methodology for air quality and human health risk assessment in urban areas”. The project brought together a multidisciplinary team to substitute a shift toward more integrated urban environmental health research in Bulgaria. The methodology is designed to address urban planning needs through numerical scenario analyses, supporting the identification of effective pollution reduction and health risk mitigation measures, while providing a scientific basis for evidence-based decision-making.

Author Biographies

Reneta Dimitrova, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Department of Meteorology and Geophysics,
Faculty of Physics,
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”,
5 James Bourchier Blvd, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria

E-mail: r.dimitrova@phys.uni-sofia.bg

Angel M. Dzhambov, Medical University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Environmental Health Division
Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv,
Medical University of Plovdiv,
15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria

E-mail: angel.dzhambov@mu-plovdiv.bg

Angel Burov, Medical University of Plovdiv and University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria

Mailing Addresses:
Environmental Health Division
Research Institute at Medical University of Plovdiv,
Medical University of Plovdiv,
15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
and
Department of Urban Planning,
Faculty of Architecture,
University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy,
1 Hristo Smirnenski Blvd, 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria

E-mail: Burov_far@uacg.bg

Danail Brezov, University of Architecture Civil Engineering and Geodesy, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Department Mathematics,
Faculty of Transportation Engineering,
University of Architecture Civil Engineering and Geodesy,
1 Hristo Smirnenski Blvd, 1046 Sofia, Bulgaria

E-mail: danail.brezov@gmail.com

Margret Velizarova, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Department of Meteorology and Geophysics,
Faculty of Physics,
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”,
5 James Bourchier Blvd, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria

E-mail: margret@phys.uni-sofia.bg

Veronika Dimitrova, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Department of Sociology,
Faculty of Philosophy,
Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”,
15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd, 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria

E-mails: v.s.dimitrova@phls.uni-sofia.bg,
veronika.s.dimitrova@gmail.com

Nevena Germanova, Sofiaplan, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Department of Spatial and Strategic Planning of Sofia Municipality,
Sofiaplan, Zone B5, Building 11, Entr. B, Floor 17,
ofia, Bulgaria

E-mail: nevena@sofiaplan.bg

Elena Hristova, National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology, Bulgaria

Mailing Address:
Department of Meteorology,
National Institute of Meteorology and Hydrology,
66 Tsarigradsko Shosse Blvd, 1784 Sofia, Bulgaria

E-mail: elena.hristova@meteo.bg

Downloads

Published

30-09-2026

How to Cite

[1]
R. Dimitrova, “Integrated Methodological Framework for Air Quality and Human Health Risk Assessment in Urban Areas”, C. R. Acad. Bulg. Sci., vol. 79, no. 9, pp. 1202–1211, Sep. 2026.

Issue

Section

Geophysics