Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


toledo1356102471.pdf (4.45 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

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

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

Abstract Details

2013, Master of Arts, University of Toledo, Geography.
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.
Patrick Lawrence (Committee Chair)
Kevin Czajkowski (Committee Member)
Bhuiyan Alam (Committee Member)
108 p.
Engineering; Environmental Engineering; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geographic Information Science; Geography
GIS; Air quality; Dispersion modeling; AERMOD

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Danish, F. (2013). Application of GIS in Visualization and Assessment of Ambient Air Quality for SO2 in Lima Ohio [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1356102471

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Danish, Farzana. Application of GIS in Visualization and Assessment of Ambient Air Quality for SO2 in Lima Ohio. 2013. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1356102471.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Danish, Farzana. "Application of GIS in Visualization and Assessment of Ambient Air Quality for SO2 in Lima Ohio." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2013. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1356102471

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

toledo1356102471
2,106
© 2013, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.