Dispersion of Particulate Matter Using the AERMOD Model and Health Risk Assessment (Case Study: Saveh Gypsum Industry)

Air pollution remains a major environmental challenge, and gypsum industries contribute significantly to particulate matter (PM۱۰) emissions. This study quantified PM۱۰ emissions from the chimney of a white gypsum factory in Saveh, Iran, using EPA emission factors. The AERMOD dispersion model simulated PM۱۰ concentrations across the region, incorporating chimney data, meteorological records, and local topography. Maximum concentrations within ۳ km and ۵ km radii were analyzed at ۱-hour, ۸-hour, ۲۴-hour, monthly, and annual intervals. The results showed that the maximum PM۱۰ concentrations in ۲۴ hours were ۳۲.۶۲ μg/m۳ (۳ km) and ۲۹.۳۴ μg/m۳ (۵ km), which are ۷۸.۲۵% and ۸۰.۴۴% lower than the Iranian national standard (۱۵۰ μg/m۳), respectively. Health risk assessments showed the non-carcinogenic risk index and carcinogenic risk index within acceptable limits for children and adults. However, cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from regional industries may increase long-term risks to surrounding villages. Air pollution remains a major environmental challenge, and gypsum industries contribute significantly to particulate matter (PM۱۰) emissions.

کلیدواژه ها:

AERMOD model ، Air pollution ، Emission of Particulate Matter ، Health risk assessment ، Saveh Sepid Gypsum Industry