Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution from the aluminium industry

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, the major air pollutants emitted by two aluminum reduction plants in Hungary, were measured in the emission dusts and in air particulates in nearby residential areas. There was a higher amount of PAHs in the emission dust of the plant operating with vertical stud anodes (plant "A") compared to the plant operating with horizontal stud anodes (plant "B"). PAHs in ambient air in the town, close to plant "A", were similar to the levels in emission dust, indicating a health hazard for the population. This is strengthened by the non-seasonal variation of benzo(a)pyrene content of ambient air in the town. Measurements of PAHs in the vicinity of the plant "B" and in a town 4 km away clearly showed a decrease in the concentration of the hazardous chemicals. Analysis of emission dusts from the power plant, close to plant "B", showed that 100-fold less PAHs are emitted compared with the plant. Although major technological changes cannot be made, improved emission control would be beneficial to the general population in that area.