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A dispersion model is a
series of equations which describe the relationship between the concentration and release rate of a pollutant in the
atmosphere from a specific location, and factors affecting the dispersion and
dilution in the atmosphere.
Models can range from
simple spreadsheets to sophisticated computer programmes. The simplest involve
a step by step process of entering the required data to obtain a final result.
The more complex have multiple sources and can require input files of data in
the correct format, e.g. meteorological data.
By entering local data, which is
accurate as possible, it is possible to estimate the concentration of
pollutants at different parts of a municipality where there is no existing
monitoring. The model can be compared with, and corrected by known monitoring
results. It may also be possible to estimate what air quality will be like in
the future when some factors may be different, e.g. more traffic on the roads.
Similarly, a model can be used as a planning tool to investigate different
scenarios, e.g. a different road network or the addition of a large industrial
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