Application of GIS in Visualization and Assessment of Ambient Air Quality for SO2 in Lima Ohio

The deterioration of urban air quality due to industrialization or other anthropogenic reasons is of great concern because it poses serious threats to environment and human health. EPA regulates and monitors air quality to protect public health and welfare at stations located throughout USA. However, air quality observed at these sparsely located monitoring stations may not always represent the actual air quality in areas where population is mainly located. This study aims to utilize a geographic information system (GIS) approach to visualize and assess ambient air quality on smaller scale (block group level) and present it in a simplified manner using maps that are easy to understand by general public. The study uses AERMOD (US EPA recommended regulatory model) to simulate SO2 concentrations in Lima Ohio for year 2001. Model results were compared with observed values for the same year to assess the degree of representativeness of the model results. Spatial distribution of model results were shown on maps using a GIS analytical tool. Concentrations were further classified in terms of air quality index (AQI) values and color coded maps were prepared using AQI color palette. Population distribution maps were also prepared to examine potential exposure. Air quality was analyzed for 1-hour, 3-hour, 24- hour and annual average concentrations of SO2 in year 2001. The study reveals that the pollution level in City of Lima was generally above national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) and WHO guidelines when assessed at the smaller scale (block group), although it is an attainment area. The study also reveals that the majority of the population is exposed to poor air quality and a considerable number of people even live in areas where air quality is hazardous.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Geography

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Toledo

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Danish, Farzana

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lawrence, Patrick

• Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Studies
• Geographic Information Science
• Geography
• GIS
• Air quality
• Dispersion modeling
• AERMOD

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1356102471

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:toledo1356102471