Air Quality Dispersion Models

by Prasanna
(Kolhapur, India)

Gaussian Air Quality Model

Gaussian Air Quality Model

Do you know where I can find air quality dispersion models? Hi....im an environmental engineering student,looking for some data about air pollution modeling & simulation.


Barry's Response - I get asked about these a lot, so hang on for a wild ride. For an introduction to dispersion modelling, you'll find this overview helpful.

Gaussian air dispersion models are good

Gaussian air dispersion models predict how pollutants will spread in the air. They have these advantages:
- With Gaussian models, you can get a fairly accurate prediction of pollutant dispersion since they take into account variables like wind speed, atmospheric stability, and emission rate.
- Gaussian models are flexible and can be applied to a wide range of sources, including point sources (like smokestacks), area sources (like landfills), and complex terrain.
- Each model is transparent and well-documented, so regulators and stakeholders can easily understand and evaluate its predictions and assumptions.
- A Gaussian model is widely accepted and used by regulatory agencies around the world for assessing air quality and public health impacts of industrial emissions.

Ultimately, the Gaussian air dispersion model is a powerful tool for predicting and assessing air pollution's impact. I will introduce four of them now. The models and their user manuals are available for free from the USA government, at their Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) support center for regulatory air models.

What is the support center for regulatory air models?

EPA's support center for regulatory air models (SCRAM) provides technical support and information on using air quality models for regulation. In addition to technical guidance documents, software downloads, and training materials, SCRAM is a central repository for air quality modeling information.

SCRAM has a lot of resources for air quality modelers, like:
- Technical manuals and guidance documents for specific models
- Air quality modeling FAQs (common questions)
- EPA-approved air quality models at your fingertips
- Forums and email information services for user support
- Schedules and materials for training and workshops

EPA also offers technical support through a help desk and email support on the SCRAM website. Modelers can get help with technical issues related to air quality modeling from the SCRAM help desk, including model setup and configuration, data inputs, and model output. Now we will compare some models.

What's the difference between ISC3 and Screen3?

These first two models were important ones in their time, and have since been replaced by more modern ones for official purposes in the US. However, they are good learning instruments that are still available and are the easier ones to use.

Regulatory compliance and environmental impact assessments used air dispersion models like ISC3 and SCREEN3. They both have their strengths and weaknesses, though.
- ISC3 (Industrial Source Complex) is a more advanced model used for power plants, refineries, and chemical plants.
- Different factors can affect pollutant dispersion, like building downwash, terrain, and plume rise. Additionally, ISC3 can handle more complex terrain features and multiple emission sources.
- SCREEN3 (Screening Model, a simplified version of ISC3) is often used for smaller sources like gas stations, dry cleaners, and other small businesses. It provides quick estimates of pollutant concentrations and is easy to use. SCREEN3 uses a Gaussian dispersion model and takes basic meteorological data into account, but it doesn't take complex terrain or building effects into account. It is the easiest of these models to learn.
- ISC3 is a more sophisticated and complex model that's good for industrial sources and complex terrain, whereas SCREEN3 is a simpler model that's good for smaller sites with only one smokestack. This depends on the application, the complexity required, and the data available.

What's the difference between AERSCREEN and AERMOD?

For regulatory compliance and environmental impact assessments, AERSCREEN and AERMOD are the current popular Gaussian air dispersion models. The two models differ in these ways:
- AERSCREEN (AERMOD Screening Model) uses AERMOD as its computational engine. It's a simplified version of AERMOD that's used for screening-level assessments of sources. AERSCREEN is faster and easier to use than AERMOD, but its accuracy and applicability are limited.
- AERMOD is a more complex model used for detailed air quality assessments. There are a lot of factors that can affect pollutant dispersion, like building downwash, terrain, and plume rise. AERSCREEN isn't as precise as AERMOD for larger, more complex sources.

Other differences between the two models:
- AERMOD requires more detailed input data such as weather and environmental information, while AERSCREEN uses simplified input data.
- The AERSCREEN model is for flat terrain and sources far from the receptors (places where we want to know about the predicted air quality), while AERMOD can handle more complex terrain and sources closer to the receptors.
- In AERSCREEN, pollutant concentrations are estimated more conservatively, while in AERMOD, they're estimated with greater precision.

AERSCREEN is a screening-level model that's faster and easier to use than AERMOD, but it has some limitations in terms of accuracy and applicability. The AERMOD model is more complex and accurate, so it's used for more detailed assessments of air quality. Choosing between the two models depends on the application, complexity level, and data available.

Finally, let's compare ISC3 to AERMOD

AERMOD replaced ISC3 as the regulatory model. AERMOD and ISC3 estimate pollution levels from point sources. There are strengths and weaknesses to each model, and their suitability for a particular application depends on factors like source type, weather conditions, and regulations.

In complex terrain and urban environments, AERMOD is generally considered more accurate than ISC3. As AERMOD incorporates advanced algorithms for turbulence, atmospheric stability, and terrain, it's better suited to modeling complex scenarios. Thus, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prefers it for regulatory compliance.

As opposed to AERMOD, ISC3 is an older model that's simpler to use. More suitable for modeling relatively simple sources in flatter terrain, it can still provide reasonable estimates of air pollution concentrations for regulatory compliance.

To recap, SCRAM's website and support services are great for air quality modelers working in regulatory contexts, helping them do air quality modeling consistently and accurately. While AERMOD may be more accurate, its complexity and data requirements can make it harder to use. In contrast, ISC3 is less valid, but it's easier to use, so it's good for simpler applications and for introducing yourself to air quality dispersion models. In the end, it depends on your application's specific needs and requirements.

How to get started


Go to the USA government website https://www.epa.gov/scram, scroll down to ISC PRIME - the model I used for many years, and download the executable and the manual. Get to know how to use it. This is good for a variety of source types.

Most of my modelling these days is done with AERMOD - the current one, and CALPUFF when its use is justified. Both of these models are available from the same EPA website. Visit this page instead - https://www.epa.gov/scram/air-quality-dispersion-modeling-preferred-and-recommended-models

Introductory air quality modelling


For simple flare or other single-source input, download the screen3 model and https://www.epa.gov/scram/air-quality-dispersion-modeling-screening-models

I just mentioned CALPUFF. There is something unique about this model that sets it apart from ordinary Gaussian models. It's a LaGrangian puff transport and dispersion model that's a lot more advanced than the models above. SCRAM also offers it for free, but the learning and data requirements require more commitment.

These may be the one for your project here. Have fun with it.

If you need a professional air quality dispersion modeling assessment done, you may contact Barry at Calvin Consulting Group Ltd., 403-547-7557, and I will determine the appropriate model for your situation and complete it for you.

There is plenty of detail in the manuals for these models. Not always the easiest read, though, but worth it. Hope these help...

Barry Lough



Search this site for more information now.

Comments for Air Quality Dispersion Models

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by: steverik

Hi Prasanna, I am an environmental engineer now working as a trainee in a government company. As a trainee I am forced to collect the information regard the air quality dispersion model. And I have not even got any information regarding this topic. If you can help please send e the details of this topic.

From Barry - Air quality dispersion models predict how pollution concentrations will change over time by estimating the concentrations of pollutants in the atmosphere. They're used to inform environmental regulations, identify pollution sources, and assess and mitigate public health risks.

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AERMOD
by: Anonymous

I'm looking for a free version of AERMOD software. Is there a free version? please write it's link here


Barry's Response - Get the latest version from the US government on this page:

https://www.epa.gov/scram/air-quality-dispersion-modeling-preferred-and-recommended-models

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Free version of AERMOD
by: Anonymous

From anonymous comment:
" You can download a fully functional version of BREEZE AERMOD from www.breeze-software.com/freeaermod...And now it is FREE. "

Now free version of Aermod is unavailable. If someone have this free version - please write link to install file, or how to contact.

Thank You in advance !

From Barry -

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provided AERMOD through their SCRAM (Support Center for Regulatory Air Models) website. Please note that availability and access may have changed since writing this. Here's how you can find AERMOD on the SCRAM website:

- Go to the EPA SCRAM website: https://www.epa.gov/scram.

- Find AERMOD: Use the search function on the website to find "AERMOD" or "AERMOD software."

- You can browse available models on the SCRAM website, including AERMOD. Look for "Models" or "Air Dispersion Models" sections or links.

- If AERMOD's free version is still available for download, the website should give you instructions on how to get it. You may find links to download the software, installation guides, and documentation here.

- SCRAM website might have contact info if you can't find the software or if it's no longer available. AERMOD or alternative options can be inquired about through the EPA's provided channels.

Keep in mind that software availability and access can change, so make sure you're getting it from an authorized source. You should always follow any terms of use, licensing agreements, and regulatory guidelines.

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FREE AERMOD Dispersion Model with GUI
by: Anonymous

You can download a fully functional version of BREEZE AERMOD from www.breeze-software.com/freeaermod. It is a great system used by modelers from government, academia, and industry all around the globe. And now it is FREE. More info. on the AERMOD model is available here: www.aermod.com

From Barry - Start your environmental modeling today and see the results for yourself. Check out BREEZE AERMOD now and see what it can do for you. Check it out and see what you think, though if you would rather start without the expensive support data needed, you can test out SCREEN3 for free from the EPA at their Support Center for Regulatory Air Models.

BREEZE AERMOD is a good tool for modeling air quality. You'll get the latest algorithms, datasets, and regulatory info, which are all essential for modeling air quality. Without having to pay for the full version, modelers can get started and evaluate their results for free, even for this one.

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Very short article
by: Amit

Hi,the article is very short,please submit more details.Hopefully you will get the answer soon.

From Barry - These next two comments asked a few questions I placed before visitors and answered. You'll see how I expanded it when you get back here.

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What about its features?
by: MUKESH

a)First impression: At first sight I thought it would be consists of more technical specification and features of the model but there is very little info about the model on the specified page.

b)How interesting was it: It was not much interesting as it has very little information about the model and no interesting stuff was there on it.

c)Would you like to explore any more of the site? :
I would be exploring this site for some more stuff which can add to my technical knowledge as the site has many other technical topics.

d)What would you like to find on this site if you were to search? I would like to search some stuff about electronics and communication devices.

From Barry - It now has detailed descriptions of the models, how to use them, what their outputs are, how to interpret them, and references. Those who want to use either model will find this information invaluable.

Now the model explanation is more detailed and comprehensive. Hopefully it made the presentation more interesting and engaging. Additional information has been added to help the audience understand the concept better.

On this site, you can learn about web development, software engineering, and computer programming. Furthermore, the website has resources to help you increase you knowledge and stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

Finally, detailed articles about electronics and communication devices can be found on this website. I've had experts in the field help write the articles, so they're in-depth. There are also resources and links for more research on the site.

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Where's the info?
by: B. Burton

a) First impression: I thought this would be a longer article with more technical data when I first looked at the page.

b) How interesting was it: It only told me where someone else said someone could find information on air quality dispersion models. It was not that interesting.

c) Would you like to explore any more of the site? Maybe. I might have been more inclined if a different page was presented to me first.

d) What would you like to find on this site if you were to search? Local air quality, how I could find out the air quality, more about satellites, and maybe also some kid friendly information.

From Barry - It was more brief than it is now.

First, it was a concise overview that focused more on the implications of the data than on the data itself. Readers could quickly understand the main points and how they apply to their lives this way.

Secondly, while the text did provide some useful information on air quality dispersion models. Someone who's researching the topic or trying to learn more about it might have found it useful enough. I decided to give a little more up front here in the end.

Thirdly, sorry it wasn't what you expected. It's important for websites to make a good first impression, so visitors will explore more and get more out of it.

When all is said and done: You can find local air quality by searching for your city and what kind of pollutants are there. Check out air quality monitoring stations and satellites for information on how to monitor air quality. There's also kid-friendly information about air quality and its effects on health and the environment on the website.

This extensive sitemap will help you find interesting things to explore. Enjoy!

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