Modelling pollution emissions from coal-fired power plants to assess their environmental impact

Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are significant sources of air pollution, emitting harmful pollutants that pose health risks to nearby communities. In Malaysia, limited research has been conducted on the specific health impacts of CFPP emissions on local populations. This study evaluates the health risks associated with air pollution emissions from a CFPP in southern Malaysia, focusing on the residential areas of Kampung Sungai Boh and Kampung Sungai Chengkeh. The primary objective is to assess acute and chronic health risks for various demographic groups, including adult males, adult females, male children, and female children. Pollutant dispersion modeling is performed using ALOHA software to simulate sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO) dispersion, while the Gaussian Plume Dispersion Model is applied for particulate matter (PM10). The model's reliability is validated through benchmarking against historical data collected near the CFPP, providing a robust basis for health risk assessment (HRA) expressed in terms of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) for worst-case and best-case scenarios. The results indicate that, in the worst-case scenario, HQs for SO2 and NO2 exceed 1 for all groups in both villages, suggesting a significant likelihood of non-carcinogenic health effects. In the best-case scenario, all HQs fall below 1, indicating a reduced health risk. Among the studied groups, male children are identified as the most vulnerable, followed by female children, adult males, and adult females. The research further confirms the model’s reliability, as simulated SO2, NO2, and CO concentrations align with historical data. A review of the literature reveals a gap in research on CFPP- related health impacts in Malaysia, emphasizing the importance of this study. Overall, findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and mitigation of CFPP emissions to protect public health, especially as coal remains a significant energy source in the region.

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