Seasonal differences in the levels of gaseous air pollutants in the vicinity of a waste dump

Abstract

Hydrogen sulphide, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide, mercaptans and sulphur dioxide (H2S, NH3, NO2, R-SH, SO2) concentrations were measured at the location in the vicinity of the waste dump to determine the air pollution level of these pollutants prior to the operations of the Mobile Thermal Treatment Plant. Samples were collected over one year period. Seasonal differences, and the influence of meteorological parameters (temperature, relative humidity, pressure and wind direction) on the air pollution levels were studied. Results show relatively low concentrations of H2O, NO2, R-S and SO2, while NH3 levels were higher compared to the guideline values. Good weather conditions (high air pressure and low relative humidity) are connected to long range transport of NO2, while higher temperatures result in elevated NH3 and R-SH concentrations. Because of the predominant northeast wind direction (the same as the waste dump direction), the contribution of air pollution from the direction of the waste dump at the measuring site is significant, but that does not necessarily mean that the pollutants originated from that source.