New system to accurately predict PM2.5 levels

By The Nation

 

 

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has developed a system for accurately forecasting air pollution with the aim of boosting the authorities’ effectiveness in tackling the issue of PM2.5 dust – airborne particulates 2.5 microns or less in diameter, according to department director-general Pralong Damrongthai.

 

The system was developed in the wake of smog crisis in nine northern provinces and in Bangkok early this year and is part of the PCD’s 20-year strategic plan for tackling air pollution caused by tiny particle dust and benzene, he said.

 

The assessment of potential pollution-carrying capacity of each key area, along with an accurate prediction of the PM2.5 situation to warn the public, and the implementation of effective measures against nano-particles and long-range transport pollution were identified during a recent study that looked at ways to reduce air pollution.

 

This led to the development by the PCD of a system to provide accurate pollution forecasts so as to better manage issues in target areas such as the North and Bangkok. The system is based on a mathematical model to describe the air pollution dispersion and a mathematics model for meteorology and atmospheric layers developed by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

 

The system allows most-accurate prediction within a three-day range in various areas including Bangkok and its surrounding provinces; the nine northern provinces as well as trans-border pollution movements; the pollution control zone in tambon Na Phra Lan of Sara Buri’s Chalerm Phrakiat district; and the pollution control zone in tambon Map Ta Phut in Rayong's Muang district where the system could assess the area's potential pollution carrying capacity, especially the volatile organic compounds at sources. The system is also useful for situation assessments in cases of emergency that require timely and effective handling and for the assessment of air pollution complaints, he said.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30373183

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2019-07-18

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Umm my old system works on the theory that when it gets dry the locals burn everything in sight and the rest of us choking to death and even majestic words from the PM wont make it go away and predict it will return in December and be a 100% accurate prediction????

Surely the key "P" word here should be Prevention?

You're right. They got it wrong.  It's not about prediction but about prevention.

31 minutes ago, webfact said:

The Pollution Control Department (PCD) has developed a system for accurately forecasting air pollution

the GT-200 Smog Detector?

44 minutes ago, webfact said:

along with an accurate prediction of the PM2.5 situation to warn the public, and the implementation of effective measures against nano-particles and long-range transport pollution were identified during a recent study that looked at ways to reduce air pollution

Yeah right .. They got more chance of catching a 1000 bt note in a hurricane .. 

Yeah, right. I bet their 'mathematical model' is about as honest and reliable as the 'mathematical model' used to determine which politicians and parties should be awarded seats after the fake 'election'!

The new Thai system

 

if over 200, show 100 less

if over 300, show 150 less

if over 400, show 200 less

Absolutley pathetic this...the air is toxic period.people are getting sick children breath this disgusting diesel smog...DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT ALREADY AND STOP DANCING AROUND ...

Old or new, what the heck, do something about it!

With the less numbers of air quality station, how the performance model should give the right answer...!!! Also secondary data are sured to used? And another thing where is the Thailand Air quality standard that never rise up at the moment. What is your main JOB PCD...?

6 minutes ago, Tewbc said:

With the less numbers of air quality station, how the performance model should give the right answer...!!! Also secondary data are sured to used? And another thing where is the Thailand Air quality standard that never rise up at the moment. What is your main JOB PCD...?

Yes well for anyone with a fundamental understanding it is clear that PCD are no more or no less incompetent then the rest of the Thai governmental organisations.  However please remember that the latest diatribe from them is not aimed at the educated, rather the majority of the population to convince them otherwise. This large part of the population are gullible,  generally wanting to believe anything that makes them feel good, brainwashed over many things and of course everyone one of them are convinced that one day they will win the lottery.  The latter being a greater over riding driver then challenging any government superficial statements.

This year my nose eyes and chest were fairly good detectors in the toxic north.

Here's a clue for reducing the problem in the coming " burn everything in sight"season.

Stop the <deleted> burning with high fines and prison sentences for the arsonist.

The new system involves close observation of the population: children coughing blood = index is high; old people dying of lung disease = index is very high.

Solution do nothing until next year's burning season then make a lot of noise.

19 hours ago, Eligius said:

Yeah, right. I bet their 'mathematical model' is about as honest and reliable as the 'mathematical model' used to determine which politicians and parties should be awarded seats after the fake 'election'!

Like models developed to measure unemployment, it's maybe a smokescreen. Like the Green Monsters they installed in Tha Phae Gate Chiang Mai to supposedly suck particulate matter out of the atmosphere.

 

We know that in those developed economies that have introduced new models, real unemployment is 4 to 5 times official figures.

 

The existing methods of measuring pollution are working well. They do not need to be changed. No more work is needed here.

 

What would be really helpful would be to develop models that link levels of air pollution to health outcomes. For example, it is believed that 4 years is taken off the life expectancy of people living in northern Thailand on account of high levels of particulate material in the air.

 

Thailand is well placed for leadership in this area. Climate change is a factor and is a major concern world wide. Show some real leadership Thailand! Try to be first! Dont try to sweep it under the carpet - set your model-makers doing something original for world health! Show true leadership and get some recognition and acclaim for the government.

20 hours ago, sammieuk1 said:

Umm my old system works on the theory that when it gets dry the locals burn everything in sight and the rest of us choking to death and even majestic words from the PM wont make it go away and predict it will return in December and be a 100% accurate prediction????

 

My prediction (observation) is that most smoke free (relatively) years are preceded by years of not very much rain and vice versa. So you've got that going for you.