Emission Limit Values Research Articles

Application of AHP and corrective factors for the determination of best available techniques and emission limit values at installation level: A case study in four cement installations

After the adoption of the Industrial Emissions Directive in the European Union, requirements regarding emission limit values were made legally binding, and the competent authorities shall ensure that they do not exceed the emission levels associated with the best available techniques. This paper describes a two-stage method for the determination of best available techniques (BAT) and emission limit values (ELV) at installation level, applicable to all industrial sectors covered by the IED and to all pollutants to air and to water. This new method may support competent authorities to implement BAT conclusions into the IED permits. The determination of BAT is based on the use of analytical hierarchy process, while the ELV is determined by using corrective factors based on consumption and emission indicators from the installation. The method is applied in a case study on four existing cement installations in the region of Andalucia (Spain).

Emission projections and limit values of air pollution concentration - a case study using the EMEP4PL model

In this study, we applied the EMEP/MSC-W model at a high spatial resolution of 4 km × 4 km over Poland (EMEP4PL), and ran the model for the whole of the years 2015 and 2030. For the second simulation we used GAINS PRIMES emission projection and kept the meteorology from 2015. Although the model results are satisfactory and comparable to the results in other European countries, the number of days with exceedances of the limit value is highly underestimated in comparison to observations for 2015. It shows that the model is limited in its simulation of very high particulate matter concentrations in the winter season. Therefore, we applied a bias correction for the year 2030 based on the observations and model results for the year 2015. Bias corrected simulation shows that at 60 stations (out of 104), the PM10 daily limit value will be exceeded at least 35 times in 2030.

Emission projections and limit values of air pollution concentration - a case study using the EMEP4PL model

Emission projections and limit values of air pollution concentration - a case study using the EMEP4PL model

Organization and conduct of environmental and economic monitoring of the state of material flows in of thermal power facilities systems under the conditions of electromagnetic fields

The application of physicochemical analytical control for the determination of ecological compatibility of techno-natural systems as a factor mark of the state of material flows in the application of non-reagent water preparation in electromagnetic fields for heat-energy objects of the housing and communal sector and industrial enterprises with low production capacity is substantiated. Heat evaporation and hydrocarbons were selected as test gradients for the heating systems. In both cases, there was no excess emission limit value.

Installations for cleaning exhaust fumes from dust–gas pollutants

Abstract This article shows the methods and techniques that are used for cleaning exhaust fumes from dust–gas particles. The pollutants come from a complicated electricity production process in a thermal power station, whose main fuel is a hard coal or a brown coal. In the recent years, using purification installations has been the result of changing regulations in the field of environmental protection and increasing public awareness. The methods are aimed to reduce nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides and dust emissions to the environment, not exceeding the emission limit values for individual chemical compounds.

The way to improve the efficiency of the neutralization system of nitrogen oxides of diesel internal combustion engines and its efficiency

The article analyzes the work of the neutralization systems of nitrogen oxides used on modern trucks with diesel ICE. It is stated that the modern development of technologies for electronic fuel injection and catalytic neutralization of combustion products provides an opportunity to implement the processes of neutralization of nitrogen oxides with an efficiency up to 90%. The most effective method to reduce the exhaust emissions of diesel engines is to purify exhaust gases in the car exhaust system using the SCR-NH3 method. A significant drawback of this system is the presence of a toxic substance ammonia regulated by Regulation No. 49-06. Regulation No. 49-06 provides for the control in operation of emissions of nitrogen oxides by the on-board diagnostics system by introducing emission limit values, but monitoring of ammonia emissions in operation is not provided. It is noted that the state sanitary standards of the Russian Federation and the environmental monitoring service, prescribe in regulatory documents the control of the limit of emissions of harmful substances of ammonia and nitrogen oxides with MPCss 0.04 mg / m3. Thus, an identical approach to limiting these emissions is provided. In order for the purification system to function effectively with ammonia and to support the neutralization reaction, it is necessary to adjust the purification system and maintain the optimum temperature range of operation. It is noted that to ensure a high activity of reduction reactions, it is necessary to adjust the cleaning system and maintain the optimum temperature range of operation, the temperature is about 350-550 ° C. In this regard, the possibility of refining the neutralization system by the injection of urea into the cylinder of an internal combustion engine at the expansion stroke to neutralize nitrogen oxides and reduce ammonia emissions, as well as to increase the efficiency of a diesel engine, using the heat of exhaust gases by creating high pressure in the working cylinder work and boost pressure. When dosing urea solution having a high heat capacity through the nozzle and the subsequent process of expansion of exhaust gases, the temperature value in the cylinder of the internal combustion engine reaches the required value for the reduction reaction. High temperature, ensuring the removal of the reaction products, contributes to the high efficiency of maintaining the process of neutralization of NOx. Intra-cylinder cooling of the engine with urea-injected water solves the problem of thermal stress of the parts of the cylinder-piston group of a highly forced internal combustion engine without a significant increase in heat loss of the internal combustion engine.

Sulphur compounds removal from an industrial landfill leachate by catalytic oxidation and chemical precipitation: From a hazardous effluent to a value-added product

This study focused on the removal of sulphur compounds from a high-strength leachate of a hazardous industrial waste landfill. Firstly, sulphides (0.5 g L−1) and sulphites (2.5 g L−1) were catalytic oxidised at natural pH (8.7). Air or H2O2 were applied as oxidants and metals present in the leachate were used as catalysts. Distinct air flow rates and H2O2:sulphur molar ratios were tested. Concentrations of sulphide and sulphite lower than 1.0 mg L−1 (emission limit value - ELV) were obtained after 5-h oxygenation or 1-min peroxidation under the best conditions, i.e. air flow rate of 1 Lair Lleachate−1 min−1 and H2O2:sulphur stoichiometric ratio. Aeration was considered unsafe since >33 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) were released to the atmosphere. Thus, only the H2O2-oxidised leachate pursued treatment. Sulphates (13 g L−1) were removed by chemical precipitation as ettringite or barite applying different reactants contents and pH values. Without pH correction, sulphate contents below 2.0 g L−1 (ELV) were achieved using a [Ca2+]:[Al3+]:[SO42−] molar ratio of 12:4:3 (2-fold stoichiometry) and a [Ba2+]:[SO42−] molar ratio of 1.0:1.0 (1-fold stoichiometry). The analysis of precipitates by X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed a three-phase ettringite (only 67% corresponding to ettringite itself) and single-phase barite. Barite precipitation proved to be more appealing since a value-added product was obtained and, furthermore, less reactants were required. After sulphur compounds removal using H2O2-driven catalytic oxidation and chemical precipitation through barite, the leachate was suitable for biological treatment, despite the high salinity, and a high fraction of the organic load (46%) could be biologically oxidised.

Update on the Italian Regulation about Odour Emissions and Impact and Future Perspectives

Recently (Decreto Legislativo n. 183 issued on 15/12/2017) a new article has been inserted in the national Environmental Act in force in Italy. Its title is Emissioni odorigene (i.e. Odour emissions) and it represents a step forward for the national regulation about odour in Italy, where just local (regional) regulations had been issued before.The new regulation (Decreto Legislativo 152/2006, article 272-bis) preserves the status quo: in order to prevent and control odour emissions from industrial facilities, the Regions have the permission to establish regional regulations about odour emissions and to introduce requirements in permits (permit conditions) about odour emissions.In order to harmonize the differences between regional regulations about odour emissions, the second paragraph of article 272-bis opts for coordination among Regions by means of the existent national working group dealing with air quality (established by the national law adopting the EU Air Quality Directive). According to article 272-bis, this working group, constituted by members from Regional Administrations, can set specific emission limit values about odours and define methods for monitoring and assessing odour impacts. While some differences among regional regulations will be unavoidable as far as emission limit values and acceptable odour impact criteria are concerned, methods and procedures for monitoring emissions and assessing odour impact should be hopefully similar over the entire national territory. Therefore many operators in the Italian market (e.g. big companies owning several facilities over the national territory, laboratories, consultancy companies) need for a technical regulation for topics not covered by European standards (e.g. odour dispersion modelling, odour management plans). Italian standardization body (UNI) is proposing some new work items in order to elaborate new technical standards serving as bases for monitoring and control odour emissions and odour impact in fields not covered by the published European standards.

Photobiological Safety of Incandescent Lamp Replacements

Abstract The article, based on the records of the EN 62471:2008, presents guidelines for photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems. There are allowed safe exposure times presented and emission limit values for each of four risk groups, defined by the standard. The paper presents criteria for lamps irradiance or radiance measurement. Discussed risks with association of ultraviolet, visible and infrared radiation. For a detailed presentation of the potential risks associated with the blue light, there is made a comparison of spectra of selected light sources. On these basis, the blue light hazard assessment was presented for selected light sources.

The porcine odorant-binding protein as molecular probe for benzene detection.

In recent years, air pollution has been a subject of great scientific and public interests for the strong impact on human health. Air pollution is due to the presence in the atmosphere of polluting substances, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur and nitrogen oxides, particulates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), derived predominantly from various combustion processes. Benzene is a VOC belonging to group-I carcinogens with a toxicity widely demonstrated. The emission limit values and the daily exposure time to benzene (TLV-TWA) are 5μg/m3 (0.00157 ppm) and 1.6mg/m3 (0.5 ppm), respectively. Currently, expensive and time-consuming analytical methods are used for detection of benzene. These methods require to perform a few preliminary steps such as sampling, and matrices pre-treatments. In addition, it is also needed the support of specialized personnel. Recently, single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNTs) gas sensors with a limit detection (LOD) of 20 ppm were developed for benzene detection. Other innovative bioassay, called bio-report systems, were proposed. They use a whole cell (Pseudomona putida or Escherichia coli) as molecular recognition element and exhibit a LOD of about 10 μM. Here, we report on the design of a highly sensitive fluorescence assay for monitoring atmospheric level of benzene. For this purpose, we used as molecular recognition element the porcine odorant-binding protein (pOBP). 1-Aminoanthracene was selected as extrinsic fluorescence probe for designing a competitive fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assay for benzene detection. The detection limit of our assay was 3.9μg/m3, a value lower than the actual emission limit value of benzene as regulated by European law.

Environmental and economic performance assessment of alternative acid gas removal technologies for waste-to-energy plants

Removal of acid pollutants (HCl and SO2) is an important stage in waste incineration flue gas cleaning. Several technological options for acid gas neutralisation are currently available in order to comply with the increasingly stringent emission limit values and the choice of the best solution for a specific plant should be based on the economic and environmental considerations implied in the concept of Best Available Technique.The present study analyses and compares state-of-the-art dry, semi-dry and wet process configurations for acid gas removal in waste-to-energy plants. The performance of five representative process schemes was analysed: the streams associated with acid gas emission control were quantified via mass and energy balances and a life cycle perspective was applied in order to evaluate the inputs and outputs of the supply and disposal chains. The analysis pinpoints the key issues in terms of environmental and economic performance of the presented alternatives. Benefits and limits of the alternative technologies are discussed in view of different waste composition. The energy penalty associated with flue gas reheat appears to be the main environmental drawback of wet methods, while the main contribution to the environmental footprint of dry methods is given by the production of solid reactants. Multi-stage treatment systems systematically show lower environmental impacts than the single stage counterparts, but their cost-effectiveness is limited by the disposal cost for the generated solid residues. The provided insights can contribute to a more effective implementation of the strategies of circular economy and cleaner production in the operation of a waste-to-energy plant.

Concept of implementation of the entrance payment system to the city for the example of district in Warsaw

Increasing traffic causes not only communication difficulties, but also contributes to increasing air pollution and increasing noise levels. In an urban environment it is quite cumbersome, compact buildings, sometimes the proximity of industrial plants, contributes to the intensification of this phenomenon. By establishing a paid entry to selected areas, thus introducing zones covering the district, center or the whole city, it is possible to significantly influence the quality of the transport network in this area. The paper analyzes the EU regulations regarding emission limit values for vehicles sold in its area. There are also discussed threats resulting from excessive traffic in the city, such as air pollution, on the example of the city of Warsaw. The effects of excessive air pollution are also presented. The paper presents the concept of a system of paid entry to the city, based on the example of the Warsaw district of Śródmieście. The logical architecture of the system is presented, as well as an example of the arrangement of devices in one of the entrance points to the zone, using the existing infrastructure for this purpose.

Biodegradation of gaseous emissions of 2-chlorotoluene by strains of Rhodococcus sp. in polyurethane foam packed biotrickling filters

About 60,000–70,000 tons of 2-chlorotoluene, which shows high toxicity in aquatic ecosystems, are produced worldwide and used in a tremendous field of applications. However, clear proofs of biodegradation were only presented for Comamonas testosteroni KT5 and Rhodococcus sp. OCT10. Hence, this study aims on the isolation of additional strains and their characterization in pilot-scale biotrickling filters.Three strains named OCT2, OCT9, and OCT14 of the genus Rhodococcus were isolated, able to mineralize gaseous 2-chlorotoluene like the previously isolated strain Rhodococcus sp. OCT10. The performance levels of these strains were tested in four biotrickling filters each containing 18.8 L of polyurethane foam package, showing elimination capacities of carbon (C) of 30.9 (OCT2), 30.1 (OCT9), 32.2 (OCT10), and 3.9 g C·m−3·h−1 (OCT14) at an average crude gas level of 397.6 mg C·m−3 and an empty bed residence time (EBRT) of 22.6 s. Since OCT10 showed the highest performance levels, this strain was characterized in a second biotrickling filter configuration at long-term conditions of 985 days, varying crude gas levels, EBRT and nutrient supply.Chloride balancing showed a recovery of 94.4% of 2-chlorotoluene eliminated out of the gas phase, pointing out mineralization of 2-chlorotoluene. German emission limit values were met at crude gas levels up to 750 mg C·m−3 at EBRTs of 120 s or higher. The maximum elimination capacity was 51.2 g C·m−3·h−1 at a specific freight of 51.9 g C·m−3·h−1 and an EBRT of 254 s. Performance levels were strongly boosted by addition of ammonia as nutrient and stabilized at efficiency levels higher than 90% at a feed rate of 4 g ammonium sulfate per week and 100 L of package volume. Repetitive monitoring of the established 2-chlorotoluene degrading community by BOX-PCR fingerprinting revealed a high long-term stability of OCT10, underlining its suitability in this kind of application.

Binary adsorption equilibrium and breakthrough of toluene and cyclohexane on macroporous and hypercrosslinked polymeric resins

Adsorption-based separation is one of the most widely used methods in treating gasoline vapor. For effective control of gasoline vapor emission, the total concentration of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) and the specific component such as toluene must meet the emission limit values. In this study, hypercrosslinked polymeric resin (Hyper-resin) and macroporous polymeric resin (Macro-resin) were selected as adsorbents. Toluene and cyclohexane were chosen as the representative of alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons components of gasoline vapor. Pure and binary component adsorption isotherms of toluene and cyclohexane on two resins were measured by head space analysis method. Breakthrough data for binary system were obtained at the different concentrations of toluene (12–46 mg/L) and cyclohexane (15 mg/L and 102 mg/L) using a fixed-bed reactor. The results indicate that adsorption equilibria of binary component can be predicted by ideal adsorbed solution theory (IAST) with the average relative error lower than 15% using the pure component adsorption isotherm data. Hyper-resin provides higher selectivity to toluene than Macro-resin in binary equilibrium and breakthrough system. Moreover, the breakthrough adsorption capacities of pure component (toluene and cyclohexane) and their mixture on Hyper-resin are higher than those on Macro-resin, suggesting Hyper-resin would be a promising adsorbent for treating gasoline vapor.

Impact of oxidizing honeycomb catalysts integrated in firewood stoves on emissions under real-life operating conditions

Catalytic systems integrated in firewood stoves represent a secondary measure for emission reduction. This study evaluates the impact on emissions of two types of honeycomb catalysts integrated in different firewood stoves. The tests were conducted under real-life related testing conditions. The pressure drop induced by the catalyst's carrier geometry affects primary combustion conditions which can influence the emissions. A negative primary effect reduces the catalytic efficiency and has to be considered for developing catalyst integrated solutions. However, a significant net emission reduction was observed. The ceramic catalyst reduced CO emissions by 83%. The metallic catalyst reduced CO emissions by 93% which was significantly better compared to the ceramic catalyst. The net emission reduction of OGC (~30%) and PM (~20%) was similar for both types of catalysts. In most cases, the “Ecodesign” emission limit values, which will enter into force in 2022 for new stoves, were met although the ignition and preheating batches were respected. PM emission composition showed a lower share of elemental (EC) and organic carbon (OC) with integrated catalyst. However, no selectivity towards more reduction of EC or OC was observed. Further investigations should evaluate the long term stability under real-life operation in the field and the effect of the catalyst on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emissions.

폐기물 소각시설 최적가용기법 연계배출수준 (BAT-AEL) 설정

As the public interest in environmental issues increased, the “Act On The Integrated Control Of Pollutant-Discharging Facility” was enacted. Through the integrated environmental pollution prevention act in which 19 industries with large environmental impacts are sequentially applied, pollutants can be managed in a mediumintegrated manner and integrated permission of the business unit is possible and BAT can be applied to enable a scientific and proactive environmental management system. In addition, if the facility with BAT works normally, the pollutant emission is offered with the range of lower limit to upper limit. This study analyzed the overview of Best Available Techniques-Associated Emission Levels (BAT-AEL), and its setting procedure and method, and then suggested the BAT-AEL of a waste incineration facility. In comparative analysis on Emission Limit Values (ELVs) of EU, this study tries to propose improvement matters and development directions if the relevant standard is revised.

Secondary pollution of water during the biosorption of heavy metal ions by pristine and sugar beet shreds from bioethanol production

When biomaterials are used as adsorbents, some compounds present in their structure can be extracted and cause secondary pollution of the treated water. Depending on the type and amount of the secondary pollution, some materials can be unacceptable as adsorbents despite of their good adsorption capacity. Although, it is not a newly discovered phenomenon and it is recognized as a problem, leaching from adsorbents is neglected. The aim of our study is to investigate the secondary pollution of the water during the biosorption of heavy metal ions by pristine and modified sugar beet shreds from bioethanol production. The presence of different elements in the mentioned adsorbents, secondary pollution of the water during the adsorption of heavy metal ions and amount of reducing sugars in the water treated by pristine sugar beet shreds were characterized by the SEM-EDS method, the amount of the leached inorganic and organic matter from the adsorbents (atomic absorption spectroscopy and permanganate index) and Bertrand's method, respectively. Furthermore, the obtained results were compared to the available literature data. Our results showed that according to the valid regulations of emission limit values of the polluting substances in the water and adsorption capacity, the investigated adsorbents have a great potential as biosorbents for practical treatment of wastewaters which contain high concentrations of heavy metal ions.

Comparative Study Regarding Atmospheric SO2 Content in Rovinari and Turceni Areas

The goal of this research study is to compare the air quality of two urban locations from Targu-Jiu County namely Rovinari and Turceni. Measurements of SO2 content with automatic analysers were used as a criterion to asssess the air quality. Rovinari and Turceni areas were chosen for this study due to the fact that there are located two thermal power plants considered high stationary sources with an important contribution to regional and global pollution by sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust. Sustainable development of fossil fuel power plants cannot be done without the use of technology to limit or eliminate environmental pollution. Studies regarding determination of SO2 content in the monitored areas were performed from January to December 2014. By interpreting the results obtained it can be concluded that the concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the ambient air are below the limit value set in legislation. This is mainly due to the developing of the programs for the progressive reduction of annual emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and dust which was set up by operators of thermal power plants in order to comply with emission limit values. The high level of SO2 concentration in cold season is attributed to intensifying the burning of fossil fuels for household activities.

Law policy of European Union in the sphere of water conservation

In the light of such foreign policy goal as accession to the EU there was arised a need to thorough research of European Union’s water policy and legislation with the view of its adaptation to the national legislation.The basic issues of European Union’s water policy in water conservation were considered in this paper. During the three legislative waves a number of directives and decisions were made which pointed out: environmental standards of water quality for specific types of water and emission limit values; strict rules for the disposal of sewage and usage of nitrates in agriculture; regulations for prevention of subsoil water pollution from agricultural waste; protection of the marine environment; potable water standards and the like.For the purpose of concentration, rationalization, standardization and improvement of the European law effectiveness in the sphere of water protection Water Framework Directive was developed, which provided for multifaceted approach to effective water resources management at EU level, harmonized legal and institutional system, public participation and integrated water resources management. Herein directive became a framework for further legislative activity, nullified the antiquated laws and co-operated elements and obligations of other regulatory acts, such as directives deals with municipal sewage treatment and monitoring the usage of nitrates in agriculture. The rules were prescribed by Water Framework Directive focused on: 1) water protection (groundwater, surface, inland and transitional waters); 2) ecosystem restoration of water bodies; 3) pollution abatement of waters; 4) sustainable use of waters by individuals and enterprises.

Determining the best practicable control technology and its associated emission levels for Iron and Steel industry in Iran

Industrial effluent limitations should be established regarding the special characteristics of each sector with emphasis given to the local context, whereas, in Iran, a uniform “Wastewater Effluent Standard” is employed throughout the country in which no specific industrial effluent limitations have been considered. This gap highlights the essential need for a transparent and scientifically proven methodology for determining effluent emission limit values (ELVs) at the sector level. In this research, an integrated approach is proposed based on the application of the Best Practicable Control Technology Currently Available (BPT) concept. The modelling framework includes a series of sequential steps comprising two main sections: 1. identifying the effluent emission datasets, and 2. computing the emission levels associated with the BPT (BPT-AELs). To identify the datasets, the methodology follows two different procedures: 1. a detailed analysis of the environmental performance of this sector in the country to determine the plants reflecting BPT, and 2. screening their emission datasets through statistical analysis. The Best Available Techniques (BAT) principle is employed as a reference element for determining the best representative plants, and the results indicate that corrective measures in accordance with the BAT considerations should be implemented in many of the plants under consideration. The comparison of the derived BPT-AELs with the existing standards show that they are mainly lower than the standard levels and are reasonable estimations for the involved parameters. Conclusively, this methodology presents a reliable and practical stepwise process at the sector level, which can be developed for other industries.