Vicinity Of Coal-fired Power Plant Research Articles

Association of coal fired power plants with river water quality in South Africa

The national power utility owns and operates approximately 95% of the coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) in South Africa. It has been hypothesised that power generation activities lead to the acidification and salination of surface water sources in the vicinity of CFPPs, with upwind sites more polluted than downwind sites. For the purpose of this study, three of power utility’s CFPPs were selected, namely Kriel, Komati and Camden Power Plants, which will be reaching the end of their operating lifespan during the mid-to-late 2020 s. The main aim of the study was to analyse the raw water quality data upstream and downstream of these three CFPPs. Raw water supply to the CFPPs for power generation was abstracted from the Rietspruit, Koringspruit and Witpuntspruit streams, respectively. To determine whether the particulate and gaseous emissions affected the water quality from 2012 to 2018, multivariate statistical analyses were applied. The water quality data indicated poor water quality both downwind and upwind of the power plants when thirteen out of 20 (65%) selected water quality variables exceeded the resource quality objectives (RQO) limits, which could be attributed to anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, coal burning and coal mining; causing increased acidity and salinity in the various water sources. In conclusion, the study suggested that there is no direct correlation between the emissions from coal burning and the coal-fired power plants receiving streams; an indication that power generation may not be the only anthropogenic factor influencing the water quality of the streams.

Assessing radioactivity and hazards: analysis of soil, water, and coal samples near a coal-fired thermal power plant and their implications for human health and the environment

ABSTRACT The combustion of coal poses significant risks, increasing the radioactive burden on the atmosphere and affecting the health of individuals near coal mines and coal-fired thermal power plants (CFTPPs). A detailed study was conducted within a 3 km radius surrounding the site of Barapukuria Coal Mine Company Limited (BCMCL), Bangladesh’s premier operational coal-fired thermal power plant, during which 50 soil samples, 50 water samples, and 21 coal samples were collected from a variety of locations inside and beyond the BCMCL boundaries, and these samples were then analysed for radioactivity using a high-purity germanium detector. The range of activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in the studied soil, water and coal samples were 24–47, 30–76, and 340–570 Bqkg−1; 1.6–2.9, 1.1–3.8, and 53–92 Bqkg−1; 19–57, 20–97, and 78–170 Bqkg−1 respectively. The majority of hazard indices, including absorbed dose rate, gamma index, effective dose, and excess lifetime cancer risk, associated with soil samples were higher than the world average. This indicates that long-term exposure to terrestrial ionising radiation is unsafe for coal miners and the local community. The quantitative measurements of this study have important implications for planning larger and more modern coal-fired power plants. Additionally, the study’s results underscore the need for municipal officials to impose restrictions and closely monitor the release of fly ash in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants. Furthermore, there is a crucial need to monitor the health of workers and locals living near the power plant to safeguard against potential health risks.

Mercury in the Environment Around Industrially Impacted Locations in India: A Mini-Review.

India is a major emitter of mercury to the environment. This mini-review condenses the information available since 2008 on mercury in air, soil, sediment, biota and human biomarkers near industrial locations. Information from eight regions was analyzed. More than 40% of studies did not report sufficient QA/QC information on analysis methods. Highest quality was observed for studies on human biomarkers, biota, and sediments, and the lowest on water quality. Concentrations of mercury in sediments (up to 3650µg/kg), human biomarkers (up to 31µg/g) and fish (up to 3µg/g) in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants and iron and steel were high in general, and sometimes comparable to or higher than the global guideline, screening or reference values. Overall, impacts of industrial activities on mercury pollution of surrounding environment were evident, and warrant a speedy assessment of other industrial areas and implementation of mitigation measures.

Acidity of rainfall samples in close vicinity of coal-fired power plant with wet cooling tower with flue gas injection

The paper presents measurement data concerning the degree of acidification of precipitation collected during a 6-month measurement campaign carried out in an immediate vicinity of a power plant, where the cooling tower was used for discharging flue gases as a product of coal combustion. As reference, data obtained from parallel measurements carried out at a monitoring station considered as city background station were used. High acidity of precipitation was anticipated due to reactions of acid gases contained in the combustion gases with water, which already occur inside the cooling tower. The results have not confirmed this assumption. The pH value of the precipitation samples was significantly higher than the pH of rainwater at the background station located 18 km away from the power plant.

A preliminary study of geological variation of in-situ gamma dose rate in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants

Introduction: The utilization of fossil fuels in coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) for electricity generation could lead to the release of additional natural and artificial radioisotopes into the surrounding environment and consequently, increase the gamma dose rate at these areas.
 Methods: In this study, the geological variation of gamma dose rate in the vicinity of Duyen Hai CFPP complex and Vinh tan CFPP complex were evaluated.
 Results: The obtained gamma dose rates were in the range from 0.07 to 0.22 μSv h-1 with the average value of 0.13 μSv h-1 for Duyen Hai area and in the range from 0.14 to 0.34 μSv h-1 with the average value of 0.21 μSv h-1. The results indicated that the gamma dose rate in Vinh tan area is higher than the corresponding value of Duyen Hai area. Both natural aspects, such as the geological differences as well as geomorphology and weathering process, and anthropogenic aspects, such as the difference in operational scale, coal consumption and ash discharge between Duyen Hai and Vinh Tan CFPP complex, might significantly contribute to the variation of gamma dose rate in the investigated locations.
 Conclusion: Overall, the calculated outdoor annual effective doses of two studied areas showed that the radiological impacts of both Duyen Hai and Vinh Tan CFPP complex to the environment and public health are negligible.

Characterization of Fine Particulate Matters Collected in the Vicinity of Coal-fired Power Plants in Java using ED-XRF

The number of coal-fired power plant in Java has been increased because of the government policy to supply the electricity in Indonesia to meet the electricity needs. This mega project is assumed to have an impact on the environmental and human health. In this study, the assessment of the air quality near the coal fired power plant has been carried out through characterization of the fine particulate matters. The particulate matters PM2.5 were collected in four sites in the vicinity of coal-fired power plant in Banten, West Java and Central Java, Indonesia. The elemental concentrations in PM2.5 such as Mg, Al, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb have been identified using energy dispersive X-ray Fluorescence-EDXRF. The validation of XRF measurement was applied using standard reference material NIST SRM 2783 Air Particulate on Filter Media. The elemental concentration of PM2.5 especially for the toxic elements as well as the mass and black carbon were compared between four sites. For some sites, the level of elemental concentrations was lower than other industrial sites in Java, due to the sampling was carried out before the commissioning/normal operation. Further and periodical monitoring will be needed to obtain a better comprehensive result to assess the impact of coal power plant to the surrounding environment.

Impact of heavy metals in Indian fly ashes on its application as soil ameliorant

ABSTRACTCoal contains various organic and inorganic substances including trace quantities of the heavy metals. Therefore, the combustion of coals releases some of the ultimately to the environment of some heavy metals elements in the form of their oxides and in a redistribution of these heavy metals in the surface soil and water bodies, particularly in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants. The fly ash and pond ash of different thermal power stations of India were mixed with soil at different doses separately to compare their impact on crop produce and soil. The present study deals with the presence of the heavy metals in the coal ash and its movement through the amendment of coal ash to the soil and crop produce.

Naturally occurring radionuclides in particulate emission from a coal fired power plant: A potential contamination?

The use of coal as fuel in coal-fired power plant (CFPP) for electricity generation results in emission of particulate which contains trace quantities of naturally occurring radionuclides, namely Uranium-238 (238U), Thorium-232 (232Th) including their decay series and Potassium-40 (40K). These naturally occurring radionuclides may increase their natural radioactivity level in the ambient particulate matter vicinity of the plant resulting from the combustion processes. This paper presents an investigation of radioactivity level of particulate emission and maximum deposition due to natural radioactive emissions from a typical CFPP using standard Gaussian dispersion model approach. The predicted maximum ground level particulate concentration (Cmax) and downwind distance were 55μgm−3 and 1600m away from the source, respectively. The results recorded that the Cmax released from the CFPP was significantly lower than the national and international ambient air quality limits, which means that radiological hazards from inhalation due to particulate emission released from the stack is insignificant. The air dispersion modelling results suggested that this activity does not impose any significant effect to the human population at large and potential contamination at vicinity of CFPP is remote.

Characteristics of Feed Coal and Particulate Matter in the Vicinity of Coal-fired Power Plant in Cilacap, Central Java, Indonesia

The Indonesian government has launched the development of electrical power plant 10,000 MW program to supply the electricity in Indonesia which is focused on coal power plant. Minor and trace element characterization of coal is extremely important to assess their potential for pollution, as well as characterization of the fine particulates matter (PM2.5) emitted from a coal-fired power plant which could be harmful to human health and environmental. In this study, characterization of feed coal and fine particulate matter in the vicinity of a coal-fired plant as an assessment of environmental impact on coal combustion was carried out. The particulate matters PM2.5 were collected in two sites in the vicinity of 2 x 300 MW coal-fired power plant in Cilacap, Central Java. The feed coal was characterized using instrumental neutron activation analysis-INAA. Method validation was done by analysis of standard reference material NIST SRM 1633b coal fly ash. The chemical composition of PM2.5 have been measured using energy dispersive X-ray Fluorescence-EDXRF. The validation of XRF measurement was applied using standard reference material NIST SRM 2783 Air Particulate on Filter Media. The results showed that several minor and trace elements in coal were still in the range of other world coals. The elemental concentration of PM2.5 especially for the toxic elements as well as the mass and black carbon in the vicinity of the coal fired power plant was low or within the range of published data for air ambient in urban and rural areas.

Biomonitoring of metals in the vicinity of Soma coal-fired power plant in western Anatolia, Turkey using the epiphytic lichen, Xanthoria parietina

In this study, epiphytic lichen Xanthoria parietina was applied as the biomonitor of air pollution to determine the environmental influence in the vicinity of Soma coal-fired power plant. Thalli of lichen Xanthoria parietina growing on olive, oak and poplar trees were collected with their substrate in 2004–2006. They were taken from 44 different stations located in 3×3 km grids within an area of 30 km in diameter around the Soma power plant near the town of Soma. Lichen samples were analyzed by using the ICP-MS for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Th, U, V and Zn elements and their concentrations were mapped. The sample analyses results were evaluated by using the statistical software (SPSS 11). Average element contents of samples were, in descending order, Fe > Zn > V > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Co > U > Th > Se > Cd > Hg. Results obtained in the current study were generally found to be higher than the data reported in literature although some lower values exist for Cd, Co, Hg, Ni, Pb elements. The most polluted areas were found to be those in the vicinity of the coal-fired power plant, particularly along the direction of predominant wind and in the corridor which runs from west to southeast direction due to topographic conditions. We believe that this research which is conducted around a coal-fired power plant will shed light on future research on pollution.

Elemental Analysis of Desert Varnish Samples in the Vicinity of Coal-Fired Power Plants and the Nevada Test Site Using Laser Ablation ICPMS

Desert varnish is a thin manganese-iron rich dark coating that forms on rocks most often in arid climates. This coating may be up to a few hundred microns in thickness and is thought to grow by approximately one micron per thousand years. Recent research has shown that many elements are incorporated into this coating, and, in spite of its slow growth, it may serve as a passive environmental monitor for recent and historical air pollution. To test this hypothesis, small pieces of varnished rock were probed directly by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA- ICPMS). Results were obtained for 11 elements (13 isotopes: 9 Be, 107 Ag, 111 Cd, 118 Sn, 121 Sb, 138 Ba, 184 W, 205 Tl, 206 Pb, 207 Pb, 208 Pb, 232 Th, and 238 U) by magnetic sector ICPMS and for 23 elements (25 isotopes: same as before plus 51 V, 52 Cr, 59 Co, 60 Ni, 65 Cu, 66 Zn, 88 Sr, 98 Mo, 115 In, 133 Cs, 197 Au, and 209 Bi) by quadrupole ICPMS. Varnished rock samples were collected mainly in the fallout patterns of two coal-fired power plants and downwind from the Nevada Test Site (NTS). The LA-ICPMS data indicate that many of the elements commonly found in fly ash from coal-fired power plants (e.g., Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Sn, Sb, Tl and Pb) were highly enriched in the rock coatings in relation to the upper continental crust (UCC). For one of the power plants, where tracer plume studies had been carried out, the highest concentrations in the rock varnish coincide with the peak tracer concentration locations. Thus, these elements in rock varnish hold promise for identifying those geographical regions impacted by nearby power plants. Overall, the results indicate that rock varnish can be used as a passive environmental monitor of relatively recent events, and that the trace element fingerprints held in rock varnish may also hold much potential in forensic air pollution studies.

Natural radionuclide emission from coal-fired power plants in the southwestern of Turkey and the population exposure to external radiation in their vicinity

To evaluate the effect of radionuclide emission on the environment from Yataǧan, Yeniköy and Kemerköy coal-fired power plants which are located in southwestern Anatolia of Turkey, the concentrations of natural radionuclides such as 226Ra, 232Th and 40K in coal, bottom ash and fly ash samples, have been measured, as well as the concentration of the same radionuclides in surface soils. The dose rate arises from the total radioactivity content of soil that the people living by the power plants are exposed to be assessed additionally. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra for Yataǧan CPP is 80 ± 22 Bq kg–1 ranging from 56 to 131 Bq kg–1, for Yeniköy CPP is 138 ± 20 Bq kg–1 ranging from 115 to 189 Bq kg–1, for Kemerköy CPP is 238 ± 80 Bq kg–1 ranging from 134 to 356 Bq kg–1 in coal; average activity concentrations of 226Ra in fly ash and in bottom ash for above-mentioned power plants are 334 ± 60 Bq kg–1 ranging from 291 to 481 Bq kg–1, 461 ± 33 Bq kg–1 ranging from 398 to 511 Bq kg–1, 815 ± 254 Bq kg–1 ranging from 316 to 1260 Bq kg–1, 276 ± 51 Bq kg–1 ranging from 222 to 349 Bq kg–1, 285 ± 69 Bq kg–1 ranging from 213 to 409 Bq kg–1, 743 ± 234 Bq kg–1 ranging from 366 to 1098 Bq kg–1, respectively. The radionuclides activity concentrations of surface soil in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants are 32 ± 9 Bq kg–1 (18–53 Bq kg–1) for 226Ra, 37 ± 16 Bq kg–1 (17–89 Bq kg–1) for 232Th, 455 ± 165 Bq kg–1 (203–794 Bq kg–1) for 40K relevant to Yataǧan CPP; 42 ± 30 Bq kg–1 (9–168 Bq kg–1) for 226Ra, 32 ± 14 Bq kg–1 (6–74 Bq kg–1) for 232Th, 365 ± 151 Bq kg–1 (117–937 Bq kg–1) for 40K relevant to Yeniköy and Kemerköy CPP. As a result, average dose rates in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants have been calculated to be 56 ± 16 nGy h–1 ranging from 30 to 100 nGy h–1 for Yataǧan CPP, 54 ± 22 nGy h–1 ranging from 15 to 126 nGy h–1 for Yeniköy and Kemerköy CPP. To sum up, the natural radionuclide activity concentrations of burnt coal and ashes thrown out from these three power plants are quite high relative to the world average UNSCEAR[ 1 ] data. In addition, the average 226Ra, 232Th and 40K activity concentration values of surface soil samples and the calculated gamma dose rates in the vicinity of power plants were located within the worldwide intervals reported by UNSCEAR,[ 30 ] with some local differences.

Ambient air total gaseous mercury concentrations in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants in Alberta, Canada

The Lake Wabamun area, in Alberta, is unique within Canada as there are four coal-fired power plants within a 500 km 2 area. Continuous monitoring of ambient total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentrations in the Lake Wabamun area was undertaken at two sites, Genesee and Meadows. The data were analyzed in order to characterise the effect of the coal-fired power plants on the regional TGM. Mean concentrations of 1.57 ng/m 3 for Genesee and 1.50 ng/m 3 for Meadows were comparable to other Canadian sites. Maximum concentrations of 9.50 ng/m 3 and 4.43 ng/m 3 were comparable to maxima recorded at Canadian sites influenced by anthropogenic sources. The Genesee site was directly affected by the coal-fired power plants with the occurrence of northwest winds, and this was evident by episodes of elevated TGM, NO x and SO 2 concentrations. NO x /TGM and SO 2/TGM ratios of 21.71 and 19.98 µg/ng, respectively, were characteristic of the episodic events from the northwest wind direction. AERMOD modeling predicted that coal-fired power plant TGM emissions under normal operating conditions can influence hourly ground-level concentrations by 0.46–1.19 ng/m 3 . The effect of changes in coal-fired power plant electricity production on the ambient TGM concentrations was also investigated, and was useful in describing some of the episodes.

On the wet and dry deposition of ionic species in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants, northwestern Greece

Rainwater and deposited particle samples were collected for 1 year (October 2000–October 2001), at two sites in the area of “Eordaia Basin”, northwestern Greece, where four lignite-burning power units (total capacity 4000 MW) are operated. The samples were collected on a monthly basis and analyzed for Cl −, NO 3 −, SO 4 2−, Na +, K +, NH 4 +, Ca 2+ and Mg 2+. pH and conductivity measurements were conducted only for rain samples. The lowest rain pH values measured at the two sites (S1 and S2) were 4.15 and 5.20 respectively. 40–50% of rain samples at both sites showed pH values in the acidic area (mean values: 5.13 and 5.99 respectively). The quantification of the neutralization effect of the alkaline ions showed the prevalence role of Ca, followed by NH 4, Na and Mg. Wet and dry ionic concentrations and deposition fluxes showed considerable variability between the sites with higher values for Ca and SO 4 for both sites. This could be partly attributed to the strong influence of the local emissions. Fly ash, produced in huge amounts, is the major source for Ca and SO 4 in the area even at the site of Vegoritida (S2), which is a pure remote site located out of the main wind flow of the basin. The relative contribution of wet and dry to the total annual deposition for the site of Petrana (S1) is 45% and 55% respectively for SO 4, 41% and 59% for NO 3 and 41% and 59% for Ca. Contrary, for Vegoritida site (S2) the wet deposition is the main contributor to the total, by 60–80%, for the majority of the species. The difference between the two site environments could be explained by the different local source effect, which is more obvious to dry deposition of the nearest to power plants site of Petrana. Additionally, the application of principal component analysis confirmed the different formation patterns for rain and dust and considerable difference in source emission impact between the sites.

Measurements of environmental background radiation at location of coal-fired power plants.

Environmental radiation monitoring in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants which are used primarily to determine the variability in measured background exposures are presented in this article; this is in order to estimate the contribution due to the plants' operation. Measurements have been done using a multi-element, high sensitive dosemeter system composed of three solid, properly filtered, sintered CaSO4:Dy thermoluminescent detectors, and one low-atomic number, MgB4O7:Dy,Na thermoluminiscencent detector produced at the Vinca Institute. The dosemeters were deployed quarterly 1 m above ground level at locations within 20 km of the power plants. Twenty urban and suburban measured stations were established. Measurements were carried out over one year period, from the beginning of the summer of 1995 to the end of the spring of 1996. The registered annual absorbed dose in air, from all of the 20 stations, vary from 0.91 to 1.46 mGy a(-1). One of the highest values of the annual absorbed dose was measured at the station near to the plant, i.e. at the place the most exposed to the lighter fly ash from the plant stack, as it was expected. The annual absorbed dose registered at the measuring stations that were selected as a control because they were situated practically away from possible influence of the plants were from 0.91 to 0.98 mGy a(-1). The above values of absorbed doses become very important, by concurrence of the circumstances, because they represent the zero background radiation level before the incidence of depleted uranium over former Yougoslav territory in the Kosovo region in the spring of 1999. These measured absorbed dose exposures have to be compared with corresponding absorbed dose rates from the natural sources, such as soil having an exposure of 18-93 nGy h(-1) (average 35 nGy h(-1)) according to the UNSCEAR 2000 Report. This investigation has been primarily done in order to check the impact of coal-fired power plants on the background radiation level in its vicinity. According to the experimental results, influence was confirmed both qualitatively and quantitatively.

03/02015 Radiation protection monitoring in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants: Pantelic, G. K. et al. BfS-SH-Berichte, 2002, 328–330

03/02015 Radiation protection monitoring in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants: Pantelic, G. K. et al. BfS-SH-Berichte, 2002, 328–330

99/03400 Radiation exposure of the population in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants

Carbide slag produced from chlor-alkali industry contains high amounts of calcium compounds and can potentially be used as raw material for cement production; however, it contains large amounts of chlorine so it is essential to evaluate the emissions of chlorinated organic pollutants, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). A field study of the emission profiles of these pollutants in a cement plant using such slag was performed. The average concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PCNs in stack gases collected at the kiln back end were 6.31, 1.07, and 31.89 pg TEQ m−3, respectively. PCDFs dominated over PCDDs in particulate samples. Di- to pentachlorinated biphenyls were dominant homologs in the particulate samples. MonoCBs were the dominant homolog in stack gases from the kiln back end, and homolog concentrations decreased with increasing chlorine numbers. Mono- and diCNs accounted for 48–98% of PCNs. The estimated toxic equivalents of stack gas emissions of PCNs, classified as new persistent organic pollutants under Stockholm Convention, were unexpectedly higher than those of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. A mass balance indicated that all of the toxic equivalents were reduced by this cement kiln system. The highest 2,3,7,8-PCDD/F output is with clinker.

Contribution of SO 2 sorption on particulate surface to the air pollution level in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants

The area under study is influenced by three lignite-fired power plants. The distribution of SO 2 concentrations in the air over the area has been calculated. The calculations include SO 2 sorption on the surface area of the emitted particulates — stack dust and fly ash. The surface sorption process has been investigated on a laboratory scale.

Concentrations of Co, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn in crop plants cultivated in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants

In order to determine the effect of airborne emissions of trace elements (Co, Cd, Cr, Ni and Zn) from coal-fired power plants on the environment, concentrations were determined in different species of agricultural plants from the local environment (1–15 km radius) and compared with the corresponding concentrations in soils and fallout. The spatial distribution of trace elements in the soil over 7 years did not indicate any significant increased exposure to plants. In agricultural soils exposed to particle fallout produced by the combustion of brown coal, the trace element content changes slowly; it may decrease owing to its removal with the harvesting of crop plants and due to an insufficient supply of fertilizers. Particle fallout from local power plants is too small to change significantly the natural distribution pattern of trace elements in soils and in plant tissues. For monitoring purposes attention should be paid to the leaves and roots of sugar beet and oat seeds in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants.

The fallout of particles in the vicinity of coal-fired power plants in Czechoslovakia

The fallout of particles was examined in the vicinity of power plants fired by lignite or brown coal. The fallout was highest in the east and south-east sectors due to the predominating westerly and north-westerly winds. The fallout decreases with increasing distance from the source, depending on local factors. The average fallout in close vicinity (0–15 km) to the power plants was ∼50 t km −2 year −1. Brown coal contained elevated concentrations of Co, Cr and Zn, while lignite was found to be high in Cd and Ni. Fly ash was enriched in Co, Zn, Cr, Ni and Cd. The short-term experiments performed did not provide evidence that the fallout from brown-coal-fired power plants contributed significantly to the increased levels of Cd, Co, Ni, Cr and Zn in agricultural soil within 15 km of the power plants. The average Cd, Co and Zn contents of soil in Czechoslovakia are slightly below the values reported elsewhere.