A Model for Predicting Air Quality Along Highways

About the report:

The subject of this report is an air quality prediction model for highways, AIRPOL Version 2, July 1973. AIRPOL has been developed by modifying the basic Gaussian approach to gaseous dispersion. The resultant model is smooth and continuous throughout its entire range, which adds mathematical credence to its applicability. AIRPOL has the capability to model a wide variety of real-world highway pollution problems. It can handle elevated, depressed, and at-grade roadways. It can be used to analyze any number of lanes for divided or undivided highways as well as ramps and service roads. AIRPOL is even capable of making an analysis of concentrations upwind from a pollution source. Field studies have been initiated to verify AIRPOL Version 2 and to provide empirical information should future modifications be necessary. The limited-test data available so far indicate a satisfactory correlation between observed and predicted CO levels. The computer program AIRPOL has been structured such that it can easily be modified to accept upgraded data on emission factors for CO, HC, and NOx as they become available. Furthermore, should future modifications to the model be necessary the modular design of AIRPOL will simplify the transition from Version 2 to Version 3.

Authors