Abstract
The aim of this research was to develop an advanced screening model that can be used quickly to identify areas of high pollution. The thesis describes the development of a new dispersion simulation that uses results from parametric studies of an existing advanced dispersion model. The output from the PARAmetrically Derived dispersion Simulation (PARADIS) is in the form of a receptor grid. This information may then be used in a Geographical Information System to produce pollutant contour maps. The main objective of PARADIS was to assist Environmental Health Officers in their duty, under Part IV of the Environment Act 1995, in identifying areas that are likely to exceed Statutory Objectives for Air Quality within their area. PARADIS allows both manual and automated input through ESRI ArcMapRTM. These options permit the user to input data for each individual 'road-link' or import the data from a validated traffic model. The automated option vastly reduces the input time often required for dispersion models. PARADIS was further developed to include 3 additional tools that pinpoint locations where exceedences of the Air Quality Objectives are likely to occur. PARADIS was validated through comparison with monitored data from both diffusion tubes and real-time units. The model was then used in several case- studies to examine the behaviour of traffic related pollutants in a variety of settings and future scenarios. These investigations were completed far more quickly than the methodology currently adopted by local authorities and other investigators. Finally, some ideas to further develop PARADIS are presented. These included the identification of specific sensitive receptor locations, automated validation and links to external programs for transport planning and public knowledge. The reduction of air pollution levels within the UK is a long-term Governmental Objective. The research undertaken in this thesis has demonstrated the need for a faster approach to determining air quality within a local area, such as that proposed by PARADIS.