Hybrid single particle simulation of atmospheric pollutants over Bungoma County in Kenya

Abstract

Microscale dispersion models with different levels of complexity may be used to assess urban air quality and support decision making for pollution control. Mathematical models calculate pollutant concentrations by solving either analytically a simplified set of parametric equations or numerically a set of differential equations that describe in detail wind flow and pollutant dispersion. Air pollution has been evident at Webuye town in Bungoma Kenya and this may be attributable to the current and residual effect of the pan paper and heavy chemical processing plants. A Lagrangian trajectory modeling system for urban air pollution was used to model the flow of atmospheric pollutants in Bungoma County with emphasis to Webuye, an industrial town within the County. Results of the study reveal that pollutants from the area of study exhibit a seasonal dispersion trend over Lake Victoria and surroundings to the Eastern part of Uganda. An investigation of factors that influence this trend is recommended.