Spatio-temporal analysis of air pollution from geothermal power plants: insights from ground and satellite observations
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Geothermal power plants in Türkiye show strong correlations between electricity production and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) air pollution, particularly during autumn. These findings highlight the need for careful monitoring of geothermal emissions.
Area Of Science
- Environmental Science
- Atmospheric Chemistry
- Geothermal Energy
Background
- Türkiye ranks fourth globally in geothermal electricity generation.
- Increased H₂S measurements were implemented due to legal restrictions on geothermal power plants (GPPs).
- Air quality monitoring stations (AQMSs) in western Türkiye now include H₂S alongside routine pollutants near GPPs.
Purpose Of The Study
- To analyze the relationship between GPP operational variables and air pollutant concentrations in 2022.
- To investigate spatial and temporal patterns of H₂S, SO₂, and other pollutants in relation to GPP activity.
- To assess the impact of GPPs on local air quality in four distinct regions of western Türkiye.
Main Methods
- Utilized ground-based (gr) measurements of H₂S and SO₂ from AQMSs.
- Incorporated satellite data including TROPOMI SO₂, NO₂, HCHO, CH₄, and IASI NH₃ retrievals.
- Correlated pollutant data with GPP electricity production (EP) and meteorological data (wind speed/direction).
Main Results
- Higher electricity production, gr-H₂S, and gr-SO₂ were observed during winter, spring, and fall across all regions.
- Significant positive correlations between daily gr-H₂S and gr-SO₂ were found, strongest in Region-2 (Germencik, R=0.63).
- Spatial analysis revealed elevated SO₂ and NH₃ levels around GPP regions, especially during spring and autumn (March, April, October, November).
Conclusions
- Geothermal power generation is positively correlated with H₂S and SO₂ emissions, indicating a direct link.
- Wind patterns influence pollutant transport from GPPs, with specific directions correlating to higher concentrations in certain regions.
- Seasonal variations and specific months (especially November) show heightened GPP impact on air quality, necessitating targeted monitoring strategies.
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