Air Monitoring 43


originating from the northeastern quadrant in relation to the plant’s position. Meteorological data were recorded on-site.


Figure 2: Pollution roses illustrating elevated levels of various Hg species in the vicinity of the cement plant based on observed Hg levels, wind direction, and wind speed. These species include (A) GOM, (B) PBM, (C) PBM, and (D) ratio of reactive Hg (RM = GOM+PBM) to GEM. The color scale employed here is logarithmic, with darker shades representing elevated concentration levels. The thick black line shows the angle at which the cement plant stack is located in relation to the measurement site of the study area.


The study revealed that the raw mill operational status at the cement plant had a signifi cant impact on the levels of TGM emitted through the chimney. TGM levels remained within the daily limit stipulated by DIRECTIVE 2010/75/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 24 November 2010 on industrial emissions. On the other hand, a clear relationship was observed between the TGM emitted from the cement plant and all Hg fractions measured in the study area. Wind direction, particularly winds blown from the northeastern quadrant, was identifi ed as a signifi cant factor for elevated Hg levels in the study area, with GOM levels being highly correlated with the cement plant emissions (see Figure 2). The infl uence of other meteorological parameters such as relative humidity and temperature on Hg levels was found out to be relatively weak. In summary, atmospheric Hg speciation in the study area, coupled with plant emissions and wind data, has revealed that TGM emitted from the cement plant is the major source of all Hg fractions measured in the study area. However, the presence of elevated Hg fractions during periods without northeastern winds from the direction of the plant chimney suggested inputs from additional local sources or contributions from regional and global transport mechanisms. Wind dynamics play a critical role in the dispersal process of atmospheric pollutants originating from point sources to surrounding regions. The study elucidates the complex interplay of wind patterns, atmospheric processes, and anthropogenic activities in infl uencing Hg concentrations in the Anhovo region (western Slovenia), underscoring the importance of comprehensive monitoring and mitigation strategies to address Hg contamination.


Author Contact Details Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair, Jože Kotnik, Jan Gačnik, Igor Živković, Alkuin Maximilian Koenig, Tanja Ljubič Mlakar, and Milena Horvat • Department of Environmental Sciences @ Jožef Stefan Institute • Address: Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia • Email: sreekanth.nair@ijs.si • Web: http://www.environment.si/


Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair


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Future-proof gas analysis technology for maritime emission monitoring


Without a doubt, international shipping on the world’s oceans and inland waterways contributes measurably to greenhouse gas and pollutant emissions. Their propulsion engines predominantly burn fuels with high sulphur content and generally lower purity. This problem has been recognised, and the transformation of ship propulsion systems is being initiated worldwide. Accordingly, stricter emission limits have been set and are being implemented successively. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) establishes environmental protection regulations for maritime shipping in the “International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships” (MARPOL Convention).


Similarly, this transformation process will undoubtedly extend over decades, as it is economically nearly impossible for many countries to retrofi t their fl eets in a short period. Similarly, it is unrealistic to provide large numbers of low-emission or even emission-free propulsion systems within a few years.


Since inaction is not an option, efforts began some time ago to signifi cantly reduce both the pollutant content in fuels and the emissions from ship engines using appropriate exhaust gas cleaning systems.


Exhaust gas scrubbers are often used for this purpose. These devices dissolve gaseous pollutants in water and discharge them directly into the sea. When these scrubbers operate in an open-loop system, the problem is shifted from the air to the water. Therefore, ongoing efforts are being made to develop improved exhaust gas cleaning methods, one of which is to


operate scrubbers in a closed-loop system. Here, the wastewater is collected and disposed of on land.


Whatever may be considered the lesser evil in exhaust gas cleaning, the environmental regulations mandate compliance and monitoring of permissible limit values. This necessitates exhaust gas analysis systems specifi cally designed for ship operations and approved by classifi cation societies.


Bühler Technologies has long been active in this application area, offering a comprehensive programme ranging from gas sampling points and measurement gas transport to conditioning and analytical evaluation. The newest member of this family is the BA 3 MA analyser.


This device has DNV certifi cation according to test specifi cation CG 03 339 and is approved in accordance with regulation MEPC 259(68). It quickly provides all critical parameters for monitoring


emissions on ships. These include the measurement of SO2 (NDUV with a range of 0-100 ppm) and CO2 of 0-10 vol.-%) and the SO2


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status, limit value, and alarm messages are displayed clearly on the touch display and can additionally be output via potential- free relay contacts and Modbus TCP. Measurement values can be retrieved in both analogue and digital form via Modbus TCP.


Regardless of which exhaust gas cleaning methods will prevail, using Bühler Technologies’ marine components, you have a future-proof solution for emissions monitoring in the maritime sector at your disposal.


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