Emission of organic components and distribution characteristics of PAHs in condensable particulate matter from coal-fired power and industrial plants

Fine particles, especially condensable particulate matter (CPM) emitted from coal combustion, is one of the hidden trouble to the ecological environment and human health. In this study, CPM and filterable particulate matter (FPM) were sampled in four coal-fired units. The emission concentrations of CPM and FPM, organic fractions in the emitted CPM were obtained. The effects of air pollution control devices (APCDs) on the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in CPM (C-PAHs) were investigated by analyzing samples from inlets and outlets of APCDs. The concentrations of CPM emitted from the four units were all higher than that of FPM. Organic fractions were dominant in CPM, especially saturated hydrocarbons accounted for a relatively high proportion (49.19-67.47%). The removal effect of the bag filter for C-PAHs was excellent. The emission concentration of C-PAHs was significantly reduced from the low load unit (350 MW) to the high load unit (600 MW). The 4-ring C-PAHs contributed the largest percentage (nearly 80%) in the emission concentrations of C-PAHs from the four units. The concentrations of C-PAHs emitted from coal-fired power units (1.43 and 2.08 mu g/Nm(3)) were higher than that of coal-fired industrial units (0.17 and 1.31 mu g/Nm(3)). (C) 2021 Energy Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that fine particles emitted from coal combustion pose a hidden threat to the ecological environment and human health, with organic fractions dominating the emitted particulate matter and a relatively high content of saturated hydrocarbons. The removal effect of air pollution control devices on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is effective, and 4-ring C-PAHs contribute significantly to the emissions.