Abstract

Influences of different computational grid resolutions on modeled ambient benzene concentrations from open burning were assessed in this study. The CALPUFF (California Puff Mesoscale Dispersion Model) was applied to simulate maximum ground level concentration over the modeling domain of 100 × 100 km2. Meteorological data of the year 2014 was simulated from the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Four different grid resolutions were tested including 0.75 km, 1 km, 2 km and 3 km resolutions. Predicted values of the maximum 24-h average concentrations obtained from the finest grid resolution (0.75 km) were set as reference values. In total, there were 1089 receptors used as reference locations for comparison of the results from different computational grid resolutions. Comparative results revealed that the larger the grid resolution, the higher the over-prediction of the results. Nevertheless, it was found that increasing the grid resolution from the finest resolution (0.75 km) to coarser resolutions (1 km, 2 km and 3 km) resulted in reduction of computational time by approximately 66%, 97% and >99% as compared with the reference grid resolution, respectively. Results revealed that the grid resolution of 1 km is the most appropriate resolution with regard to both accuracy of predicted data and acceptable computational time for the model simulation of the open burning source.

Highlights

  • Agricultural residue burning is classified as an area source of air pollution emitting various kinds of gaseous and particulate pollutants [1,2]

  • The highest value of the maximum 24-h average concentrations obtained from the finest grid resolution of 0.75 km was

  • The influences of different computational grid resolutions on predicted ambient benzene concentrations from the open burning of maize residue in Nan province, Thailand were assessed in this study

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Summary

Introduction

Agricultural residue burning is classified as an area source of air pollution emitting various kinds of gaseous and particulate pollutants [1,2]. Emissions of these pollutants into the atmosphere can extensively affect environmental quality, visibility, transportation as well as public health [3]. Numerous studies indicated that various VOC species are emitted from agriculture residue burning [4,5,6]. Northern Thailand has experienced air pollution and regional haze problems from burning activities that annually occur during the dry season (January–April). The open burning of maize residues was suggested as one of the major cause of this problem.

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