Modeling the Dispersion of SO ₂ Emissions from an Industrial Furnace Stack Using AERMOD

Large industries are among the main sources of air pollution in Tabriz, especially in the western parts of the city. This study evaluates the concentration and dispersion of sulfur dioxide (SO ₂) emissions from an industrial furnace over a ۱۵ ×۱۵ km ² area. The AERMOD model was applied using a one-year dataset (۲۰۱۴) with averaging times of ۱-hour, ۲۴-hour, and monthly intervals. The results indicate that in several cases, SO ₂ concentrations exceeded air quality standards set by the EPA and Iran. The Sahand mountain range to the south limited pollutant dispersion, leading to higher concentrations in nearby areas. The highest pollution levels were observed at a distance of ۴ km from the emission source. The ۱-hour average SO ₂ concentration in June ۲۰۱۴ reached ۱,۲۹۰ µg/m³ at ۵۰۰ meters from the stack, exceeding the standard limit of ۱۹۶ µg/m³. Similarly, the ۲۴-hour average in February ۲۰۱۴ was ۶۳۶ µg/m³ at ۳۰۰ meters, surpassing the standard of ۳۹۵ µg/m³. Over time, SO ₂ concentrations showed a decreasing trend. Wind rose analysis for ۲۰۱۴ indicated prevailing winds from the east, northeast, and west. This study highlights the need for stricter emission control measures to mitigate the impacts of air pollution in Tabriz.

کلیدواژه ها:

Air pollution ، SO ₂ dispersion ، AERMOD ، Meteorological analysis ، EPA standards