ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY OF ATMOSPHERIC AIR IN THE ZONE OF INFLUENCE OF THERMAL POWER PLANTS WHILE USING SUNFLOWER WASTES

Abstract

Air pollution is a significant and escalating global issue, posing a major threat to public health. Each year, it directly contributes to 6.5 million premature deaths, primarily due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases resulting from exposure to air pollutants, notably fine particulate matter (PM). Beyond its well-documented health effects, recent evidence from epidemiological studies and controlled animal research underscore its detrimental impact on cognitive function and brain health. It's worth noting that residing in heavily polluted areas is linked to increased cognitive impairment and a heightened risk of neurodegenerative conditions. This association is particularly strong with pollutants stemming from energy and transportation, such as PM and nitrogen oxides (NOx). The intricate nature of PM pollutants, particularly ultrafine particles (UFP) with a diameter of less than 100 nm, enables them to infiltrate the human body, bypassing various protective mechanisms. Given this context, investigations into the influence of solid-fuel power plants, recognized by the European Environment Agency as major contributors to atmospheric air pollution, are of utmost importance. Existing regulatory and methodological frameworks do not adequately address contemporary realities and requirements, especially concerning the assessment and control of the environmental impact of thermal power plants using agricultural waste as fuel. This study aims to provide scientific and theoretical support for additional aspects related to the emissions of thermal power plants and their effects on both humans and the environment. This research holds particular significance when evaluating the placement of such facilities near populated areas and when making informed decisions regarding energy production technologies from renewable sources.