M. Basso Dos Santos, N. Santini Baratto, T. Antunes Kelm, L. Pochmann de Souza, L. Padilha Thives
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Asphalt plants’ emissions still need to be investigated regarding the impacts on air quality. This research analyzes particulate matter (PM) and combustion gases emitted during hot-mix asphalt production in a drum-mix asphalt plant located in a metropolitan region in Brazil. Emissions from the stacks (dryer drum and asphalt heater) and the traffic of trucks on unpaved roads within the company’s limits were assessed. The AERMOD software was used to assess the emissions' amplitude, frequency, and dispersion. Six scenarios were evaluated: scenarios one, two, and three, corresponding to the emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and total suspended particulates (TSP), respectively, due to the combustion of shale oil in the dryer drum and diesel oil (asphalt heater). The concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, and TSP, due to the traffic of trucks and the dryer drum, correspond to scenarios four, five, and six, respectively. The findings indicate compliance with Brazilian standards for NO2 (Scenario 1) and TSP (Scenario 3), but violations for SO2 (Scenario 2) due to shale oil use. Seasonal variations affect dispersion, with TSP and SO2 (Scenario 1 and 3) peaking in winter and spring, and NO2 (Scenario 2) in spring and summer, especially at night. PM2.5 emissions (Scenario 4) follow the standards, but PM10 (Scenario 5) and TSP (Scenario 6) exceed limits, notably in fall, winter, and spring. Unpaved roads are significant PM sources in asphalt plants and AERMOD findings suggest this. Understanding pollutants’ sources and seasonality is crucial for air quality protection.
期刊介绍：
International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology (IJEST) is an international scholarly refereed research journal which aims to promote the theory and practice of environmental science and technology, innovation, engineering and management.
A broad outline of the journal''s scope includes: peer reviewed original research articles, case and technical reports, reviews and analyses papers, short communications and notes to the editor, in interdisciplinary information on the practice and status of research in environmental science and technology, both natural and man made.
The main aspects of research areas include, but are not exclusive to; environmental chemistry and biology, environments pollution control and abatement technology, transport and fate of pollutants in the environment, concentrations and dispersion of wastes in air, water, and soil, point and non-point sources pollution, heavy metals and organic compounds in the environment, atmospheric pollutants and trace gases, solid and hazardous waste management; soil biodegradation and bioremediation of contaminated sites; environmental impact assessment, industrial ecology, ecological and human risk assessment; improved energy management and auditing efficiency and environmental standards and criteria.
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