Mathematical Modelling and Field Measurements of Nitrogen Oxides in Metropolitan Areas

Abstract

A mathematical model for the prediction of pollutant emissions from motor vehicles is presented. The model is based on the numerical solution of the three-dimensional equation representing the mass conservation of dilute diffusing species. The variation of wind speed and eddy diffusivity with height is taken into consideration. The three-dimensional diffusion equation is solved numerically. The numerical procedure involves the discretization of the partial differential equation using the finite volume approach. The resulting set of discretization equation is solved iteratively using a fully implicit solution procedure. Furthermore, field measurements of the concentrations of nitrogen oxide in the downtown area of Cairo were conducted. For this purpose, a mobile air pollution laboratory fitted with gas analyzers, particulate matter sampler and equipment for the measurement of wind speed and direction has been used. This laboratory is also fitted with data recording and monitoring facility. The mathematical model is tested by comparing the computed pollutant concentrations with the experimental data obtained from the field measurements in the Cairo Metropolitan Area.