The influence of emission sources on particulate matter pollution in adjacent areas

Abstract

Particulates generated by anthropogenic activities are found in the ambient air in varying amounts, in a wide range of sizes and in a wide variety of chemical composition. The concentration of particulates at one site, as well as their composition, are influenced by their origin and dispersion factors. By chemical and dimensional analysis of particulates in an area, we can draw preliminary conclusions about the origin and level of pollution in that area. This paper presents the results obtained by concomitant monitoring of particulates emissions and the concentration of particulate matter in ambient air in the adjacent area of an industrial plant. The result of the measurements obtained and their correlation with the specific conditions during the monitoring period lead us to the conclusion that the concentration of particulate matter at the emission sources directly influences the concentrations of particulate matter in the neighbouring area.