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International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, Vol 1, No 7Sp (2012), Pagination: 221-227
Abstract
The sulphur deposition and atmospheric sulphates are detrimental to ecosystems, harming aquatic lives and plants, and damaging to a wide range of terrestrial plant life. This also results in creation of yellow clouds that reflect sunlight, reducing the atmospheric transparency which can be measured by Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) index. The sulphate particles also influence the formation of clouds by acting as Cloud Condensation Nucleus (CNN). In the present study, investigation into SO2 emission and sulfate aerosol formation during pyrolysis and mining of high sulfur NE coals has been discussed. The North Eastern Region (NER) of India has a substantial deposit of high sulfur (2-8%) coal with low ash, high volatile matter (35-45%) and high vitrinite maceral contents. During combustion and carbonization of these coals, sulfur is emitted to the atmosphere as SO2 mainly in the temperature region 600-850°C which is further oxidized to SO42- and this process is catalyzed by the metal ions present in the environment. In the present investigation gas and particulate samples were collected from different environments viz, coke oven (pilot plant of 100kg/batch) and from coke industries and mine site in winter season in between January to February. The SO2 concentrations was found in the range 0.29-97.83 μg/m3, 0.23-0.56 μg/m3 and 0.147-0.62 μg/m3 in coke oven, coke industries and mine site respectively. While the SO42- concentrations observed were 0.002-0.533 μg/m3, 0.029-0.21 μg/m3 and 0.06-0.14 μg/m3 in coke oven, coke industries and mine site respectively. In coke industries both SO2 and SO42- concentrations lower than that of coke oven pilot plant because in coke industry, washed coal were used for coke production when in coke oven unwashed coals were used. Moreover, it has also been observed that in the mine site, SO2 and SO42- concentration mainly contributes from the coal burning and nearby coke ovens. Hence, the present study on SO2 emission and SO42- aerosol formation has made a significant contribution towards the national as well as global emission inventories.
Keywords
SO2, SO42- Aerosol, Pilot and Industrial Coke Ovens, Catalytic Effect of Metal Ions
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