Assessing the impact on air quality of agricultural enterprises

Abstract

Paper includes ambient air impact assessment of agricultural enterprises in the framework of the Environmental Management System in accordance with ISO 14004: 2006. It was found that agricultural air pollution forms primarily due to the use of fossil fuels, in particular natural gas. The most powerful equipment is recognized a grain drying gas SUKUP TE 2052E, which is used seasonally, but it requires a significant amount of natural gas. The calculations give possibility to estimate the emissions of the main harmful and greenhouse gases (nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, mercury and its compounds, carbon dioxide, nitrogen monoxide and methane), maximum concentrations of these contaminants in the ambient air and the distance from the equipment to maximum concentration of pollutants. It was found that such equipment operation can lead to exceeding the maximum acceptable concentration of nitrogen dioxide. The maximum concentration of this substance is observed at a distance of 82.5 m under unfavorable weather conditions. The results indicate necessity inclusion of this equipment to the fourth hazard class objects which have sanitary protection zone dimension of 100 m. These conditions do not require adjustment for placement of the agricultural equipment and residential areas in the study area. It has been established the operation of such farm machinery can lead to exceeding the acceptable concentration of combustion products (nitrogen dioxide). Hence, ambient air impact of agricultural equipment can be significant. When agricultural enterprises are situated we should consider sanitary protection zone dimension. To reduce the duration of equipment using that is a concern about the impact on the environment is necessary to provide its application for a shorter time and under the most comfortable meteorological conditions.