This book chapter provides insights into the development of a methodology
to evaluate the role of geographic information systems (GIS) and AERMOD software
in understanding the impacts of biodiesel as a sustainable alternative fuel for use in
public transportation buses at a microscopic level in the City of Toledo and Sylvania
Township areas in the State of Ohio, USA. The methodology discussed in this book
chapter is comprised of a multi-pronged step-by-step approach that included: (i)
implementation of a real-world exhaust emission field monitoring study, (ii) use of
ArcGIS software in examining study area features that included identification of the
salient features (e.g., schools, churches, hospitals) within a certain vicinity radius of the
exhaust emission field monitoring study, (iii) use of AERMOD dispersion air quality
model in ranking the most affected salient features (identified with ArcGIS) based on
the regulatory dispersion modeling of exhaust emissions from public transportation
systems operating on biodiesel, and (iv) estimation of a quantified reduction in exhaust
emissions with use of biodiesel as a sustainable alternative fuel to conventional fuel in
public transportation buses on the basis of existing literature. This book chapter
presents a comprehensive assessment of the adopted methodology and discusses in
detail on how GIS and AERMOD software may be used by environmental students,
engineers, and scientists in understanding the impacts of biodiesel as a sustainable
alternative fuel for use in public transportation buses with emphasis on the exhaust
emissions of CO, NOx, and SO2.
Keywords: AERMET, AERMOD, Alternative fuels, ArcGIS, Biodiesel, Exhaust
emissions, Geographic information systems, Mobile source dispersion modeling,
Public transportation buses, Sustainability.
