Diffuse Source

Overview

A source having a specified area or volume that does not have defined airflow.  Examples include waste dumps, compost piles, and sedimentation tanks. An example that is not a diffuse source is a biofilter that has a defined airflow from a bed.  It is desirable to collect samples over diffuse areas to obtain a good representation of the source.

See also: Odour Source, for how this fits with the other source classifications.

See also: Landfill Odour, for how diffuse emissions from an open working face contribute to landfill odour.

See also: Agricultural Odour, for how manure storage and land application on farms are treated as diffuse sources.