Contribution of the Incinerator to the Inorganic Composition of the PM10 Collected in Turin

Abstract

Modern incinerator plants are equipped with an efficient system for the removal of pollutants and, hence, the gas and particle emissions are generally extremely low. However, it is possible that malfunctions, together with specific meteorological conditions, temporarily cause significant emissions. In this study, the evolution of the inorganic composition of PM10 samples collected in the vicinity of the Turin incinerator before and after its commissioning was assessed. The purpose was to identify the PM sources present in the area, and to evaluate if the operation of the incinerator caused an increase of the concentration of some species. Significant differences were registered among the composition of samples collected in 2012 and 2014, as the latter year was characterized by higher concentrations of Al, As, Ba, Ca, K, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn. Considering the position of the incinerator and of the monitoring station, it seems that this increment was not directly caused by the plant emissions. The most probable source of these elements is the highway vehicular traffic, which might have increased due to the travelling of trucks carrying wastes to the incinerator. However, a direct contribution deriving from the incinerator emissions cannot be excluded.

Air Quality Impact Assessment of a Waste-to-Energy Plant: Modelling Results vs. Monitored Data

“…In the cold season, the observed mean concentrations were 0.14 ng m −3 for Cd, 2.21 ng m −3 for Ni, and 5.07 ng m −3 for Pb; corresponding values in the warm season were 0.07 ng m −3 , 1.44 ng m −3 , and 2.93 ng m −3 , respectively. These concentration levels were slightly lower than those reported in the literature in the vicinity of the Turin WtE plant [28]. The 2 × factor observed between the cold and warm season concentration levels is typical for the area as a consequence of the different atmospheric dispersion conditions.…”

Chemical Characterization of Particulate Matter in the Renaissance City of Ferrara

“…Generally, the aerosol in urban areas was made from a mixture of primary particles emitted from several sources, which could be anthropogenic and/or natural. The major elements in the aerosol may result from crustal origin from re-suspended dust [15,16] or from industrial activities [17,18]; for example fuel oil, cement and ceramic industries [19,20], coal combustion processes [21], products of refuse incineration [22,23], or traffic pollutants from vehicle exhausts [24,25], motor oil [26], tire and brake abrasion [27], or wood burning processes for domestic and commercial purposes [28,29]. Knowing the chemical composition of the analyzed particles could allow to recognize the sources of the pollutants and to implement mitigation plans in the areas most subject to pollution.…”

Recent Advances of Air Pollution Studies in Italy

“…In relation to air pollution caused by municipal solid waste incinerators plants, Conca et al [12] investigated the evolution of the inorganic composition of PM 10 samples collected in the vicinity of the Turin incinerator before and after its commissioning. The purpose was to identify the PM sources present in the area and to evaluate if the operation of the incinerator caused an increase of the concentration of specific chemical species.…”