Evaluation of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 (Case study: Khash cement company, Sistan and Baluchestan)

Abstract

Introduction: One of the most important contaminants in the cement industry are environmental suspended particles (PM2.5 and PM10), which cause respiratory and pulmonary diseases in humans. Materials and methods: This descriptive - analytical study was carried out in 2016-2017 on the peripheral particulate matter of Khash cement plant. Sampling was performed at 8 environmental stations of Khash Cement Company in spring, summer, fall and winter. A total of 576 samples were sampled of peripheral particulate matter. Results: The amount of particulate matter was PM2.5 2.82 to 24.63 μg/m3, respectively. The highest PM2.5 content was obtained in spring (24.32±2.51 μg/m3). The lowest amount of particulate matter PM2.5 in different seasons were measured in substation (P<0.05). The amount of particulate matter was PM10 19.98 to 68.22 μg/m3, respectively. The highest PM10 content was obtained in autumn (64.92±3.76 μg/m3). The lowest amount of particulate matter PM10 in spring and summer were measured in substation (P<0.05), but the lowest amounts in the autumn at the entrance door and in winter was observed in wastewater treatment. Conclusion: In this study, the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 peripheral particulate matter in Cement Company was lower than WHO and USEPA standard. According to the results it can be stated that the suspended particles Khash Cement Company environment for human respiration were within acceptable limits.