A three-dimensional steady-state atmospheric dispersion-deposition model for emissions from a ground-level area source

Abstract

An analytical solution to the steady-state three-dimensional atmospheric dispersion equation has been developed for the transport of non-buoyant emissions from a continuous ground-level area source. The model incorporates power law profiles for the variation of wind speed and vertical eddy diffusivity with height, represents the lateral eddy diffusivity as a function of wind speed and the crosswind dispersion coefficient, and includes dry deposition as a removal mechanism. The model is well suited for accurate prediction of emission concentration levels in the vicinity of an area source, as well as farther downwind, under neutral or stable atmospheric conditions. The impact of the important model parameters on contaminant dispersion is examined. The results from several simulations, compared with point and line sources of equivalent source strength, indicate that at short downwind distances, predictions of contaminant concentrations emitted from area sources may be unacceptably inaccurate unless the structure of the source is properly taken into account.