A General Finite Line Source Model for vehicular pollution prediction

Abstract

A simple General Finite Line Source Model (GFLSM), based on the Gaussian diffusion equation is formulated so that it could be used for any orientation of wind direction with roadway and also does not have the infinite line source constraint of the General Motors (GM) model. The GFLSM is also modified to predict particulate concentrations by incorporating some simple corrections. The GFLSM, along with some other models viz. GM, CALINE-3 and HIWAY-2, has been applied to predict carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations near two traffic junctions in Bombay city. Staistical analysis of the predicted and observed (coilected by Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay) CO levels reveals that the GFLSM performs better than other models when the line source is relatively finite in length. The modified GFLSM for particulates along with the GM model has been evaluated against the data base prepared by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and it is observed that the new model gives satisfactory results.