Abstract
Arab Abu Saed area in Giza governorate, south to Cairo contains more than 228 clay brick kilns represent the largest cluster of brickworks in Egypt. Burning of Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) in such kilns is the main source of air pollution in the surrounding locations. In this study, investigation of switching the fuel used in brick kilns from (HFO) to Natural Gas (NG) is carried out and the pollution loads are assessed in both cases. In addition, two Gaussian dispersion plume models are employed to estimate the concentration of primary pollutants; PM10, SO2, and NO2 at seven locations in the vicinity of Arab Abu Saed to determine the most adversely affected locations. Statistical analysis is applied to evaluate the correlation and conformity of the results of both models. Results show that using of NG leads to a significant reduction of pollution loads of PM10, SO2 and NO2 reaches 96%, 72%, and 24% respectively. In addition, the reduction of naturally occurring radionuclides in air is analyzed. Activity concentrations of Ra-226, Th-232 and K-40 in Bq/l for HFO were measured using HPGe detector for six HFO samples. Exposure due to air submersion of naturally occurring radionuclides in the study area leads to annual equivalent dose ranged between 2.16 mSv/y (received by Uterus) and 14 mSv/y (received by skin), and average effective dose 2.65 mSv/y which represent valuable exposure.
Highlights
Arab Abu Saed area is located approximately 40 km south to Cairo
The fuel switching from Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) to Natural Gas (NG) in Arab Abu Saed brickworks cluster has resulted in a significant emission load reduction (Table 1) of primary pollutants PM10, SO2, and NO2 that reached 96%, 72%, and 24% respectively
The details of the two Gaussian dispersion models’ results are presented in Table (2), it shows that Minya town has the highest concentration of PM10, SO2, and NOx in case of burning HFO, while the lowest concentration is estimated to be at Tabbin South monitoring station if NG is used
Summary
Arab Abu Saed area is located approximately 40 km south to Cairo. This area contains more than 228 clay brick kilns which represent the largest cluster of brickworks in Egypt. To overcome the dilemma of carrying out detailed stack measurements for 176 stacks, specific emission factors are developed for this type of kilns based on the type of fuel. These emission factors were used to estimate the emission rates (g/s) of the target primary pollutants. GPM requires knowledge of source characteristics, terrain and meteorology[10] It has different levels and versions starting from the classical equation to the recent advanced models. The CGPM was used to preliminary assess the pollutant concentrations at the target locations, while AERMOD was applied to verify the results through considering extra atmospheric parameters and the surrounding terrain. Radiation measurements were carried out for six HFO samples to investigate the dispersion of occurring radionuclides in air resulting from burning the HFO and calculate the annual average effective dose to workers or public to assess the radiological hazard
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