2. INTRODUCTION
• The Gaussian plume model is a (relatively)
simple mathematical model that is typically
applied to point source emitters, such as coal-
burning electricity-producing plants to
determine the pollution.
• Occasionally, this model will be applied to
non-point source emitters, such as exhaust
from automobiles in an urban area.
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3. What is mathematical modeling?
When the process of problem reduction or
solution involves transforming some idealized
form of the real world situation into mathematical
terms,it goes under generic name of mathematical
modeling.
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4. Air Quality Modeling (AQM)
• Predict pollutant concentrations at various
locations around the source.
• Identify source contribution to air quality
problems.
• Access source impacts and design control
strategies.
• Predict future pollutant concentrations from
sources after implementation of new
regulatory programs.
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5. System approach to air quality model
What is air quality model ?
A mathematical relationship between emissions and air quality
that incorporates the transport, dispersion and transformation of
compounds emitted into the air.
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6. Air Quality Models
DETERMINISTIC STATISTICAL PHYSICAL
STEADY STATE TIME DEPENDENT
REGRESSION EMPIRICAL
WINDTUNNEL
SIMULATION
GAUSSIAN PLUME
BOX GRID PUFF TRAJECTORYSPECTRAL
LAGRANGIAN
EULERIAN
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7. The deterministic mathematical models calculate the
pollutant concentrations from emission inventory and
meteorological variables according to the solution of
various equations that represent the relevant physical
processes.
Deterministic modeling is the traditional approach for
the prediction of air pollutant concentrations in urban
areas.
What is deterministic approach?
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8. 8
Gaussian Dispersion Models
• Most widely used
• Based on the assumption
– plume spread results primarily by molecular diffusion
– horizontal and vertical pollutant concentrations in the plume are
normally distributed (double Gaussian distribution)
• Plume spread and shape vary in response to meteorological
conditions
H
X
Y
Z
u
Q
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10. Factors Affecting Dispersion of
Pollutants In The Atmosphere
Source Characteristics
Emission rate of pollutant
Stack height
Exit velocity of the gas
Exit temperature of the gas
Stack diameter
Meteorological Conditions
Wind velocity
Wind direction
Ambient temperature
Atmospheric stability
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11. Model Parameters
The model is based on our knowledge of the
following parameters:
The emissions characteristics (stack exit
velocity, plume rise, temperature, stack
diameter)
Terrain (surface roughness, local topography,
nearby buildings)
State of the atmosphere (wind speed, stability,
mixing height, wind direction)
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12. 12
Model Assumptions
• Gaussian dispersion modeling based on a number of
assumptions including
– Steady-state conditions (constant source emission strength)
– Wind speed, direction and diffusion characteristics of the
plume are constant
– Mass transfer due to bulk motion in the x-direction far
outshadows the contribution due to mass diffusion
– Conservation of mass, i.e. no chemical transformations take
place
– Wind speeds are >1 m/sec.
– Limited to predicting concentrations > 50 m downwind
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13. The Diffusion Equation and the
Gaussian Plume Model
13
The mass rate of diffusion Nx of a gaseous species in the
x-direction at some cross-sectional area A is given by the
expression
Nx = -A(∂(DxC)/ ∂x)Nx is mass transfer per unit time
Dx is mass diffusivity in X direction, area/time
C is concentration in mass per unit volume
A is cross sectional area in X direction
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15. 15
Where; x = along- wind coordinate measured in wind direction from the source
y = cross-wind coordinate direction
z = vertical coordinate measured from the ground
C(x,y,z) = mean concentration of diffusing substance at a point (x,y,z) [kg/m3]
Dy,Dz = mass diffusivity in the direction of the y- and z- axes [m2/s]
U = mean wind velocity along the x-axis [m/s]
Time rate of change and advection of the cloud by the mean wind
Turbulent diffusion of material relative to the center of the pollutant
cloud.( the cloud will expand over time due to these terms.)
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16. 16
The rate of transfer of pollutant through any vertical plane
downwind from the source is a constant in steady state, and this
constant must equal the emission rate of the source, Q.
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17. 17
Where Q is the strength of the emission source, mass
emitted per unit time
After integrating,
Gaussian parameters
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18. 18
Where;
c( x, y, z ) = mean concentration of diffusing substance at a point ( x, y, z ) [kg/m3]
x = downwind distance [m],
y = crosswind distance [m],
z = vertical distance above ground [m],
Q = contaminant emission rate [mass/s],
σx = lateral dispersion coefficient function [m],
σy = vertical dispersion coefficient function [m],
U = mean wind velocity in downwind direction [m/s],
H = effective stack height [m].
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21. 2-D STEADY DISPERSION MODEL
GROUND REFLECTION
• From the release height of H above ground,
dispersion can progress upward towards the mixing
height. In the downward direction the ground acts as
a mirror unless the pollutant gets deposited.
• The effect of the ground can be handled
mathematically by treating the reflection as another
point source located below ground (at - H)
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23. 23
Gaussian Dispersion Equation
If the emission source is at ground level with no
effective plume rise then
2
2
2
2
2
1
exp,,
zyzy
zy
u
Q
zyxC
Ground level concentration( when Z = 0 )
The point of maximum concentration occur along plume centre line.
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2
)0,0( 5.0exp
2
zzy
yz
H
u
Q
c
22
)0( 5.0exp5.0exp
2
zyzy
z
Hy
u
Q
c
39. Advantages of Gaussian model
Produce results that match closely with experimental data
Simple in their mathematics
Quicker than numerical models
Do not require super computers
Disadvantages of Gaussian model
Not suitable if the pollutant is reactive in nature
Unable to predict concentrations beyond radius of approximately
20 Km
For greater distances, wind variations, mixing depths and
temporal variations become predominant
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40. Conclusion
• Air pollution in cities is a serious public health
problem. Therefore, there is need for reliable
air quality management system for abatement
of urban air pollution problem
• Gaussian plume model is a very effective
method in determining pollutant
concentrations in atmosphere.
• Gaussian model is the most widely used AQM
to predict pollutant concentrations.
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41. REFERENCES
• Weber, E., “Air pollution assessment modeling methodology”, NATO,
challenges of modern society, vol.2, Plenum press, 1982
• Chastain, J.P. 1999. Air Quality and Odor Control from Swine Production
Facilities. chapter 9 in Confined Animal Manure Managers Certification
Program Manual, Clemson University, Clemson SC, pp 9-1 to 9-11,
http//hubcap.clemson.edu/scafrs/Peedee/certifi/CAMM.html.
• www.mfe.govt
• http://www.csiir.ornl.gov
• Rao, M.N. and Rao, H. V. N., 1993. Air Pollution, Tata Mc-Graw Hill, New
Delhi.
• Murty, B. P., 2004. Environmental Meteorology, I.K. International Pvt.
Ltd., New Delhi.
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