Assessment of Atmospheric Impact of Pops Emission from Cement Industry: Case Study in Thailand

Abstract

Hazardous wastes are of concern globally. A wide range of technologies is available to handle the waste category. Incineration in cement industry is one of effective treatment method that is of interest in many countries because it not only destroy the waste but also help to convert the energy content of the waste for cement production. High temperature, in principle, in the kilns would destroy the waste completely. However, if not handle properly toxic air pollutants, including POPs, may be emitted from the process.

In this study we monitor the stack emission of particulate matter, PCB (including dioxin-like) and chlorobenzenes from a cement kiln at Siam City Cement Company in Thailand both under co-fueling hazardous wastes and no co-fueling conditions. Samples were collected isokinetically by an Auto5 sampler and analyzed by GC-ECD. It was found that total PCBs and CBs concentrations in gas phase are higher than in the particle phase.

The California Mesoscale Puff Model (CALPUFF Model) is applied to study the effects of the kiln emission on the surrounding area. Meteorological data was generated using the Fifth-Generation NCAR/Penn State Mesoscale Model (MM5) as prognostic meteorological model. Model evaluation was performed by comparing the model output and the simultaneous ambient monitoring data for PM and PCB, CB (High-Vol puff sampler) at upwind and downwind sites around 1-2 km from the kiln.

Keywords: PCBs, CBs, cement kiln, GC-ECD, CALPUFF model, SINTEF