Modeling the dispersion of pollutant gases from the chimney of the Tabriz thermal power plant with AERMOD software

Background and The objective of this study is to simulate the release of pollutant gases from the chimney of the Tabriz thermal power plant to ascertain the concentration of these pollutants in the vicinity of the power plant.  The dispersion of pollutants emitted by the Tabriz thermal power plant is modeled using AERMOD software to analyze the concentrations of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in nearby areas and neighboring cities within a 44.85 km square. The data utilized for this modeling encompass one-year meteorological records, emission source particulars, and geographical data. This modeling calculated the distribution pattern of pollution and pollutant concentrations on the ground surface near the Tabriz thermal power plant for intervals of 1, 3, and 24 hours, as well as the annual average.  The calculated results reveal that the maximum concentrations of nitrogen dioxide in the studied area, for intervals of 1, 3, and 24 hours, and the annual average are 957, 510, 135, and 5.21 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively. Similarly, the maximum concentrations of sulfur dioxide, for the same intervals, are 3998, 2208, 584, and 22.6 micrograms per cubic meter, respectively.  The findings indicate that the maximum concentrations of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide in certain densely populated residential zones exceed the permissible limits set by environmental standards for specific criteria. Consequently, the health of residents near this power plant could be at risk.