4.

Atmospheric Diffusion Theories

*In the air pollution literature,next class of models is usually called diffusion models.
*These are often called as dispersion models,as diffusion is reserved for molecular diffusion ,which is
not the principal mechanism described by the models.
4.1Dispersion model
Atmospheric dispersion modelling is “the mathematical simulation of how air pollutants dispersion in
the ambient atmosphere.
*Modeleing,is a mathematical representation of pollutants dispersion and the factors that influence it.
*As an extension of these mathematical representations,scientists also use computer modelling to
produce graphic representation of the transport and dispersion of air pollution.
Types of pollutant dispersion:
(a)Distribution of pollutants injected within and outside the air cavity.
(b)The effect of streamlining an obstacle during thedesign phase of stack.
*Two common models used by the U.S EPA atr the “Assessment population Exposure” model
(ASPEN)and the “industrial Source Complex”(ISC) Model
*These two models are frequently used in the permitting process and for environmental health
impacts,because they indicate hoe the the pollutant sources will affect the air and potentially the
exposed populations health risk.
(i)ASPEN-Assessment Population Exposure Model
*This model calculates ambient air levels baed on mmeteorology,chemistry and rates which toxins are
emitted into the atmosphere.
*Currently ASPEN’S are in conjuction with Hazardous Air Pollutant Exposure Models(HAPEM4) as
a Screening tool to examine national exposure levels of specific toxic air pollutants.
*Estimate exposures can be combines with health impact information to estimate population health
risk.(U.S.EPA,2000).
(ii)ISC-Industrial Source Complex Model
*ISC is a more specific and precise tool
*This uses local data and predicts pollutant levels at specific locations.
*ISC is a steady-stateQuassians plume model that can be used to estimate air pollutant concentrations
from a variety of source associated with an industry source complex.
*The accuracy of the models is limited by the pollutants of simplifying complex factors that affect the
transport and dispersion of air pollution.
Conclusion
*Meteorology plays an important role in transport and dispersion of air pollution.
*It is important to study its role within the strategies to control air pollution as a part of air pollution
dispersion.
*As emissions released from one region continue to affect population and ecosystems,air pollution
dispersion models must attempt to understand the complex effects of meteorology on transport and
dispersion of air pollutants
Gaussian Plume model
*Gaussian plume model is used to calculate the concentration of a pollutant downwind of a point
source.
*Gaussian plume equation for calculating ground level concentration,
Where z is zero.
Where,
(x,y)=concentration at ground level
Q=emission rate of pollutants g/s
H=effective stack height
U=average wind speed at effective stack height.
Sy&Sz=Horizontal and vertical dispersion coefficients respectively.
*The dispersion coefficients depends on the atmospheric stability and increase with the downwind
distance from the source.
*The Gaussian plume equation can be used to predict ground level pollutant concentrations for a
pollution source.
Fig.shows the coordinates system and Gaussian plume idea.

*The contaminated gas stream normally known as plume.

For Gaussian plume calculation, the plume is aaumed to be emitted from a point 0,0,Heff.
1.whereHeff is the effective stack height which is the sum of the physical stack height(h) and the plume
rise( Δh)
*To find out the dispersion of plume by the Gaussian model.the plume rise height has to be completed.
Model Assumptions
(i)continuous constant pollutants emissions
(ii)Conservation of mass in atmosphere
1.No reactions between pollutants
2.When pollutants hit ground,reflected absorbed.
(iii)Steady-state meterological condition
1.short term assumption
(iv)Concentration profiles are represented by Gaussian distribution.
Bell curve shape
Approach
*Assume each individual plume in Gaussian manner.

Result
Concentration profile with bell –shaped curve.

The concentration at ground level at point(x,y,z)-the Gaussian equation is

Where,
µ=Wind Speed,ms-1
Q=discharge of pollutant (µg/s)
H=h+Δh,m
H=physical stack height
Δh=plume rise
x,y=stack location,m
z=location of interest,m
σz and σy=function of atmospheric stability class
where, σy-----> horizontal dispersion coeff,m
σz----->vertical dispersion coeff,m
 BASICS OF AIR POLLUTION DISPERSSION MODEL

The Models are based on simple material balance principles.

*The general balance equation for a air pollution models can be written as follows.

Accumulation Rate=(All flow rates in)-(All

flow rates out)+(Creation rate)-(Destruction
Input Data Required:rate)

(i)Meterological Conditions
(ii)Emission or Release Parameters
(iii)Terrain Elevations
(iv)Location,height and Width of any obstructions.
(v) Source Term

The atmospheric dispersion models are known as “atmospheric diffusion models”or air
dispersions models or “air pollution dispersion models” or “air quality models”.
Plume Rise
Gases that are emitted from stacks are often pushed out by fans. As the turbulent
exhaust gases exit the stack they mix with ambient air. This mixing of ambient air
into the plume is called entrainment. As the plume entrains air into it, the plume
diameter grows as it travels downwind. These gases have momentum as they enter
the atmosphere. Often these gases are heated and are warmer than the outdoor air.
In these cases the emitted gases are less dense than the outside air and are therefore
buoyant. grt travels
A combination of the gases' momentum and buoyancy causes the gases to rise. This is
referred to as plume rise and allows air pollutants emitted in this gas stream to be lofted
higher in the atmosphere. Since the plume is higher in the atmosphere and at a further
distance from the ground, the plume will disperse more before it reaches ground level.
theseases are a Effective Stack Height
H=h+∆h
Where:
H = Effective stack height (m)
h = height of physical stack (m)
∆h= plume rise (m)
  Holland’s equation is suitable for computing
 Effective Stack Height (Holland’s formula) for neutral conditions
1. ∆hNeutral condition
2. ∆hIncresed by 10 to 20%-->Unstable
3. ∆hDecreased by 20 to 10%-->Stable
*Frequently used equation for computing ∆h is given by Davidson and Bryant as
∆h=D(Vs/u)1.4[1+Ts-Ta/Ts]

are therefore buoyant.

door air. In these cases the emitted gases are less dense than the outside air and
Gases that ae often pud out by fans. As the turbulent exhaust gases exit the stack they mix with

ambient air. This mixing of ament air into the plume is called entrainment. As the plume entrains air

into it, the plume diameter grows as it travels downwind. These gases have momentum as they enter
the atmosphere. Often these gases are heated and are warmer than the outdoor air. In these cases the

emitted gases are less dense than the outside air and are therefore buoyant.