Distributed computing for region-wide line source dispersion modeling

This work introduces a parallelly distributed computing technique to quantify the traffic-related pollutant concentrations at regional scales. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-recommended dispersion model AERMOD involves complex model setup that requires extensive data inputs with strict formatting rules. These strict requirements increase the likelihood of human errors, especially in larger-scale high-resolution dispersion modeling. The paper presents a streamlined framework that integrates the processes of data preparation, link and receptor configuration, and mobile source emissions modeling. The emissions model is then connected with dispersion model through a parallel computing system. Such linkages allow high-resolution traffic-related air quality impacts to be estimated at the regional scales with high computational efficiency. The tool can be used by a broad audience, including any stakeholders interested in mobile source emissions modeling, and near-road pollutant concentration modeling under the National Environmental Policy Act, and Clean Air Act transportation and air quality conformity analysis.