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Predicting Aspergillus fumigatus exposure from composting facilities using a dispersion model: A conditional
Philippa Douglas1, Sean F Tyrrel2, Robert P Kinnersley3
1Imperial College London, Small Area Health Statistics Unit, MRC-PHE Centre for Environment and Health and National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Health Impact of Environmental Hazards at King's College London, in Partnership with Public Health England and Collaboration with Imperial College London, United Kingdom; Cranfield University, School of Water, Energy, and Environment, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.
This study calibrated an atmospheric dispersion model (ADMS) to predict bioaerosol exposure from composting facilities. The validated model offers a cost-effective tool for assessing health risks associated with bioaerosols.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Public Health
- Atmospheric Science
Background:
- Bioaerosols from composting facilities pose health risks, but exposure quantification is challenging.
- Current sampling methods are resource-intensive and offer limited spatial-temporal data.
- Accurate exposure assessment is crucial for public health and regulatory compliance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To calibrate and validate a recognized atmospheric dispersion model (ADMS) for bioaerosol exposure assessments.
- To evaluate the model's ability to predict bioaerosol concentrations around composting sites.
- To provide a more detailed exposure assessment tool for bioaerosols.
Main Methods:
- Calibration of the ADMS model using observed Aspergillus fumigatus concentrations.
- Optimization of model parameters through trial and error.
- Validation of the calibrated model using a separate dataset from a different composting site.
Main Results:
- The best model fit was achieved when emissions were modeled as a single area source at 29°C.
- Predicted bioaerosol concentrations were within an order of magnitude of measured values at the validation site (r² > 0.7).
- Model performance was maintained at various distances downwind (150-600m).
Conclusions:
- Calibrated atmospheric dispersion modeling (ADMS) can provide reasonable predictions of bioaerosol exposures.
- This approach can inform site regulation and operational management for composting facilities.
- The model offers a valuable tool for assessing health risks associated with bioaerosol emissions.
