Analysis of air pollution caused by particle matter emission from the copper smelter complex Bor (Serbia)

Abstract

The main aim of this paper is to present analyses of temporal variations of particulate matter in Bor (Serbia) influenced by copper production at the Copper Smelter Complex Bor. Particulate emissions are of concern because the presence of fine particles (PM2.5 - particles with diametar less than 2.5 ?m) and ultrafine particles (PM0.1 - particles with diametar less than 0.1 ?m) assume higher risk for human health. Such particles can penetrate deeper into respiratory organs and, at the same time, a probability for such penetration and deposition in the respiratory system is greater. The analysis is based on comparison of SO2 and PM measurements at several locations in the area of Bor town in the close vicinity of Copper Smelter. PM concentrations were highly correlated with sulfur dioxide and inversely correlated with local wind speed during pollution episodes. Presented results indicate that the dominant source of coarse and fine particles in Bor town is the Copper Smelting Complex Bor. The most significant factors for particulate matter distribution are meteorological parameters of wind speed and direction. It was found that exceeding of daily limit values of concentrations of PM10 (50 ?g/m3) usually occurs due to very high concentrations in a period of several hours during the day.