Monitoring and Dispersion of SO2 Emissions from Power Plants Using UV Camera and AERMOD: A Case Study of Baja California Sur, Mexico

Abstract

This work assesses sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from two power plants in Baja California Sur, Mexico, using ground-based UV camera measurements and AERMOD dispersion modeling. Field campaigns conducted during 2022 in La Paz and Puerto San Carlos captured spatial and temporal variations in SO2 slant column densities (SCDs) and fluxes, revealing higher emissions at the larger Punta Prieta (CTPP) thermoelectric power facility (mean flux: 1.13 kg s−1) compared to the Agustín Olachea (CCI AO) internal combustion power plant (mean flux: 0.59 kg s−1). The UV camera effectively monitored plume structure and dynamics, with error analyses indicating uncertainties of ~12% in flux estimates. AERMOD simulations showed ground-level SO2 concentrations exceeding WHO and Mexican air quality standards near the plants, with localized exposure risks particularly for workers. The results underscore the substantial contribution of these facilities to regional SO2 pollution and demonstrate the utility of combining remote sensing with modeling to assess industrial emissions and inform air quality management in sensitive regions.