Air quality models play a crucial role in understanding pollutant behavior in the atmosphere and supporting effective air quality management. This lecture provides an overview of the fundamental concepts of air quality modelling, beginning with the definition and purpose of air quality models. The session introduces the classification of air quality models and discusses key model types commonly used in research and regulatory applications. Specific focus is given to the box model, line source model, deterministic models, and atmospheric dispersion models. The lecture also explains the principles behind the Gaussian plume model and Gaussian plume dispersion model, highlighting their applications, assumptions, and limitations. Overall, the talk aims to give participants a clear understanding of how different modelling approaches are selected and applied to assess, predict, and manage air quality in diverse environments.
Dr. Shiva Nagendra SM is a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Madras with over 24 years of experience in research, teaching, consultancy, and community development in the field of air quality management. He has authored more than 135 journal publications, six reference books, over 135 conference papers, and holds three patents. As a leading researcher, he has contributed significantly to urban air quality monitoring, modelling, human exposure assessment, emission control systems, and indoor–outdoor pollution studies. He serves as Associate Editor for multiple reputed journals, Director of the UKRI-supported CEPHA Network, Founder Chairman of the Indian International Conference on Air Quality Management (IICAQM), and Founder President of the Air Quality Management Association (AQMA). He has been part of several major national and international research grants and is also a WHO subject-matter expert on airborne transmission of respiratory pathogens.
© 2025 10th INDIAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT
