Oil-based mud cutting as an additional raw material in clinker production.

Oil-Based Mud (OBM) cutting is a hazardous by-product generated during oil-well drilling. Its chemical composition suggests that it might be suitable as a raw material in cement manufacturing. It is rich in calcium oxide, silica, and aluminium oxide, which are the major oxides in raw materials for cement manufacturing. In this research, OBM cutting is used as a constituent of the raw meal for cement clinker production. Raw meal mixtures were prepared by mixing different ratios of raw materials increasing OBM content. The impact of the addition of OBM cutting on the resulting clinker has been investigated. The results demonstrate that OBM cutting could be recycled in the manufacturing of Portland cement clinker. Clinker prepared using OBM cutting had very similar properties to that prepared from limestone. This result could represent an opportunity for solving an environmental problem. The addition of OBM cutting lowers the calcination temperature, and increases the rate of carbonate dissociation. However, it also leads to a higher free lime in clinker, which is a result of the presence of trace elements, such as barium. Overall, its use as a raw material in cement production could provide a cost-effective, environment-friendly route for the management of OBM cutting.

Assessment of indoor and outdoor particulate air pollution at an urban background site in Iran.

The relationship between indoor and outdoor particulate air pollution was investigated at an urban background site on the Payambar Azam Campus of Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences in Sari, Northern Iran. The concentration of particulate matter sized with a diameter less than 1 µm (PM1.0), 2.5 µm (PM2.5), and 10 µm (PM10) was evaluated at 5 outdoor and 12 indoor locations. Indoor sites included classrooms, corridors, and office sites in four university buildings. Outdoor PM concentrations were characterized at five locations around the university campus. Indoor and outdoor PM measurements (1-min resolution) were conducted in parallel during weekday mornings and afternoons. No difference found between indoor PM10 (50.1 ± 32.1 µg/m3) and outdoor PM10 concentrations (46.5 ± 26.0 µg/m3), indoor PM2.5 (22.6 ± 17.4 µg/m3) and outdoor PM2.5 concentration (22.2 ± 15.4 µg/m3), or indoor PM1.0 (14.5 ± 13.4 µg/m3) and outdoor mean PM1.0 concentrations (14.2 ± 12.3 µg/m3). Despite these similar concentrations, no correlations were found between outdoor and indoor PM levels. The present findings are not only of importance for the potential health effects of particulate air pollution on people who spend their daytime over a period of several hours in closed and confined spaces located at a university campus but also can inform regulatory about the improvement of indoor air quality, especially in developing countries.

Levels of Cd, Cu, Pb and V in marine sediments in the vicinity of the Single Buoy Moorings (SBM3) at Mina Al Fahal in the Sultanate of Oman.

Recently in the Sultanate of Oman, there has been a rapid surge of coastal developments. These developments cause metal contamination, which may affect the habitats and communities at and near the coastal region. As a result, a study was conducted to assess the level of metal contamination and its impact on the marine sediments in the vicinity of the Single Buoy Moorings 3 (SBM3) at Mina Al Fahal in the Sultanate of Oman. Marine subtidal sediment samples were collected from six different stations of the SBM3 for the period ranging from June 2009 to April 2010. These samples were then analyzed for their level and distribution of the heavy metals of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and vanadium (V). Overall, low concentrations of all four heavy metals were measured from the marine sediments, indicating that the marine at SBM3 is of good quality.

Impacts on ambient air quality due to flaring activities in one of Oman's oilfields.

This work was conducted to assess the impacts on workplace and ambient air quality due to release of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) into the atmosphere at Al-Noor production station, located in southern desert of Sultanate of Oman. The SO(2) is released because of oxidation of H(2)S to SO(2) on flaring of H(2)S rich off gas at the Al-Noor. In the first phase of the study, CALPUFF modeling system was used to predict the ground level concentrations of SO(2) emissions from the flare stacks. The evaluation of the modeling system was carried out by comparing the predicted results with that of the measured. In the second stage of the study, the estimated results were compared with the air quality standards/guidelines set by Omani regulatory authorities as well as by World Health Organization (WHO). It was concluded on the basis of current study that the sensitive individuals in the workplace of the Al-Noor could experience adverse health effects due to short-term exposure of SO(2).

Modeling of nitrogen oxides (NO(x)) concentrations resulting from ships at berth.

Oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) emissions from ships (marine vessels) contribute to poor air quality that negatively impacts public health and communities in coastal areas and far inland. These emissions often excessively harm human health, environment, wildlife habituates, and quality of life of communities and indigenous of people who live near ports. This study was conducted to assess the impact of NO(x) emissions origination from ships at berth on a nearby community. It was undertaken at Said Bin Sultan Naval base in Wullayat Al-Mussana (Sultanate of Oman) during the year 2005. The Industrial Source Complex Short Term (ISCST) model was adopted to determine the dispersion of NO(x) into port and beyond into surrounding urban areas. The hourly and monthly contours (isopleths) of NO(x) concentrations in and around the port were plotted. The results were analyzed to determine the affected area and the level of NO(x) concentrations. The highest concentration points in the studied area were also identified. The isopleths of NO(x) indicated that most shipping emissions of NO(x) occur at the port can be transported over land. The output results can help to derive advice of recommendations ships operators and environmentalists to take the correct decision to prevent workers and surrounded environment from pollution.

Prediction of tropospheric ozone concentrations by using the design system approach.

Data on the concentrations of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), nitrogen oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and meteorological parameters (air temperature and solar radiation) were used to predict the concentration of tropospheric ozone using the Design-Ease software. These data were collected on hourly basis over a 12-month period. Sampling of the data was conducted automatically. The effect of the NMHC, NO, NO2,CO, temperature and solar radiation variables in predicting ozone concentrations was examined under two scenarios: (i) when NO is included with the absence of NO2; and (ii) when NO2 is addressed with the absence of NO. The results of these two scenarios were validated against ozone actual data. The predicted concentration of ozone in the second scenario (i.e., when NO2 is addressed) was in better agreement with the real observations. In addition, the paper indicated that statistical models of hourly surface ozone concentrations require interactions and non-linear relationships between predictor variables in order to accurately capture the ozone behavior.

Monitoring of air pollution in the atmosphere around Oman Liquid Natural Gas (OLNG) plant.

This study was basically designed to assess the potential environmental air quality impacts arising from the existing two operational trains at the Oman Liquid Natural Gas (OLNG) plant. The results of the paper contain a baseline survey of the existing environment. The pollutants studied included methane (CH4), non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and suspended particulate matters (dust PM 10). Meteorological parameters monitored simultaneously include wind speed and direction, air temperature, and relative humidity. The air quality data were used to determine the diurnal and monthly variations in the pollutants. Description levels of the pollutants with respect to meteorological data were also used in analysis. Moreover, a statistical analysis of the collected data was presented. Generally, the results indicated that the mean concentrations of pollutants were low to cause any significant impact in air quality. The area had no problem in meeting the air quality standards for CO and NO2. It was also found that there was a random relationship between CO and NMHC, and between NO and NOx (no apparent correlation). The diurnal peaks of NOx, NO2, THC, and NMHC over a 24-h period were observed at around 9:00-10:00 AM (morning peak). For NO, NO2, and NOx, another peak was seen at around 5:00 PM (evening peak). Furthermore, the measured concentrations for NO2, NOx, and CO were found higher in winter than in summer. The study would help to gain a better understanding of local background levels of air pollutants at the area prior to the construction of new industrial projects, and to prepare action plans for controlling pollution in the area.

Mineralogy of atmospheric suspended dust in three indoor and one outdoor location in Oman.

The aim of this work is to characterize the mineral phases present in the atmosphere at three locations in northern Oman. Samples of atmospheric particles were collected using a high volume sampler. Three indoor and one outdoor location were chosen in this investigation. Sampling locations included a residential house located nearby the cement plant, a residential house located nearby a refinery plant, and a residential house located at Al-Suwayq residential area. Indoor air was sampled from these three houses. Moreover, for the Al-Suwayq residential house, sampling was also taken outside the house for comparison. The dust samples were analysed for their microanalysis characterization and their mineral contents as well. The microanalysis enabled us to identify the metals present in the particles. Furthermore, the mineralogical analysis of the sample filters showed the presence of quartz as the principal phase inside the house of Al-Suwayq, whereas quartz, dolomite, and gypsum were common phases outside the house. In the residential house nearby the cement plant, it was found that calcite, quartz, dolomite and goethite were the principal phases whereas the particles collected from the house nearby the refinery composed primarily of dolomite and calcite. The airborne dust collected at the refinery and Al-Suwayq were probably sourced in the natural environment and mobilised by natural processes. However, at the cement factory the crushing and grinding of limestone during the industrial process has contributed significantly to the airborne dust load. Generally, the information obtained in this study will be invaluable as no data for the mineral content of atmospheric dust existed in the Oman.

An application and evaluation of the CAL3QHC model for predicting carbon monoxide concentrations from motor vehicles near a roadway intersection in Muscat, Oman.

The CAL3QHC model was used to predict carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations from motor vehicles at an existing urban intersection (Star Cinema in Muscat area, Oman). The CO concentrations predicted from the model were compared with those measured in the field. Predicted average CO concentrations were found to compare favorably with measured values obtained at all eight receptors considered within the modeled intersection. In general, the comparison indicates good agreement with some underprediction for CO. For receptor 6, the model overpredicts the average CO concentration. This overprediction is associated with the presence of trees and green area in the location of receptor 6. In general, the measurements and the model results indicated that the highest CO concentrations were found to occur close to the intersection and, hence, a decrease in the concentration levels was seen as the distance from the road increased. The results indicated that the levels of CO were well below the ambient air quality standard and that probably no health risk was present in areas adjacent to the star cinema intersection. However, the predicted worst-case 1-h CO concentrations assuming inversion atmospheric stability conditions (class F) and wind speed of 1 m/s indicated that the levels of CO were close to or higher than the Oman's National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) value of 35 ppm at all receptors considered. The results of this study are useful in transport development and traffic management planning.

Use of plants to monitor contamination of air by SO2 in and around refinery.

The generation of SO2 from a refinery may affect the surrounding environment. Moreover, SO2 and its by-products are phytotoxic as berg. This study aims to investigate plant responses to SO2. The work has been designed with emphasis on using the plants directly in monitoring the contamination of the atmospheric air by SO2. An assessment was made of the impacts of long-term SO2 emissions from an oil refinery on plants located in nearby areas that are likely to be exposed to emission fallout. Three different plant species (Prosopis cineraria. Azadirachta indica, and Phoenix dactilifera) common to the environment of the Arabian Gulf were selected at different distances and directions from the refinery. The analysis of the sulphate contents of these plants were used as bioindicators for monitoring SO2 concentration levels in and around the refinery. The results of this study showed that the three different plant species responsed differently to SO2 in terms of their sulphate contents. Generally, all three species were found to be sensitive to SO2 exposure. Furthermore, the concentration of sulphate was found to be much higher closer to the refinery. On the basis of this study, it can be stated that even though SO2 levels were lower than the permissible limit values, the sulphate contents accumulated in the plants were likely to cause plant injury especially in the vicinity of the source. This suggests that the present environmental guidelines for SO2 may not protect sensitive plant species.

Evaluation of the Industrial Source Complex Short-Term model: dispersion over terrain.

Terrain around an air discharge source can have several influences on diffusion, the pattern of plume dispersion, the wind flow, and the turbulence characteristics. The Industrial Source Complex Short-Term (ISCST) model contains simple algorithms to attempt to account for the effects of terrain. The model has the ability to analyze concentrations in any type of terrain by using the terrain options available for running the model. In this study, the ISCST model was adopted to predict the concentration of sulfur dioxide (SO2) in and around the Mina Al-Fahal refinery in Oman. The central purpose of the study was to examine the performance of the ISCST model in predicting SO2 concentrations under two different scenarios: (1) when flat terrain was assumed; and (2) when the terrain descriptions were addressed. The results of these two scenarios were validated against SO2 monitoring data. The comparison showed that the model underestimated the observed concentrations for the two scenarios. However, the predicted concentrations of SO2 in the absence of the terrain scenario were in better agreement with the observations. Furthermore, the predicted SO2 concentrations were found to be lower than the World Health Organization guideline values, with the maximum concentrations found to occur relatively close to the sources of emission.

Source characterization of atmospheric heavy metals in industrial/residential areas: a case study in Oman.

Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) was collected from two districts: the Sohar industrial estate (SIE) and a residential area in the case study area in Oman. The TSP collected from SIE was taken from 19 different industrial activities, whereas those collected from the residential area were taken from 12 houses. The samples were analyzed for nine heavy metals: chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), nickel, lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium, vanadium, and molybdenum. The results were used to assess the source classes responsible for TSP and heavy metal levels in the atmosphere of the two districts. At each district, principal component analysis was applied to the concentrations of TSP and heavy metals to obtain the number of principal components. At SIE, three groups of elements were determined. The first component contained large factor loadings in Cu and Mn (Cu industrial processes and reinforcement steel production). The second presented most of the variance of Cr, Pb, and Zn (black and galvanized iron pipes production, mechanical industries, and vehicle construction). The third component was composed of Zn and Pb that probably reflected contributions from motor-vehicle tire wear or was associated with municipal incineration. On the other hand, results from the village showed that only one factor was able to explain the main part of the data variance, and the industrial site was polluting air quality in the village with Cu, Cr, Pb, nickel, and Mn.

SO2 dispersion and monthly evaluation of the industrial source complex short-term (ISCST32) model at Mina Al-Fahal refinery, Sultanate of Oman.

Modeling of air pollutant dispersion has been undertaken for emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO(2)) at the Mina Al-Fahal refinery in the Sultanate of Oman. The study was conducted during the period of November 1999 to October 2000. The Industrial Source Complex Short-Term (ISCST32) air pollution model was adopted to predict the ground level concentration of SO(2) in and around the refinery. The modeling results were validated against measured data during the study period. The comparison, based on the monthly average measurements, showed that the model underestimates the observed SO(2) concentrations. However, the predicted ground level concentrations of SO(2) during the months of September, October, November, and June were in better agreement with the observations. The predicted SO(2) values are presented in the form of concentration contours to determine the spatial distribution of SO(2) and to assess the impact on air quality over the survey area. Predicted SO(2) concentrations were found lower than the World Health Organisation (WHO) guideline value of 365 microg/m(3), with the maximum ground level concentrations being found to occur relatively close to the sources of emission. Moreover, concentration contour patterns for the modeled area vary with changes in meteorological conditions. On the basis of this study, the refinery is not likely to cause any significant deterioration in air quality, and predicted concentrations of SO(2) are well below those likely to influence health.

Assessment of lead, zinc, copper, nickel and chromium in total suspended particulate matter from the workplace in Al-Rusayl Industrial Estate, Oman.

Total suspended particulates (TSP) were collected with a high volume sampler from the indoor work environment of 23 industries in Al-Rusayl Industrial Estate in Muscat, Oman. The values measured ranged from 39 microg m(-3) to 1033 microg m(-3). TSP in the ambient air of the area was found to have an average value of 1802 microg m(-3). TSP were analyzed for Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cr. Compared to other metals, Pb emission was high with values ranging from 3 to 15 109 ng m(-3) with the mean value being 1 293 ng m(-3); Cu concentration varied from 3 to 2600 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 131 ng m(-3); Ni concentration ranged from 6 to 46 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 17 ng m(-3); Cr concentration ranged from 1 to 133 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 23 ng m(-3) while that of Zn varied from 0.01 to 1 978 ng m(-3) with the mean value being 464 ng m(-3). The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Zn in the ambient air were also measured and found to have the following values: 122, 18, 16, 5 and 0.01 ng m(-3), respectively. These values indicate that the industries in the area do not contribute significantly to heavy metal air pollution.