Study for the dispersion of particulate matter emissions from a steel industry using Gaussian Plume equation through computational modeling

Abstract

Mathematical models allow evaluating air pollutants effects to the environment, being a relevant tool for planning and regulatory purposes. The present study aims to evaluate the air quality of Volta Redonda, Brazil, due to particulate matter emitted by stationary point sources of a large steel plant using meteorological data from three monitoring stations. A mathematical model was developed linking Matlab® and RStudio®, using the Gaussian dispersion equation and Google Maps to visualize the results. Observed data revealed southern, north-western and northern light prevailing winds that were used to simulate stable and unstable atmosphere conditions according Pasquill-Guifford classification. Results have exposed elevated concentrations of particulate matter in ambient air, reaching particularly Santa Cecilia neighbourhood. National air quality standards recently updated were partially met however numerous violations were indicated, considerably higher in Santa Cecilia station (47.98%), followed by Belmonte (6.69%) and Retiro (4.17%), indicating a forthcoming need for an update of the technologies and processes that emit particulate matter to improve the city air quality, preventing from environmental and human health effects.