Abstract
In many regions of the world, the winter period is a time of poor air quality, due primarily to the increased use of individual and district heating systems. As a consequence, the atmospheric air contains increased concentrations of both particulate matter and gaseous pollutants (as a result of “low” emissions at altitudes of up to 40 m and “high” emissions more than 40 m above ground level). In winter, the increased pollution is very often exacerbated by meteorological conditions, including air temperature, pressure, air speed, wind direction, and thermal inversion. Here, we analyze the concentrations of particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0) and gaseous pollutants (H2S, SO2, and VOC) in the immediate vicinity of a large solid fuel-fired heat and power plant located in an urban agglomeration. Two locations were selected for analysis. The first was close to an air quality measurement station in the center of a multi-family housing estate. The second was the intersection of two main communication routes. To determine the impact of “low” and “high” emissions on air quality, the selected pollutants were measured at heights of between 2 and 50 m using an unmanned aerial vehicle. The results were compared with permissible standards for the concentration of pollutants. Temperature inversion was found to have a strong influence on the level of pollutants at various heights, with higher concentrations of particulate matter registered at altitudes above 40 m. The source of PM, H2S, and SO2 pollutants was confirmed to be “low emission” from local transport, industrial plant areas, and the housing estate comprising detached houses located in the vicinity of the measuring points. “High emission” was found to be responsible for the high concentrations of VOC at altitudes of more than 40 m above the intersection and in the area of the housing estate.
Highlights
Air quality depends on the volume of pollutant emissions, the intensity and type of physico-chemical changes occurring in the atmosphere, and the large-scale movement of air pollutants
Anthropogenic pollutants occur at high concentrations in highly urbanized areas, where there is often high population density, and, have a negative impact on human health and quality of life
Among the most dangerous pollutants emitted into the atmosphere are particulate matter pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, PM1.0 ) and gaseous pollutants: [4,5,6,7]
Summary
Air quality depends on the volume of pollutant emissions, the intensity and type of physico-chemical changes occurring in the atmosphere, and the large-scale movement of air pollutants. Pollutants occur in the air for natural reasons, independent of humans, and from anthropogenic sources. Anthropogenic pollutants occur at high concentrations in highly urbanized areas, where there is often high population density, and, have a negative impact on human health and quality of life. Among the most dangerous pollutants emitted into the atmosphere are particulate matter pollutants (PM10 , PM2.5 , PM1.0 ) and gaseous pollutants: (sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, or odors) [4,5,6,7]. Particulate matter pollutants have a negative impact on human health, both directly by penetrating the body (causing allergies and lung diseases), and indirectly by acting as carriers for heavy metals, microorganisms, and bacteria [8,9]. In the European Union, the permissible dust concentration has only been defined for the PM10 and PM2.5 fractions
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