Development of a Local-Scale Spatially Refined Multimedia Fate Model (LSRMFM) for Urban-Scale Risk Assessment: Model Formulation, GIS-Based Preprocessing, and Case Study

Abstract

A local-scale spatially refined multimedia fate model (LSRMFM) was developed to evaluate in detail the multimedia transport of organic compounds at a spatial level. The model was derived using a combination of an advection-dispersion-reaction partial differential equation, a steady-state multimedia fugacity model, and a geographical information system. The model was applied to predicting four major volatile organic compounds that are produced as emissions (benzene, toluene, xylene, and styrene) in an urban and industrial area (the 50×50-km area was divided into 0.5×0.5-km segments) in Korea. To test the accuracy of the model, the LSRMFM was used to predict the extent of dispersion and the data compared with actual measured concentrations and the results of a generic multimedia fate model (GMFM). The results indicated that the method developed herein is appropriate for predicting long-term multimedia pollution. However, the comparison study also illustrated that the developed model has some limitations (e.g., steadystate assumption) in terms of explaining all the observed concentrations, and additional verification and study (e.g., validation using a large observed data set, integration with a more accurate runoff model) would be desirable. In comparing LSRMFM and GMFM, discrepancies between the LSRMFM and GMFM outputs were found, as the result of geographical effects, even though the environmental parameters were identical. The geographical variation for LSRMFM output indicated the existence of considerable local human and ecological risks, whereas the GMFM output indicated less average risk. These results demonstrate that the model has the potential for improving the management of pollutant levels under these refined spatial conditions.

SO-MUM: A Coupled Atmospheric Transport and Multimedia Model Used to Predict Intraurban-Scale PCB and PBDE Emissions and Fate

“…Multibox multimedia models have been applied on a global scale (e.g., Globo-POP and CliMoChem) and have been coupled to atmospheric transport models to assess long-range transport . These strategies have also been used on regional scales, for example BETR in North America and Europe. , However, one box models have been used to study POPs on an urban scale. , Multibox fugacity models on smaller scales, such as 5 km and 0.5 km, have been used to study Lindane in the Great Lakes Region; dioxins in Japan without a detailed air transport model; and volatile organic compounds in Seoul, South Korea under steady-state conditions . Morselli et al , have coupled a one-box multimedia fugacity model to a meteorological model to study urban PCBs and PAHs.…”

“…13,36 Multibox fugacity models on smaller scales, such as 5 km and 0.5 km, have been used to study Lindane in the Great Lakes Region; 37 dioxins in Japan without a detailed air transport model; 38 and volatile organic compounds in Seoul, South Korea under steady-state conditions. 39 Morselli et al 15,40 have coupled a one-box multimedia fugacity model to a meteorological model to study urban PCBs and PAHs.…”