Application of AERMOD dispersion model for assessment PM₁₀ concentrations from mobile sources in Kuala Lumpur Metropolitan City, Malaysia

Deterioration of air quality in Kuala Lumpur caused by mobile sources and traffic-related activities with interaction with climatic conditions and dispersion in the atmosphere. This study was focused on predicting the averaged 1-h concentration of particulate matter (PM₁₀) that was emitted from private cars in Kuala Lumpur by applying the air dispersion model American Meteorological Society (AMS)/United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Regulatory Model (AERMOD) in 2014. The AERMOD model indicates that private cars in Kuala Lumpur recorded 1-h concentration of PM₁₀ below the Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Guidelines (RMAQG) in 2014. The highest concentration was 59.2 µg/m³ in 2014 and mainly concentrated around the city center and highway networks. The highest concentrations are recorded in early morning and late at night, with the highest concentrations at 4 am and 2 am and 48.68 µg/m³ and 38.42 µg/m³, respectively. Late night to early morning is identified as the dominant time interval for pollutant dispersion. The findings demonstrated that air quality had a significant impact on the 1-h concentration of PM₁₀ emitted from private cars in Kuala Lumpur.