Evaluation of Chromium Application in the Steel Industry in China: Implications on Environmental Quality

Abstract

This study provides vital analysis of environmental consequences of the steel industry in China on outdoor air quality, surface, and groundwater quality as well as global production of Chromite ore, its associated cost on health locally and internationally. The steel industry emissions currently amount to 50, 200, and 300 μg/m3 for PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 respectively exceeding WHO recommended emissions values. Out of 365 cities in China, 70% of these cities representing 256 cities in 2018 had their annual mean particulate matter emission being 44.1 μg/m3 which is significantly higher than the WHO standard. Imported chromite from 1996 to 2016 amounted to 106,090,000 Mt by China. The production of crude steel increased from 870.9 to 928.3 Mt in 2017 and 2018 respectively. The proportion of good groundwater quality reduced from 26.9 to 25.4% in three years. Nearly 68% of total chromium emissions come from the metallurgical industry with an annual increment of 15.6% with an annual average PM2.5 value of 53 ug/m3 which is significantly very high.