Understanding true pollutant concentrations in a regional city

Decision makers use transport models (e.g. atmospheric dispersion) to predict areas that are likely to experience elevated concentrations of pollutants. The available input data and assumptions for these models are often limited for small towns and communities or neighbourhoods within a larger city, and predictions are less accurate at low transport rates (e.g. very low wind speeds).

Data driven decision making

Coupling models and measurement: understanding true pollutant concentrations, emission sources, personal exposure, and spatial dimensions.

The models inform areas of interest. The use of spatial measurement networks incorporating transport pollutant and transport (e.g. meteorological) monitors provides highly targeted measurement to accurately establish:

  • True pollutant concentrations,
  • The emission sources within specific areas,
  • Estimates of personal exposure
  • The boundaries or spatial dimensions of the high pollution areas.

Mote’s monitoring networks typically use 3-4 layers of instruments to provide:

  • Accuracy of measurement,
  • Precision across the spatial field and
  • Granularity (ultra-high density) of measurement in key locations.