Monitoring of Air Pollutants Emitted from Gaza Electricity Generation Plant

Abstract

Power plants are considered a major air pollution source, which emit to atmosphere many air pollutants such as particulate matter, carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxide, and nitrogen oxide. The aim of study is focusing on monitoring the air pollutants (PM2.5, CO, CO2), noise level, and health effects of air pollution on residents around power plant in Gaza City-Palestine. Gaza power plant site was monitored for four months during summer and winter seasons of 2012 by using air pollutant devices; 3-Channel handheld laser particle counter and Kanomax meter. A public health questionnaire was also distributed on residents around power plant to assess the impact of air pollution on their health status. The results showed that the concentration of particulate matter exceeded on WHO standard and the highest level was 79 mg/m3 and lowest level was 49mg/m3, while the concentration of carbon monoxide was less than WHO standards and the highest level was 2.18 ppm and lowest level was 0.1 ppm. The concentration of carbon dioxide oscillated from 254ppm to 514ppm. The public health questionnaire showed that 40% from population visited the hospital because of a disease that infect the respiratory tract. Other people suffered from a burning sensation in the eyes, short of breathing and rapid breathing, and feeling bronchial infection. The study concluded that the concentration of particulate matter and carbon dioxide were high, while the level of carbon monoxide and noise were low. The level of public awareness was good. The study recommended that periodic maintenance for power plant must be carried out and uses modern technology techniques to reduce the emission of air pollutants. The provision of modern devices to monitor air pollutants and train technical staff to carry out the monitoring process. Establishing a continuous monitoring program of pollutants emitted from plant, this program includes monitoring the health status of the population around the plant and the extent of affected by emitted pollutants and respondent by medical care and proper education. Sampling power plant stacks to be tested and find out their components and increase the public awareness about the risks of air pollutants on health and environment, finally provide financial support for scientific research in the air pollution field.