A partnership between Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs and the Russ College of Engineering, the Center for Air Quality conducts comprehensive air quality research that supports Ohio and other Midwest states in their efforts to comply with increasingly tighter air quality standards. The Center serves as an integrated research and analysis entity whose work supports governmental agencies, city governments, universities, companies, and industries; helping the region to understand its air pollution and improve its air quality.
Air quality modeling involves the use of mathematical techniques to simulate the physical and chemical processes air pollutants carry out when released into the atmosphere. By manipulating meteorological and source data, the Center for Air Quality can model the transport of pollutants like PM 2.5 (fine particulate matter), ozone (smog), and mercury. For example, the team is currently using funds from the U.S. Department of Energy to operate the CMAQ (Community Multiscale Air Quality) chemical transport model to assess the emission and transport of mercury, arsenic, and fine particulate matter from regional coal-based power plants in the Ohio River Valley.
While modeling supports scientific understanding of air quality issues, it also significantly impacts policy and regulation. “Air quality photochemical modeling is important,” explains Myoung Woo Kim, modeling and data analysis manager, “because it can be used for policy development and decision-making, such as in the development of State Implementation Plans or completion of sustainability studies.” State Implementation Plans (also known as “SIPs”) are roadmaps for how regions will address noncompliance with federal air quality standards.
The Center for Air Quality has also partnered with the Voinovich School geographic information systems (GIS) and web development experts to display real-time air quality data using web-based GIS applications. This innovative platform provides users with immediate access to new geographically-based air quality data.
The Center recently began working with Northeast Ohio on a project that will use web-based GIS to map the carbon footprint of the region. In addition, by incorporating air quality models into carbon footprint software, the Center will create a system by which regional developers can test different scenarios, building by building, to assess sustainable development plans and their impact on the carbon footprint of the region.
The Center continuously refines its air quality models to ensure that they reflect the most accurate and up-to-date data and that they meet the needs of the region. Going forward, the Center will also look for new opportunities to use its innovative models to better understand air pollution, and necessary air quality improvements which will support regional economic prosperity.