Modelling of Emission Dispersion Pattern of Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) in Steel Production Unit in Iran by Using Phast Software

Background: For each industry, especially those that produce a lot of gases, investigating air pollution problems is so important these days. To control and reduce emissions-related outcomes, it is necessary to model and investigate concentration rates of emissions. Methods: In the present paper, the dispersion pattern of NOx emissions from a steel production unit located in Iran was modelled by using PHAST (process hazard analysis software tool) software in F class atmospheric conditions. It is the first time that an investigation of air pollution, NOx, has been conducted in this industrial area. Hence, the dispersion ranges of emissions, durability period, the maximum ground-level concentration, and other outcomes were examined. Results: The results demonstrated that the health of the villages’ inhabitants surrounding the factory was exposed to risk within 5.5 km. Besides, the emission concentration was extremely annoying and unhealthy for all people up to the radius of 9.6 km and for sensitive people, the elderly, and children up to the radius of 16 km. Therefore, it is recommended to the studied factory take some measures in terms of promoting control technologies and reduce emissions to extend safe boundaries up to a radius of at least 7. Moreover, a monitoring program should be done more precisely and rigorously to reduce the environmental outcomes and damages resulting from the emissions to the minimum rate.