Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2004
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Type
MS
College
Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources
Department
Industrial and Managements Systems Engineering
Committee Chair
Gary Winn.
Abstract
This study models the contribution of sulfur dioxide (SO 2) from a proposed coal fired power plant (CFPP) above existing ambient levels. Most vulnerable to SO2 exposure appear to be the elderly, young, and diseased, here identified as sensitive receptors (SR). Epidemiologic studies suggest 260mug/m3 as the lowest toxic threshold for SR exposure. It was hypothesized that added SO2 concentrations to existing ambient levels at regional sensitive receptors, under worst case scenario, would not exceed 260mug/m3.;The methods used identify and quantify density locations of localized SR using geographic information systems. Modeled worst case air dispersion concentration exposure to localized SR was conducted using AERMOD. A kriged surface of 1145 modeled concentration points was generated to interpolate contour intervals of concentration contribution. Results show an increased exposure of 1.82mug/m3 SO2, well within 260mug/m 3. A higher density of young SR were observed than for the elderly and diseased.
Recommended Citation
Hutchens, Steven Jason, "Modeled sulfur dioxide exposure from a proposed coal fired power plant, using geographic information systems and air dispersion modeling" (2004). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 1971.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/1971