Estimation of Air Pollution Concentration in Sub-urban of Chennai City and Validation of the Same Using Air Quality Models

Abstract

The rapid growth in population and industrial urbanization caused a massive rise in the number of automobiles which are the prime source of air pollution. It is estimated these automobiles contribute around 60% of air pollution in urban areas due to road traffic. A series of case studies is required to predict and foresee the CO levels along the highways, so as to draft a set of traffic administration measures in order to maintain the air quality levels within the standard tolerable limits. Thus, there is an immediate and alarming need to develop the checking of emission inventory competences in these urban cities which are essential for the formulation of a wide range of air pollution management strategies. There is also a critical need to develop modelling capabilities based on Indian standards. The National Highway, NH-45 between Tambaram and Chengalpet, of the Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu, Chennai, India Was selected for the study. Carbon monoxide (CO) concentration has been monitored at six interfaces. The CO concentration values were compared with NAAQS, and the same CO values were predicted using California LINE Source Dispersion Model, version 4 (CALINE4), American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD). This specific study has concluded that the two models, CALINE4 and AERMOD, are capable of producing accurate predictions to a great extent.