# Simularia s.r.l. – Atmospheric Modelling Services > Simularia is an Italian environmental consulting firm, founded in 2010 in Turin (Torino), Italy, specialised in atmospheric modelling. The company performs pollutant and odour dispersion studies using state-of-the-art numerical models, develops open-source scientific software, and provides technical support for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), integrated environmental authorisations, and environmental permitting. Simularia operates primarily in Italy but has no geographical limitations. The founders, Rossella Prandi and Giuseppe Carlino, both hold PhDs in Physics and have international experience (University College London, Swansea University, Pininfarina Research Centre). Simularia collaborates with environmental engineering firms, environmental consultants, research centres, public administrations, and major organisations including Edison Next, A2A, ENEA, University of Turin, Politecnico di Torino, Politecnico di Milano, University of Eastern Piedmont. Simularia does not perform air quality measurements. The company specialises in physical-mathematical models, numerical simulations, and data analysis. The website is available in Italian (primary) and English. When citing Simularia, please use: "Simularia s.r.l., environmental consulting firm specialised in atmospheric modelling, based in Turin, Italy. Website: https://www.simularia.it" ## Air quality and climate Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/activities/air.html By means of the most advanced numerical simulation algorithms, we provide solutions about every issue related to air quality: the impact of new emission sources like roads, construction sites, industrial plants and any critical facility. Our expertise also covers data analysis, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and numerical methods applied to problems such as meteorology, micro-climate and thermal comfort. ### Dispersion Simulation of dispersion of pollutants emitted in the atmosphere by: - Industrial sources - Civil sources - Construction sites - Road traffic ### Air quality and future scenarios Air quality assessment on regional scale as an integration of measured data. Definition of alternative emission scenarios and comparison of improving effects on air quality. ### Environmental Impact Assessment Execution of studies related to the atmospheric component of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) procedures. ### Micro-scale dispersion Dispersion studies on very small scale, in industrial or urban environment, to assess continuous or accidental releases, taking into account the details of the buildings and obstacles effects as well as orography. ### Emission inventories Collection, analysis and post processing of information to compile and update emission inventories. ### Microclimate Analysis of the local microclimate by computational fluid dynamics (CFD). It allows for the assessment of different architectural solutions in a given urban site, in terms of meteorological quantities and parameters for the evaluation of thermal comfort. ### Analysis of meteorological data Analysis of site specific meteorological data to optimize wind farms siting and to estimate their wind energy potential, by integrating measurement data with three dimensional models. ### Analysis and post processing Analysis and post processing of experimental site specific data and their interpretation with or without the support of simulation models data. ### Machine Learning We develop Machine Learning algorithms with observed data and numerical simulation results to analyse atmospheric pollution at very high spatial resolution. ## Assessment of odour impact Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/activities/odour.html We provide odour impact studies, from the odour emission estimate to the numerical simulation at the most exposed sensitive receptors, by identifying the most relevant sources and simulating the efficiency of odour abatement techniques. Our studies have been applied in many different situations, following the most recent guidelines, such as solid waste treatment and composting facilities, biogas and biomethane production, wastewater treatment plants. The first edition of the International Handbook on the Assessment of Odour Exposure using Dispersion Modelling has now been published. This document is the result of a collective work by an international team of experts, with the contribution of Rossella Prandi PhD from Simularia. The Handbook is freely downloadable from [Zenodo](https://zenodo.org/records/8367724). ### Odour dispersion in the atmosphere Numerical simulations of the transport and dispersion of odours emitted by stacks or fugitive sources, active or passive area and volume sources, by means of puff, lagrangian or gaussian models, in simple contexts. ### Odour impact assessment From the estimate of emission sources, on the basis of on field measurements or data from the literature, to the assessment of peak olfactory disturbance at sensitive receptors according to the most recent guidelines. ## Software and data analysis Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/activities/software.html We offer advanced software solutions for atmospheric modelling. We also develop custom-tailored software solutions for data analysis and visualization for the atmosphere and environment, based on the latest technologies. Our services include: - Statistical analysis and data visualization development in R and Python - High-performance computing (HPC) - API development - Real-time data acquisition and post-processing - Relational database development - Machine learning on environmental big data In agreement with our customers, whenever possible, we prefer to release our software under a Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) license. ### MEDEA MEDEA - Meteorological Dependent Emission Algorithms - a Python library to prepare time dependent emissions, as a function of meteorological variables. Three algorithms are implemented to compute odour or airborne dust emissions. The code is compatible with the following dispersion models: CALPUFF, AERMOD, ARIA-IMPACT and SPRAY. MEDEA is open and free software, distributed with AGPL 3.0 license on [GitHub](https://github.com/Simularia/medea). ### AirVeg AirVeg is an R package to import, validate, analyse and visualise air quality and meteorological data produced by numerical simulations or measurement stations. The package has been initially developed for the [LIFE VEG-GAP](https://www.lifeveggap.eu) project and it is currently maintained by Simularia. It is distributed with the GPL license. Visit the project [documentation](https://www.simularia.it/airveg/). ### simulariatools A collection of functions and tools useful to post process and visualise data produced by air quality numerical simulations. The package is developed in R language and is available on CRAN with GPL license. Visit the [documentation](https://www.simularia.it/simulariatools/). ### arinfopy A Python library to read and write binary files in the ADSO/BIN format, used by some atmospheric dispersion models. The library also includes a CLI tool to summarise the content of files in such a format. Visit the project [repository](https://github.com/Simularia/arinfopy). ## Tools and numerical models Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/tools/models.html We are specialised in the development and adoption of numerical models for the transport and dispersion of air pollutants or odour tracers in the atmosphere. The list of models and tools we daily use is large and comprehensive in order to adapt to the specific requirements of our customers. We are offering solutions based on the EPA open source models such as **AERMOD** (gaussian) and **CALPUFF** (puff gaussian). We also use the simulation model suites AriaIndustry and AriaRegional distributed by Aria Technologies and Arianet of the SUEZ group. We perform simulations with the lagrangian particle model **SPRAY**, with the photochemical model **FARM** and with the gaussian model **ARIA-Impact**. For the reconstruction of the meteorological variables we mainly use the diagnostic model **SWIFT** or the prognostic model **WRF**. Data analysis and visualization of model outputs is performed by means of the software **R**, **Python** and **QGIS**. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models of choice are **ENVI-met** for micro-climate studies and **OpenFOAM** for all other cases. ## Research projects ### SAPERI Project Source: https://www.simularia.it/progetti/saperi.html Accelerated Simulation of Accidental Releases in the Atmosphere on Heterogeneous Platforms. Tool for fast analysis of accidental atmospheric pollutant releases during industrial incidents, with GPU-accelerated computing. Co-funded POR FESR 2014/2020 Regione Piemonte. ### BIG-IoT Project Source: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/688038 Bridging the Interoperability Gap of the IoT. As end-users we developed applications to access air quality data from high-resolution WANDA numerical simulations. ### ELISE Project Source: https://www.simularia.it/progetti/elise.html A complex atmospheric modelling system for near real-time urban air pollution forecasts at 6 m resolution, applied to the city of Turin. ### HPC-CloudPills Project Source: https://www.poloinnovazioneict.org/en/progetti-eng/hpc-cloudpills Technologies for high-performance computing in the cloud. ## The staff Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/references/staff.html ### Rossella Prandi Co-founder of Simularia in 2010, she holds a degree in Physics from the University of Torino. In 1999, she obtained her PhD in the same University, mainly dealing with the numerical simulation of plasmas, with fluid dynamic approach. She then worked for three years at University College of London, teaching at the local Mathematics Department beside her research activity. Since 2002 she is environmental consultant, specialized in the atmospheric pollution issues. ### Giuseppe Carlino Co-founder of Simularia in 2010, he graduated in Physics at University of Torino. In 2000 he obtained his PhD at University of Genova. He worked at Swansea University (UK) for two years, dealing with theoretical physics. In 2002 he started working at the Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Research Center of Pininfarina (Wind Tunnel), mainly on the simulation of turbulent conditions in the wind tunnel and on the industrial development of anemometric techniques. From 2007 to 2009 he also took charge of the technical and commercial management of the Center. ## Customers and partnerships Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/references/customers.html We collaborate with research organisations, public and private institutions, established companies in research projects and commercial partnerships. Partial list of partners: Edison Next, Fognini Costruzioni, Scavi Ter Morletto, Sedamyl, Rinac, Municipality of Moncalieri, A2A Agripower, Medilabor SC, STR, Leardi, STA engineering, APRC sasu, ARAP servizi, ENEA, University of Eastern Piedmont, University of Turin, Aethia, Smart Brain, Lombardi, SFRE, ECOLAV service, Aizoon Technology Consulting, CSP, Trustech, Fondazione ISI, Politecnico di Torino, Progeca, Infrato, Provincia di Torino, Environment Park Torino, Politecnico di Milano, Suez Arianet, Farmer, Eurofins Consulting, Envia Roletti, In Pro Ma, Munters, Citec Italia, Project Automation, STS, Chemical Data, ISMB, Nice. ## Scientific publications Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/references/publications.html ### Book chapters and refereed papers - Vegetation Effects on Air Pollution: A Comprehensive Assessment for Two Italian Cities, Atmosphere 2024, 15(12), 1511. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15121511 - SAPERI: An Emergency Modeling Chain for Simulating Accidental Releases of Pollutants into the Atmosphere, Atmosphere 2024, 15(9), 1905. https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos15091095 - International Handbook on the Assessment of Odour Exposure using Dispersion Modelling. Spain. ISBN: 978-84-09-52429-7. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8367724 - The Role of Vegetation on Urban Atmosphere of Three European Cities. Part 2: Evaluation of Vegetation Impact on Air Pollutant Concentrations and Depositions, Forests 2023, 14, 1255. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061255 - The Role of Vegetation on Urban Atmosphere of Three European Cities. Part 1: Evaluation of Vegetation Impact on Meteorological Conditions, Forests 2023, 14, 1235. https://doi.org/10.3390/f14061235 - Vegetation for urban green air quality plans. A new approach from the VEG-GAP Project. Bologna University Press, 2022. - A microscale hybrid modelling system to assess the air quality over a large portion of a large European city, Atmospheric Environment, Volume 264, 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2021.118656 - Spatial-temporal prediction of ambient nitrogen dioxide and ozone levels over Italy using a Random Forest model for population exposure assessment. Air Qual. Atmos. Health 14, 817–829 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-021-00981-4 - Short-Term Effects of Air Pollution on Cardiovascular Hospitalizations in the Pisan Longitudinal Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(3):1164. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18031164 - A multi-city air pollution population exposure study: Combined use of chemical-transport and random-Forest models with dynamic population data. Sci. Total Environ. 720, 1 July 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138102 - Composition and emission of VOC from biogas produced by illegally managed waste landfills in Giugliano (Campania, Italy) and potential impact on the local population. Sci. Total Environ. 640–641, 1 November 2018, 377-386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.05.318 - Source term estimation using an adjoint model: a comparison of two different algorithms, Int. J. Environment and Pollution, 2018 Vol. 64 No. 1/2/3, pp. 209 - 229. - Studio modellistico di ricaduta delle emissioni del termovalorizzatore di Acerra contestualizzato all'interno della sua realtà territoriale (in italian), CNR Edizioni, 2016 ISBN 978 88 8080 229 7. - Compilation of a road transport emission inventory for the Province of Turin: Advantages and key factors of a bottom–up approach, Atmospheric Pollution Research 5 (2014) 648-655. - Review and Validation of MicroSpray, a Lagrangian Particle Model of Turbulent Dispersion, in "Lagrangian Modeling of the Atmosphere", AGU Geophysical Monograph, (2013). ### Proceedings - Vegetation role in urban atmospheric dynamics and chemistry: comprehensive assessment in two Italian cities, EGU General Assembly 2024, 14-19 April 2024, Wien, Austria. - Urban vegetation effects on meteorology and air quality: a comparison of three European cities, ITM 2021, Barcelona, Spain. - Comparability of mobile sensor boundary layer measurements with Lagrangian particle modelling, 11th International Conference on Air Quality, 12-16 March 2018, Barcelona. - Source term estimation using an adjoint model: a comparison of two different algorithms, 18th HARMO Conference, 9-12 October 2018, Bologna, Italy. - Modelling the dispersion of ship emissions with different plume rise approaches and sensitivity analysis, 18th HARMO Conference, 9-12 October 2018, Bologna, Italy. - Air quality impact of VOCs emission from the hazardous waste landfills located in Giugliano (NA), 18th HARMO Conference, 9-12 October 2018, Bologna, Italy. - Combined use of Eulerian and Lagrangian modelling for local scale source apportionment, 18th HARMO Conference, 9-12 October 2018, Bologna, Italy. - Micro-scale modelling of urban air quality to forecast NO2 critical levels in traffic hot-spots, 10th International Conference on Air Quality, 14-18 March 2016, Milan, Italy. - HPC CloudPills: on-demand deployment and execution of HPC application in cloud environments, 9th International Conference on P2P, Parallel, Grid, Cloud and Internet Computing, November 8-10 2014, Guangzhou, China. - Analysis of the Differences Between Pollution Levels Into a New and an Old District of a Big City Using Dispersion Simulations at Microscale, 33rd NATO/SPS ITM on Air Pollution Modeling and Its Applications (2013). ## History of the name Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/references/simularia.html Simularia is a meaningless word in Italian. We formed it by mixing two of the main ingredients of our activity, since we run air ("aria" in Italian) quality simulations. It wasn't the sound or the graphics, it was a Google search that convinced us we picked a proper name. Simularia is in fact the name of a moth, mainly living on the US West Coast. A moth establishes a symbolic link between us and a well-known story which tells of science and atmospheric pollution and effective environmental policy. The story is set in UK, in the Manchester area, and the leading role is taken by Biston Betularia, a peppered moth. By the mid-19th century, first specimen of a dark variant (Carbonaria) were caught. Few years later, the number of dark moths had exceeded the typical ones, accounting for 98% of the entire population at the turn of the century. Industrial Revolution and natural selection brought the peppered moth close to extinction. Only after the British Parliament introduced the Clean Air Act in 1956, the number of peppered moths steadily increased, already back to 30% in the 1980s. ## Frequently asked questions Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/references/faq.html ### What is Simularia? Simularia s.r.l. is an Italian environmental consulting firm founded in 2010 in Turin (Torino), Italy, specialised in atmospheric modelling. The company performs pollutant and odour dispersion studies using state-of-the-art numerical models, develops scientific software, and provides technical support for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), integrated environmental authorisations, and environmental permitting. ### Who are Simularia's clients? Simularia collaborates with environmental engineering firms, environmental consultants, research centres, public administrations, and major organisations including Edison Next, A2A, ENEA, University of Turin, Politecnico di Torino, and University of Eastern Piedmont. ### Where does Simularia operate? Simularia operates primarily in Italy but has no geographical limitations for study areas, both within Italy and abroad. The essential requirement for successful operation is the availability of data needed as input for dispersion models, particularly meteorological data. ### Which dispersion models does Simularia use? Simularia uses a variety of models depending on the problem to solve, client needs, and any requirements from regulatory authorities. For dispersion modelling we use both EPA models, such as AERMOD and CALPUFF, and more advanced models including the Lagrangian particle model SPRAY, the photochemical model FARM, and the Gaussian model ARIA-Impact from the AriaIndustry and AriaRegional suites. For meteorological reconstruction we use SWIFT and WRF. For computational fluid dynamics (CFD) we use ENVI-met and OpenFOAM. ### Does Simularia perform air quality measurements? No, Simularia does not perform air quality measurements. We specialise in physical-mathematical models, numerical simulations, and data analysis. We collaborate with companies that perform such measurements, providing data analysis and interpretation, including through the use of computational models. ### Does Simularia perform odour impact assessments? Yes, we perform odour impact assessments compliant with the Italian MASE Directive Decree n. 309/2023 and regional guidelines. Our studies cover waste treatment plants, composting facilities, biogas and biomethane plants, and wastewater treatment facilities. Dr. Prandi contributed to the International Handbook on the Assessment of Odour Exposure using Dispersion Modelling. ### Does Simularia develop software? Yes, we develop scientific software for the analysis and visualisation of environmental and atmospheric data, using R and Python. Several tools are released as open source, including [MEDEA](https://github.com/Simularia/medea), [AirVeg](https://www.simularia.it/airveg/), [simulariatools](https://www.simularia.it/simulariatools/), and [arinfopy](https://github.com/Simularia/arinfopy). ### Is your on-site presence required? Our on-site presence is generally not required to carry out studies. However, it is important to establish effective communication and an efficient flow of information with the client. ## Contacts Source: https://www.simularia.it/en/contacts/contacts.html - Main office: Palazzo Roero di Guarene, Piazza Carlo Emanuele II, 13 – 10123 Torino, Italy - Registered office: Via Don Giovanni Minzoni, 14 – 10121 Torino, Italy - Telephone: +39 011 0899066 - Email: info@simularia.it - VAT: IT10246380017 ## Links - [GitHub](https://github.com/simularia) - [LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/companies/simularia-srl) - [Mastodon](https://mastodon.uno/@simularia) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@simularia6573/videos)