Standard Threshold Values and Their Role in Protecting Workers at Power Generation Stations Under Atmospheric Stability Conditions: A Case Study of the Khoms Power Station
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.59743/jmset.v10i1.213Keywords:
Air pollution, Power station, Calmness, Al-Khoms, LibyaAbstract
Industrial processes based on fuel combustion, such as those employed at the Al-Khoms Power Generation Station, result in the release of significant quantities of various air pollutants, including nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), sulfur compounds, and suspended particulate matter. The dispersion of these pollutants in the atmosphere is generally influenced by several meteorological factors, particularly wind speed and direction. However, under certain conditions, air movement may decrease substantially, leading to the accumulation of pollutants in the vicinity of the emission source. This accumulation can significantly increase pollutant concentrations within the workplace environment, posing serious health risks to workers in industrial facilities. This study investigates the extent of pollutant accumulation resulting from emissions released through the stacks of the Al Khoms Power Generation Station under calm-air conditions. The analysis assumes that pollutant emissions remain within the maximum permissible limits established by Egyptian and U.S. environmental standards. The results indicate that compliance with international emission standards alone is insufficient to ensure a safe working environment for personnel in industrial facilities. Therefore, additional preventive and protective measures are required to safeguard workers’ health, particularly during periods of atmospheric stability and limited air circulation.
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