Modeling NOx, CO, SO2 and PM emissions from Sabzevar cement plant using SCREEN3 software

Introduction: Nowadays, the cement industry is regarded as one of the most important air pollution industries globally. This study aimed to simulate the emission of NOx, CO, SO2, and PM pollutants caused by the Sabzevar Cement Factory chimney by SCREEN3 software.  Materials and Methods: In this study, the SCREEN3 software was employed for the distribution of NOx, CO, SO2, and PM pollutants. The inputs of the model include the concentration and emission of pollutant gases, physical factors associated with the cement factory chimney, wind speed and direction, ambient temperature, and stability classes.  Results: The results of this study indicated that the maximum concentrations of NOx, CO, SO2, and PM by the SCREEN3 software occurred in unstable weather conditions (B) and wind speed of 5 m.s. The highest concentrations of NOx, CO, and PM (use of gas) were at a distance of 1400 meters from the factory chimney with the rates of 0.9, 0.32, 6.2 μg.m³, respectively. Moreover, the highest concentrations of NOx, CO, SO2, and PM (using fuel oil) were predicted at a distance of 1100 m from the factory chimney with 19.5, 360, 9, and 7.9 μg.m³, respectively. A comparison of the obtained results with the standard of the Environmental Protection Agency of Iran (EPA) revealed that the concentrations of NOx, CO, SO2, and PM were not higher than the standards.  Conclusion: The comparison of results with EPA standard and Iranian clean air standard showed that NOX, CO, SO2, and PM concentrations were not higher than standards during the sampling period.