Air pollution study

by Mohammad
(Dhaka, Bangladesh)

I'm trying to plan an air pollution study. How can I start the air pollution modelling at first stage? I want to start my M.Sc. thesis.

Barry's Response - Mohammad:

Go to the USA site for air quality models https://www.epa.gov/scram and browse through the tremendous free stuff they have there. I'm sure you'll find plenty of stuff with substance (no pun intended).

The one I have used regularly is called ISC-PRIME, and can be found under alternative models, https://www.epa.gov/scram/air-quality-dispersion-modeling-alternative-models - It comes complete with user manual and documents explaining the physical sciences behind the model. I've also used Screen3, but it's probably too simplistic for your needs.

Even though these models are no longer used for official purposes, they're great for learning. AERMOD and CALPUFF may be appropriate as well. They're both more advanced.

Good luck with this air pollution study and happy hunting.

Search this site for more information now.

Modelers can learn the basics from government protocols.

The Alberta Air Quality Model Guidelines (where I live and work) form a rather complex and multifaceted document that gives comprehensive guidance on modeling air quality in the province. It's currently available at https://open.alberta.ca/publications/air-quality-model-guideline-2021 Let's get into this:

- Air quality modeling is crucial, my friends, because it helps us understand and predict how pollutants are distributed and concentrated across our province. Why is this important? It's because poor air quality can affect our health, our environment, and even our economy.

- It's not something you can just skim through in a few minutes. This is a thorough and detailed document that outlines the methodologies, the data requirements, the modeling processes, and the reporting standards for this rather complicated project. I must say, it's like embarking on a grand intellectual journey.

- The book discusses dispersion models, receptor models, data collection methods, and even model evaluation. Anyone interested in Alberta air quality modeling should check it out.

- But don't let its complexity fool you. We need it to breathe cleaner air, protect the environment, and make informed decisions about industrial activities that might affect air quality.

If it seems daunting, remember that it's there to serve a noble purpose, and with diligence and dedication, you can certainly navigate its depths and emerge with a better understanding of how to model and monitor air quality in Alberta.