Title: An incinerator air quality impact assessment for metals, PAH, dioxins and furans by using the MM5-CMAQ-EMIMO atmospheric modelling system: Spain case study

Authors: R. San Jose, Juan L. Perez, Rosa M. Gonzalez

Addresses: Environmental Software and Modelling Group, Computer Science School, Technical University of Madrid, Spain. ' Environmental Software and Modelling Group, Computer Science School, Technical University of Madrid, Spain. ' Faculty of Physics, Department of Meteorology and Geophysics, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain

Abstract: In this paper, we show the implementation of a modified version of MM5-CMAQ for carrying out an air quality impact analysis for installing an incinerator in the Basque Country model domain (Spain). The modified CMAQ model (EPA USA, 2004) includes Poly-Chlorinated Dibenzop-Dioxins and Dibenzo-Furans (dioxins and furans). This model represents their congeners as divided between gaseous and aerosol forms that exchange mass based on theoretical coefficients for gas to particle portioning. The emission model EMIMO – developed by UPM – has been adapted to incorporate the three metals and the benzo(a)pyrene according to the EMEP annual emission inventory. In addition, the PCDD/F EMEP emission inventory has been incorporated into the EMIMO model to produce proper 1 hr and 1 km × 1 km emission PCDD/F estimation. The emissions of the projected incinerator are incorporated by using the chimney technical parameters and the limit emission values (worst-case scenario) prescribed in the Directive/2000/76/CE.

Keywords: air dispersion modelling; benzo(a)pyrene; PAH; incinerators; air quality impact; dioxins; furans; environmental modelling; environmental impact; Spain; metals; atmospheric modelling; pollution emissions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2008.017105

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2008 Vol.32 No.2, pp.250 - 269

Published online: 13 Feb 2008 *

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