PM10 and CO dispersion modeling of emissions from four thermal power plants in Mashhad, Iran

In this study, we present an evaluation of the (PM10) and carbon monoxide (CO) particulate matter exposure level originated from the four power plants in the area using Air Pollution Dispersion Model. Combined use of AREMOD (The American Meteorological Society/Environmental Protection Agency Regulatory Model), ArcGIS and health risk assessment were applied to estimate the level of pollution in thirteen municipal receptors in the city. The results indicated the long-range transport of the pollutants from the power plants expected to impose significant health impacts on residential receptors. Almost 80000 inhabitants of the city were exposed to PM10 concentration, ranging between 50-75 µg/m3 and 100000 were exposed to CO concentration, ranging between 40-45 µg/m3. Approximately, 1200 hectares of the city were exposed to PM10 concentration, ranging from 40 to 50 µg/m3 and 370 hectares of the city area were exposed to CO concentration between 50-75 µg/m3. Comparison between simulated and observed concentrations of pollutants shows a little overestimation by model.