Pollutants emission characteristics and emission reduction potential of crematoria flue gas in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, China

Abstract

There is a large population and high number of death in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei (BTH) region, therefore the amount of cremation and the incineration of sacrificial offerings is also high. Due to the loose pollution control in crematoria, the surrounding environment and human health were affected by the pollutants emitted from crematoria. To further explore the characteristics of pollution emissions from the BTH crematoria, this study carried out on-site emission monitoring of 19 cremators and 6 incinerators of sacrificial offerings in 19 crematoria in this region. The concentrations and chemical components of PM2.5 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the emission levels of other gaseous pollutants from crematoria flue gas were obtained. The emission factors of air pollutants were calculated. Based on the activity level data, the emission inventory of atmospheric pollutants from the crematoria was established and its emission reduction potential was analyzed. Results showed that:(1) The average emission concentrations of TSP, CO and NOx from the crematoria in the BTH were seriously exceeding the national standard limits. Flue gas purification devices had significant effect on the removal of pollutants. (2) PM2.5/TSP=0.73 indicated that fine particles accounted for a large proportion in the flue gas of cremator; the concentration of organic matter (OC) was high and accounted for 25.3% in PM2.5. (3) The concentrations of benzene and benzene series, olefins, alkane were high in VOCs, accounting for 88.7%, which might pose health risks to exposed populations. (4) According to the emission inventory, the emissions of TSP, PM10, PM2.5 and CO in the BTH crematoria in 2016 decreased by 47.8%, 47.8%, 47.9% and 26.1% respectively compared with those for 2007. The proportion of installation purification devices for crematorium was low in the BTH region and it was common that flue gas discharged directly into atmosphere which had considerable potential of emission reduction.