Gaussian Dispersion Model to Estimate the Dispersion of Particulate Matters (Pm_2.5) and Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂) Concentrations on Tribal Land, Oklahoma

Abstract

Air quality in most parts of Kay County is good and unlikely to cause major health problems. However, Kaw Nation wants to know if the concentration of Particulate matters (PM_2.5) and Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) released from power plants, refinery and carbon black plant in Oklahoma reaches the Tribal land at Kanza Travel Plaza, Braman, Kay Co. Oklahoma. Kanza Travel Plaza is located in the north central Oklahoma 22 miles Northwest of Ponca City at a latitude of 36.9395 degrees North and longitude of -97.3453 degrees West. In order to estimate the concentration of PM_2.5 and SO₂ that reaches the Tribal land, Kaw Nation run the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulatory air quality model called AERMOD (Version 15181). AERMOD is a steady state plume model that measures dispersion of gases and particulate matters from the source to the point of impact within source radius. The study sites are flat and rural conditions with less complex terrain. Meteorological data representative of the study area was preprocessed using AERMET program. AERMET prepares hourly surface data and upper air data. The hourly surface data was obtained from Station #3965 (Stillwater Regional), while the upper air data was obtained from Station #3948 (Norman). The Building parameters such as height and length were processed using the building profile called BPIB. To calculate the concentration of PM_2.5 and SO₂ air pollutants released from the coal power plant the Gaussian air molding (AERMOD) used Control, Source, Receptor, Metrological and Output pathways. The AERMOD result indicates at least 19-26% of PM_2.5 and SO₂ released from the stacks of the power plants, refinery and carbon black plant into the atmosphere reaches the Tribal land. Based on the Gaussian air modeling (AERMOD and BAM 1020 Continuous Air monitor) less than 12 µg/m³ of pollutant has been captured that falls within the attainment zone as per the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).