Section II. Air Pollution Brief Overview Chapter on air pollution dwells on changes of atmospheric air in Georgia due to emissions of hazardous gasses produced as a result of activities in different sectors of economy (transport, energy, industry and agriculture). Such substances are: weighted particles (dust), carbon oxide, sulfur dioxide, nitric oxide and etc. Chapter III. Quality of Atmospheric Air Introduction Protection of atmospheric air from pollution due to anthropogenic activities is the focus for many countries of the world, as air is the vital resource for survival of the mankind. A human being inhales 16 kg of air on daily basis, which exceeds the amount of consumed food by 5 times. At the same time it should be stated, that quality of food can be checked, potable water can be purified, but we inhale the air in the form that it exists. Thus, the importance of protection of atmospheric air from pollution becomes evident. It is noteworthy, that during last century consumption of mineral fuels (coal, turf, natural gas, oil and oil products) in comparison to the XIXth century has increased substantially. The process of combustion is the main pollutant of air with such hazardous substances as: carbon oxide, nitric dioxide, sulfur dioxide, soot, non-methane volatile organic substances, benzapilene, dioxin, furan and etc. In the event of accumulation of these substances in the air they modify its natural physical and chemical composition. When concentration of these substances in the air reaches certain limit, they have negative impact on the health status of humans, ecosystems and material assets. Depending on the nature, concentrations and duration of impact of substances polluting atmospheric air, they can have extremely negative effect. In cities the atmospheric air is formed due to climatic and topographic specificities, existence of parallel highways, heavy traffic flows and etc. Doctors and ecologists have identified direct correlation between deterioration of ecological background and increase of morbidity and spread of different diseases. Toxic substances, which are emitted into air together with fumes represent real hazard for the health of humans.
Legislative Framework Issues related to protection of atmospheric air are regulated by the law of Georgia on Protection of Air and 15 normative acts, elaborated on the basis of the law. As basis for definition of standards for emission of different hazardous substances into air serve the Admissible Limits of Concentrations, established by legislation of Georgia (maximum admissible limit, single-time (unitary) limit and mean daily limit). Main parameters, as well as parameters of WHO and EU are provided in the table 3.1. Table 3.1. Admissible Limits of Concentration of hazardous substances in atmospheric air (mg/m 3 ) # Name of hazardous substances National admissible limit values, legislation, allowed by defining international legislation admissible for relevant intervals of limits of time concentratio ns international legislation defining admissible limits of hazardous substances WHO UN admissible limits annual divergence 1 2 3 Dust2,5 Dust 10 Dusttotal nitrate dioxide Sulfur _ Annual 0,01 0,025 _ 24-hour 0,025 _ Annual 0,02 0,04 24- hour 0,05 0,05 35 0,15; 0,05 0,3; 0,1 24- hour 0,12 _ 0,5; 0,15 0,085 1- hour 0,2 0,2 18 0,04 Annual 0,04 0,04 0,5 1- hour 10- minute 0,5 0,35 24 24- hour 0,02 0,125 3
dioxide 0,05 Annual 0,05 _ 10-minutes 100 _ 4 Carbon 5 30- minutes 60 _ oxide 1- hour 30 _ 3 8- hour 10 10 5 Lead 0,001; Annual compounds 0,0003 0,0005 0,0005 6 Near-earth 8- hour 0,16; 0,03 ozone 0,12 0,12 25 days in every 3 years Remark: 1. among the admissible limits, prescribed by national legislation on the first place we see maximum admissible single-time limit (0,5 hour interval), while on the second place is listed mean daily admissible limit. 2. Maximum single-time and mean daily admissible limits for dust (Dusttotal) included following volumes of silicum in the sequence, repeating the sequence of listing, provided on the table above: SiO2 >70 %, SiO2 70 20 % and SiO2 <70 %. Quality of Air in Georgia In the process of conducting of observations over the quality of atmospheric air following measurements of pollutants are taken: Maximal single-time concentrations (measurements are taken at 20 minute intervals; Mmg/m3); Mean monthly and annual concentrations (mg/m3); The quality of air is assessed on the basis of comparison of relevant parameters to the established norm. Namely, mean monthly and annual concentrations are compared to the daily limits of concentration, while concentrations measured in 20-minute intervals are compared to the maximum admissible single-time limit. Presently observations over pollution of atmospheric air are being conducted in 4 cities of Georgia: Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Zestafoni. Following pollutants are being measured: dust, carbon oxide, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, lead (Tbilisi) and manganese dioxide (Zestafoni). In each city is located one observation station, where observation over atmospheric pollution is conducted 3 times in 24 hours.
Number of observation stations and conducted measurements Table 1 # Name of the city Number of observation stations Number of conducted measurements 1. Tbilisi 1 2798 2. Kutaisi 1 2917 3. Zestafoni 1 3439 4. Batumi 1 2964 Total 4 12118 Number of observations by pollutants conducted in 2009 Table 2 Number of Components of pollutants observations Dust 3029 Sulfur dioxide 2807 Soluble sulphates 918 Carbon oxide 700 Nitrogen dioxide 3047 Nitrogen oxide 745 Manganese dioxide 860 Lead 12 Solid particles are produced as a result of burning of fuel. Here main contributor to pollution is transport, cement plants and burning of coal. These pollutants cause damage to respiratory tract (lungs, bronchi) and malignant tumors. Sulfur dioxide is emitted into the atmosphere as a result of combustion of fuel, containing sulfur. Main source of pollution are power stations, metallurgical plants and boilers. It causes irritation of upper respiratory tract. Has negative impact on mucus of nasopharynx and trachea, as well as causes disruption of respiratory function. Carbon oxide is a product of partial combustion. The main source are exhaust fumes (is formed as a result of incomplete combustion of fuel due to insufficient temperature or maladjustment of
the system of air supply to the engine), emissions from the thermoelectric power stations, cigarettes, smoke produced as a result of incineration of waste and etc. CO hinders capacity of blood to pass oxygen to the body tissues, causes disorder of psychomotor function, heart, respiratory function and headaches. Nitrogen dioxide and nitrogen oxide are produced in the process of combustion of fuel at extremely high temperatures (over 650 C) and in conditions of excess of oxygen. Main sources are exhaust fumes, burn-off of natural gasses, emissions from the thermoelectric power stations, smoke produced as a result of incineration of waste and etc. Nitrogen dioxide causes irritation of lower respiratory tract, especially lung tissue. Increases risk of respiratory diseases and pneumonia. Lead and its compounds are emitted into atmosphere as a result of usage of leaded fuels. Toxic impact of the lead is evident on the molecular and cellular levels, especially in the nerve fibers. In the event of long-term exposure to small doses of lead the process of mineralization of structure of nerves of the human brain is undermined, which deters physical and mental development of persons. People have such symptoms, as headaches, vertigo, fatigue, irritation, sleep disorders, impairment of memory. Excess of lead in the organism undermines synthesis of hemoglobin, while long-term intoxication with this substance causes atherosclerosis. Ozone (O3) and other strong corrosive substances in the troposphere are produced as a result of photochemical reaction between hydrocarbons ( CH), nitric oxide (NOx) and oxygen (O2). Photochemical smog is resulting from such interaction of pollutants in the atmospheric air of large cities. Smog has already become a problem for many large cities. It represents special hazard for children and adults with heart and lung disease, bronchial asthma, emphysema. Smog causes inflammation of mucous membrane of the eye, nasal cavity, gullet, undermines immune system, causes suffocation, headaches, coughing, and heavy breathing. As a result of smog some chronic diseases and respiratory infections are exacerbated. Lethal outcome in persons with heart conditions is quite frequent too. Pollution of Atmospheric Air of Cities
Tbilisi Main sources of pollution of Tbilisi atmospheric air are: transport, construction, heating systems and enterprises. Observations over the quality of air were conducted on one stationary station, located on Kvinitadze Street. 5 main pollutants were measured dust, sulfur dioxide, carbon oxide, nitrogen dioxide and lead. In 2006 mean annual concentration of dust amounted to 0.5 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration- 3.3), sulfur dioxide - 0.12 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration -2.4 ), carbon oxide - 4.0 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration -1.3), nitrogen dioxide - 0.07 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration -1.8), lead - 0.22 mg/m 3 which did not exceed the admissible limit of concentration. Maximal concentration of dust reached 1,5 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 3.0), carbon oxide 27 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 5.4), nitrogen dioxide 0.19 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.2), sulfur dioxide 0.12 mg/m 3, which did not exceed admissible limit of concentration, while maximal concentration of lead was 0.32 mg/m 3. During last 5 years concentrations of dust, carbon oxide and sulfur dioxide in the atmospheric air of Tbilisi have increased. Batumi Main sources of pollution of Tbilisi atmospheric air are city port and the oil terminal. Regular observations over pollution of atmospheric air of the city were conducted from January 2009 at the observation station, located on Abuseridze Street. Following pollutants were measured: dust, sulfur dioxide, soluble sulphates and nitrogen dioxide. Concentration of dust in atmospheric air of Batumi amounted to 0.5 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 3.3), sulfur dioxide 0.10 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.0), nitrogen dioxide - 0.10 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.5) and soluble sulphates 0.018 mg/m 3. Maximal concentration of dust reached 1.7 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 3.4), nitrogen dioxide 0.23 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.7), soluble suphates
0.002 mg/m 3, while maximal concentration of sulfur dioxide was 0.2 mg/m 3, which did not exceed admissible limit of concentration. During last 5 years concentrations of dust and nitrogen dioxide in the atmospheric air of Batumi have increased substantially, while concentration of sulfur dioxide has reduced insubstantially. Kutaisi Main polluters of Kutaisi atmospheric air are: transport, construction, heating systems and enterprises. Regular observations over pollution of air in Kutaisi resumed from January 2009. Observations were conducted from the observation station located on Chavchavadze Street. Mean annual concentration of dust in 2009 amounted to 0.9 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 6.0), sulfur dioxide 0.15 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 3.0), nitrogen dioxide 0.09 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.3), nitrogen oxide 0.07 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 1.2). Maximal concentrations of dust reached 5.9 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 11.8), nitrogen dioxide 0.19 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.2). Maximal concentrations of sulfur dioxide (0.33 mg/m 3 0 and nitrogen oxide (0.14 mg/m 3 ) did not exceed admissible limits of concentration. During last five years concentrations of both pollutants in the atmospheric air of Kutaisi are increasing. Zestafoni Main polluter of air in Zestafoni is ferrous alloy plant. Regular observations over pollution of air in Zestafoni were conducted from January 2009 from the observation station, located on Chikashua Street. Concentrations of following pollutants were measured: dust, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and manganese dioxide. Mean annual concentration of dust in the air amounted to 0.5 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 3.3), sulfur dioxide 0.11 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.2), nitrogen dioxide 0.04 mg/m 3, which did not exceed admissible limit of concentration, while concentration of manganese dioxide was 0.008 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 8.0).
Maximal concentrations of dust reached 1.6 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 3.2), manganese dioxide 0.027 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.7). Maximal concentration of sulfur dioxide was 0.48 mg/m 3, nitrogen dioxide 0.08 mg/m 3, which did not exceed admissible limit of concentration (Table No5). During last 5 years content of pollutants in atmospheric air of Zestafoni has not increased substantially. Assessment of the State of Atmospheric Air of Georgia Below are provided diagrams of pollution of air in some cities of Georgia (Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zestafoni, Batumi). Dust: during last 5 years concentrations of dust were measured in the 5 cities: Tbilisi, Kutaisi, Zestafoni, Batumi Mean and maximal annual concentrations of dust in cities of Georgia Tbilisi Kutaisi Zestafoni Batumi Admissible limit of concentration (daily)
Sulfur Dioxide: concentrations of sulfur dioxide were measured in 4 cities: Batumi, Zestafoni, Tbilisi and Kutaisi. In all the four cities mean annual concentration reached 0.12 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.5), while in Tbilisi maximal concentration of sulfur dioxide amounted to 0.48 mg/m 3, which is less than admissible limit of concentration. Admissible limit of annual concentration of SO2 in cities of Georgia Tbilisi Zestafoni Batumi Kutaisi Admissible concentration (daily) Admissible concentrations in Europe
Carbon Oxide: Concentration of Carbon Oxide was measured only in Tbilisi and mean annual concentration amounted to 4.9 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 1.6), while maximal concentration amounted to 27.0 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 5.4). Concentration of CO in Tbilisi atmospheric air Admissible limit of concentration (daily)
Days, when mean daily concentrations of CO exceeded the norm (3mg/m 3 ) Tbilisi Kutaisi
Concentrations of nitrogen dioxide were measured in all the four cities. Mean annual concentration amounted to 0.08 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.0), maximal concentration was registered in Batumi and it reached 0.23 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of Mean annual concentration of NO2 in cities of Georgia Tbilisi Kutaisi Zestafoni Batumi Admissible limit of concentration (daily) concentration 2.7) Days, when mean daily concentration of NO2 exceeded the norm (40 mg/m 3 ) Tbilisi Zestafoni Kutaisi Batumi
Concentrations of nitrogen oxide were measured only in Kutaisi. Mean annual concentrations of carbon oxide amounted to 0.07 mg/m 3, which exceeded admissible limit of concentration by 1.2 times, while maximal concentration was within the norm 0.14 mg/m 3. Concentration of manganese dioxide was measured only in Zestafoni. Mean annual concentration was 0.008 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 8), while maximal concentration reached 0.027 mg/m 3 (admissible limit of concentration 2.7). Concentration of Mn2 in atmospheric air of Zestafoni Admissible limit of concentration Heavy Metals Concentration of lead was measured only in Tbilisi. Mean annual concentration of lead was 0.22 mg/m 3, which did not exceed admissible limit of concentration. Maximal concentration of lead was registered in June and amounted to 0.32 mg/m 3.
Concentration of lead in Tbilisi atmospheric air Admissible limit of concentration in Europe Admissible limit of concentration in Georgia In 2009 in the cities of Georgia were not registered cases of extreme pollution. High pollution was registered only in Kutaisi on July 20, when concentration of dust reached 5.9 mg/m 3 which exceeds admissible limit of concentration 11.8 times. Causes of pollution In Georgia atmospheric air is polluted by emissions from transport, energy, agriculture and industry sectors. Emissions from the above mentioned sectors need to be taken into consideration to assess total emission of pollutants more accurately, as these pollutants determine quality of air. For accurate assessment of emissions of hazardous substances it is necessary to calculate annual aggregate amounts of emissions of pollutants by relevant sectors of economy. Main polluters of urban environment are transport and energy sectors. It should be noted, that during last years volume of consumed fuel in energy and transport sectors has increased and consequently, emissions of hazardous substances into atmosphere have increased too. On the diagrams below is provided data of emissions of hazardous substances emitted into atmosphere. Calculations were made on the basis of IPCC and CORINAIR methodology,
provided in the Guidelines. In the process of calculations was used baseline statistical data and coefficients for limits of emissions for separate hazardous substances, provided in the guidelines. In energy sector major share of pollution is caused by hydrocarbon, i.e. volatile organic compounds, carbon oxide and solid particles (dust). Changes in the quantity of emissions from given sector is caused by changes in consumption of energy resources (coal, kerosene, mazut, natural gas, liquid gas and etc). In agricultural sphere main sources of pollution are cattle-breeding and poultry-keeping sectors. Volume of emissions from given sectors are calculated on the basis of baseline statistical data and limits for emissions. Major share of pollution from industry sector is caused by emissions from large enterprises located in different regions of Georgia, such as: Jsc Tbilsresi, Ltd Mtkvari Energy, Jsc Energyinvest (Azoti) and Jsc Rustavcementi, located in Kvemo Kartli; Ltd Georgian Manganese (Zestafoni ferrous alloy plant), located in Imereti; Kaspicement, located in Shida Kartli; Ltd Batumi Oil Terminal, located in Adjara. Major share of pollution from the Transport sector is caused by such pollutants, as carbon oxide, hydrocarbon (volatile organic compounds and methane), nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, soot, benzapilene and carbon dioxide. In Georgia main source of pollution of atmospheric air is carbon oxide (CO). On 2000-2004 main source of emission of CO was energy sector. As a result of gasification, reduction of usage of firewood and increase of forwarding today main source of emission of CO is transport sector. Aggregate emissions of NOx and SO2 are relatively small, but taking into consideration the fact, that main source of emissions is transport, it means that around 90% of this emissions are happening in the capital. According to the data of Statistical Department of the Ministry of Economic Development in 2008 motor transport has consumed 407114 tons of gas and 350895 tons of diesel. Quantitative parameters of emissions of hazardous substances from transport sector were calculated on the basis of application of coefficient for specific emissions of hazardous substances and consumption of fuel. Changes in the quantitative parameters of emission are caused by changes in the volume of consumed fuel. By the end of 2007 in Georgia were registered 573610 vehicles, out of which: 57,7 (10,05%) trucks; 47,4 (8,27%) buses and mini-buses; 1,7 (0,29%) special vehicles and 466,9 (81,39%) passenger cars.
Fuel Diesel Number of vehicles Diagram 1. amount of fuel consumed by vehicles by years Diagram 2. Number of vehicles by years Emissions of hazardous substances from different sectors of economy by years 50000 Dust 0 200820072006200520042003200220012000 avtotransporti Transport energetika Energy mrewveloba Industry Transport Energy Industry
Transport Energy Industry Volatile organic compounds Transport Energy Industry Potential of production of ozone Transpo Energ Industry
Potential of oxidation Transpo Energy Industry Potential of production of weighted particles Transport Energy Industry