Use of dispersion modelling for Environmental Impact Assessment of biological air pollution from composting: Progress, problems and prospects

Tyrrel, S. F.; Williams, W. B.; Hayes, Enda T.; Douglas, P.; Kinnersley, R. P.; Walsh, K.; O'Driscoll, M.; Longhurst, P. J.; Pollard, S. J.T.; Drew, G. H.

doi:10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.023

Authors

S. F. Tyrrel

Ben Williams Ben3.Williams@uwe.ac.uk
Senior Research Fellow in Air Quality Management

Enda Hayes Enda.Hayes@uwe.ac.uk
Professor in Air Quality and Carbon Management

P. Douglas

R. P. Kinnersley

K. Walsh

M. O'Driscoll

P. J. Longhurst

S. J.T. Pollard

G. H. Drew

Abstract

© 2017 The Authors With the increase in composting as a sustainable waste management option, biological air pollution (bioaerosols) from composting facilities have become a cause of increasing concern due to their potential health impacts. Estimating community exposure to bioaerosols is problematic due to limitations in current monitoring methods. Atmospheric dispersion modelling can be used to estimate exposure concentrations, however several issues arise from the lack of appropriate bioaerosol data to use as inputs into models, and the complexity of the emission sources at composting facilities. This paper analyses current progress in using dispersion models for bioaerosols, examines the remaining problems and provides recommendations for future prospects in this area. A key finding is the urgent need for guidance for model users to ensure consistent bioaerosol modelling practices.

Citation

Tyrrel, S. F., Williams, W. B., Douglas, P., Hayes, E. T., Kinnersley, R. P., Walsh, K., …Drew, G. H. (2017). Use of dispersion modelling for Environmental Impact Assessment of biological air pollution from composting: Progress, problems and prospects. Waste Management, 70, 22-29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.023

Journal Article Type	Review
Acceptance Date	Aug 9, 2017
Online Publication Date	Sep 7, 2017
Publication Date	Dec 1, 2017
Journal	Waste Management
Print ISSN	0956-053X
Electronic ISSN	1879-2456
Publisher	Elsevier
Peer Reviewed	Peer Reviewed
Volume	70
Pages	22-29
DOI	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.023
Keywords	bioaerosols, compost, dispersion modelling, environmental impact assessment
Public URL	https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/876761
Publisher URL	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2017.08.023