Publication:

Dispersion modelling of carbon monoxide and total suspended particulate emission from cement stacks: case study of PT. Semen Tonasa in Indonesia

Background Industrial activities in the cement production process produce emissions in the form of carbon monoxide (CO) and total suspended particulate (TSP) which have potential to cause environmental pollution in settlements around the industrial area. This study aimed to estimate the distribution emissions of CO and TSP concentrations at six settlements location around PT. Semen Tonasa of Pangkep Regency in a year.

Methods This observasional study was conducted by using descriptive approach. This study was conducted on May–June 2018. Meterological data used for this study were air temperature, solar radiation, wind direction, and wind speed in 2014–2017 collected from Maros Climatology Station and data about seven main stack characteristics in 2014–2017 were collected from environmental services of South Sulawesi Province.

Results The highest CO and TSP concentrations predicted in each location were respectively, 17.02 μg/m3 and 6.56 μg/m3 at Bontoa, 27.52 μg/m3 and 10.4 μg/m3 at Taraweang, 443.65 μg/m3 and 148.41 μg/m3 at Masjid Taqwa, 22.21 μg/m3 and 3.1 μg/m3 at Biringere, 1.17 μg/m3 and 1.36 μg/m3 at Kampung Sela, 19.07 μg/m3 and at 15.54 μg/m3 at Mangilu.

Conclusions The dominant direction of CO and TSP dispersion was from the west. The highest concentrations were predicted at Masjid Taqwa in the most month. Maximum CO and TSP concentrations were not higher than the local regulation. Thus, it can be concluded that CO and TSP emissions from the cement plant have no impact on health in nearby communities.