Dispersion modeling of particulate matter from the in-situ burning of spilled oil in the northwest Arctic area of Canada. (1st January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zheng; An, Chunjiang; Lee, Kenneth; Owens, Edward; Boufadel, Michel; Feng, Qi
• Is Part Of: Journal of environmental management. Volume 301(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-01-01
• Subjects: Oil spill -- In-situ burning -- Arctic -- Particulate matter -- Dispersion modeling; Environmental policy -- Periodicals; Environmental management -- Periodicals; Environment -- Periodicals; Ecology -- Periodicals; 363.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113913
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-4797

Abstract

Abstract: In-situ burning can be used to prevent oil spreading in oil spill response. In this study, a steady-state Gaussian plume model was applied to analyze the concentration distribution of fine particulate matter produced by in-situ burning, as well as to assess the health risks associated with different combustion methods and ambient conditions, in reference to three simulation scenarios. The spatial and temporal distribution of emission sources can affect the dispersion pattern. The distribution into an array of different burning locations ensures better dispersion of emissions, thereby preventing the formation of high concentration regions. The wind and atmosphere stability play an important role in pollution dispersion. Lower wind and temperature inversion can seriously hinder the diffusion of pollutants. The health risk to technical staff adjacent to the burning areas is a serious concern, and when the community is more than 20 km away from the burning zone, there is few risks. Through simulation, the influences of combustion methods and natural factors on the concentration and diffusion of pollutants are evaluated. The results can help provide an optimized burning strategy for oil spill response in the Arctic area. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: The pollution risk of in-situ burning of spilled oil in Arctic areas was assessed. The spatio-temporal distribution of emission sources can affect dispersion modes. The wind and atmosphere stability play an important role in pollutant dispersion. The health risk of burning to adjacent area was evaluated under various conditions. The results can help provide an optimized burning strategy for oil spill response. Abstract : Main findings: The pollution risk of in-situ burning of spilled oil in Arctic area was assessed based on dispersion modeling. The risk can be impacted by emission sources and atmosphere stability.