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Predicting odour impact using the Austrian odour dispersion model (AODM)
1Institute of Medical Physics and Biostatistics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Veterinarplatz 1, A-1 210 Vienna, Austria. gunther.schauberger@vu-wien.ac.at
Summary
The Austrian Odour Dispersion Model (AODM) calculates necessary separation distances between livestock farms and homes using odour thresholds and probability. These distances vary by wind direction and atmospheric conditions, ensuring appropriate land use protection.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Agricultural Engineering
Background:
- Odour pollution from livestock buildings is a significant environmental concern impacting residential areas.
- Establishing appropriate separation distances is crucial for land use planning and mitigating odour nuisance.
- Existing models often lack dynamic, direction-dependent calculations considering meteorological variations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To implement and validate the dynamic Austrian Odour Dispersion Model (AODM) for calculating separation distances.
- To determine direction-dependent separation distances based on odour impact criteria (threshold and exceeding probability).
- To assess the influence of wind velocity, atmospheric stability, and local wind systems on odour dispersion.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Austrian Odour Dispersion Model (AODM), a Gaussian dispersion model.
- Calculated ambient odour concentrations using a combination of odour thresholds and exceeding probabilities.
- Analyzed two years of meteorological data to determine direction-dependent separation distances for residential areas.
Main Results:
- Separation distances varied significantly with wind direction, ranging from 99 m (northerly winds) to 362 m (westerly winds) for residential areas.
- Odour sensation likelihood increased with higher wind velocities and neutral/stable atmospheric conditions, particularly around sunset for east-west winds.
- Northerly and southerly winds exhibited diurnal patterns characteristic of a local valley wind system.
Conclusions:
- The AODM provides a robust, dynamic tool for calculating site-specific, direction-dependent separation distances.
- Meteorological factors, including wind direction, velocity, and atmospheric stability, critically influence odour dispersion and required buffer zones.
- The model's findings support informed land use planning to minimize odour impacts from livestock operations.