Assessment of Particulate Matter Dispersion Using Gaussian Plume Model: A Case Study of Doroud Cement Factory

The dispersion of particulate matter has been known as the most serious environmental pollutant from the cement plants. In this study, the dispersion of dust (PM10) from the stack of Doroud Cement plant was investigated using Gaussian plume model in different atmospheric conditions.
In this study, westech instrument was used to measure PM10 level by gravimetric method based on ISO-9096 standard. The Gaussian plume model was used for predict PM10 concentrations in certain intervals. The results were compared with 24 hour EPA standard for PM10. The effect of meteorological parameters including temperature, wind speed and relative humidity on the PM10 dispersion were assessed.
The results showed that the maximum and minimum predicted concentrations in ambient air were obtained at the distance of 1800 and 500 meter from the source with concentrations of 118.12 and 53.13 µg/m³, respectively. The increment of wind speed and increasing of air stability had an important role in rising of dust in atmosphere surrounding of cement plant.
The comparison of results with EPA standard showed that PM10 concentrations were not higher than standard during sampling period. The further field investigations to measure PM10 in upwind and downwind of cement plant and compare with the results of modeling are essential.