Source contribution analysis of ambient NO2 concentration in Maptaphut industrial complex area, Thailand

Abstract

Analysis of industrial source contributions to ambient nitrogen dioxide concentrations were conducted in the area of the largest petrochemical complex in Thailand. AERMOD dispersion model was used to simulate annual average concentrations at 10 receptors using emission and meteorological data of the year 2013. Emission sources were grouped according to their geographical locations into seven groups, namely 1) Asia industrial estates, 2) Gas separation plant (GSP), 3) Hemaraj Eastern industrial estates, 4) Maptaphut industrial estates, 5) Padaeng industrial estates, 6) RIL industrial estates and 7) Rayong power plant (RPP), respectively. In total, there were 422 stack sources used as input data in this analysis. Results revealed that maximum annual average concentrations of NO2 were mainly contributed from Maptaphut IE. emissions. However, there were some receptors where majority of NO2 concentrations were contributed by the nearest industrial estates. In summary, control of NOx emission from Maptaphut IE. should be given priority for appropriate control and management of air pollutants in this industrial area.