Air quality prediction in urban and semi-urban regions with generalised input–Output analysis: The Hunter Region, Australia

Abstract

The Hunter Region in New South Wales, Australia, is experiencing very rapid industrial development, which is almost exclusively based on its vast coal reserves. In recent years, air quality has emerged as a major public issue and as a possible constraint on development. This paper explores the use of applied input output analysis for air quality assessment and management in the Hunter Region. The technique links economic activities to pollutant emissions and yields total emissions, which are spatially allocated across the region for use with an air pollutant dispersion model. Results are reported of regional case studies for sulphur oxides and fluorides using the Dennis (Smeared Concentration Approximation) model. It is shown that the technique described in this paper provides a comprehensive picture, both spatially and temporally, of the effects of economic change on regional air quality. The paper concludes with a discussion of the technique as a regional air quality management and planning tool.