Comparison of two peak-to-mean approaches for use in odour dispersion models

Abstract

In this paper, two approaches to estimate odour concentrations in dispersion models are compared. The approaches differ in the estimation of the momentary (peak) odour concentration for the time interval of a single human breath (approximately 5 s). The Austrian Odour Dispersion Model (AODM) is a Gaussian model with peak-to-mean factors depending on wind speed and atmospheric stability. The German Lagrange code AUSTAL2000 uses a constant factor 4 in all meteorological conditions to derive the maximum odour concentration over a short integration time. As the Lagrange model, in contrast to the Gauss model, can be applied also in complex topography and with isolated buildings, the implementation of the Austrian peak-to-mean approach in AUSTAL2000 would enable for more realistic separation distances in these environments. In a current scientific project, this implementation will be carried out, and a comparison of separation distances with AODM and AUSTAL2000 will be undertaken.