The theoretical distribution of airborne pollution from factory chimneys

Abstract

The dispersal of pollution from factory chimneys is now recognised as a problem of considerable importance, both as affecting the health of the population in the neighbourhood of the source and for economic reasons. The release of accurate experimental data on atmospheric diffusion makes it possible to give reasonably reliable estimates of the concentrations of smoke and spread of the pollution downwind. It is shown that the earlier work of Bosanquet and Pearson is in general qualitative agreement with the more accurate expressions of the present paper, which are also shown to be in accordance with recent observations of Hewson on the distribution of sulphur dioxide in the vicinity of a large factory. Tables are given from which it is possible to estimate concentrations of pollution downward of an elevated source emitting at a known rate in various meteorological conditions. Copyright © 1947 Royal Meteorological Society