Investigation of Impacts of Gas-Fired Power Plants on Ambient Carbon Monoxide (CO) of Neighboring Communities

Abstract

Operation of gas power plants creates emissions of various air pollutants including carbon monoxide with associated health and environmental effects. This study investigated the ground level concentrations of carbon monoxide from units of the 4 MW Gas Power Plants of a leading utility, gas and energy company in Lagos, Nigeria. Air emissions of CO from the gas power plants at the project site were calculated using the emission factors. The AERMOD dispersion modelling tool (version 9.6.1) was used to model ground level concentrations of CO associated with air emissions from the two units of 1364 kW and 774 kW of Gas Power Plants. Three different scenarios involving the gas turbines operations were considered. Scenario 1 and 2 involved the operation of 1364 kW and 774 kW, respectively while scenario 3 involved the simultaneous operation of both gas power plants. The predicted ground level CO concentrations from the three scenarios in all locations considered were within the FMEnv’s limits, though, the ambient CO at the project site in scenario 1, 2 and 3 changed by 2.31%, 1.72%, and 2.68% of limit, respectively. However, sites using gas power plants near communities may further reduced emissions of air pollutants by developing relevant control techniques with continuous monitoring of these emissions at the site. This study also provides stake holders necessary information that can help in making profitable decisions and guidelines in similar situation.