Analysis of Air Pollution in Urban Areas with Airviro Dispersion Model—A Case Study in the City of Sheffield, United Kingdom

Abstract

Two air pollutants, oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM10), are monitored and modelled employing Airviro air quality dispersion modelling system in Sheffield, United Kingdom. The aim is to determine the most significant emission sources and their spatial variability. NOx emissions (ton/year) from road traffic, point and area sources for the year 2017 were 5370, 6774, and 2425, whereas those of PM10 (ton/year) were 345, 1449, and 281, respectively, which are part of the emission database. The results showed three hotspots of NOx, namely the Sheffield City Centre, Darnall and Tinsley Roundabout (M1 J34S). High PM10 concentrations were shown mainly between Sheffield Forgemasters International (a heavy engineering steel company) and Meadowhall Shopping Centre. Several emission scenarios were tested, which showed that NOx concentrations were mainly controlled by road traffic, whereas PM10 concentrations were controlled by point sources. Spatiotemporal variability and public exposure to air pollution were analysed. NOx concentration was greater than 52 µg/m3 in about 8 km2 area, where more than 66 thousand people lived. Models validated by observations can be used to fill in spatiotemporal gaps in measured data. The approach used presents spatiotemporal situation awareness maps that could be used for decision making and improving the urban infrastructure.

A Nonlinear Land Use Regression Approach for Modelling NO2 Concentrations in Urban Areas—Using Data from Low-Cost Sensors and Diffusion Tubes

“…Western part of the city especially Peak District National Park has shown lower level of NO 2 concentrations due to high altitude and limited amount of minor and major roads. Recently, Munir et al [21] using Airviro dispersion modelling system, have reported similar results in Sheffield. However, the results of this study are much more detailed (100 m × 100 m resolution), successfully capturing micro-level local variations in NO 2 concentrations, intended for quantifying public exposure.…”

“…According to 2011 census Sheffield City had a population of 552,700, however, since then the population has grown and according to more recent estimates has reached about 700,000. Among gaseous pollutants, NO 2 is the pollutant of concern in Sheffield and most of the AQMA in Sheffield is declare due to the elevated levels of NO 2 concentrations mostly emitted by road traffic [21].…”

“…In addition, due to tall chimneys the emissions from the industry are not read by the local sensors. More recently Munir et al [21] reported that industrial emissions in Sheffield had significant effect on the level of PM 10 , but not on the levels of NO 2 .…”

“…There are two types of LCS: 13 AQMesh pods and 27 Envirowatch E-motes. For a brief description of these sensors see Munir et al [21,22]. DT and LCS have relatively high uncertainty (about 25 to 30%) as compared to reference sensors (15%).…”

An Air Pollutant Emission Reduction Path of China’s Power Industry

“…Air pollutants that are emitted along with fossil fuel combustion have an unpredictable impact on the atmospheric environment and climate conditions [1]. With the increasing knowledge of global environmental protection, the control of air pollutants has attracted more and more attention from all levels of society [2].…”