Assessment of air pollutant emission from private diesel generators in AL-Najaf city.Air pollution from diesel generators

Abstract

background: The issue of electricity supply and demand continues in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, Iraq, leading to the rampant proliferation of private diesel generators. They are important alternative energy resources, but are a significant environmental and public health problem in residential and commercial populations. Aim of the study: This study aimed to evaluate the environmental impacts of the emissions of pollutants to the atmosphere due to the use of private diesel generators in the city of Al-Najaf, and to determine the relationship between the pollutants emitted to the environment from the operators working with private diesel generators and their health condition, compared with the healthy non-exposed individuals. Methods: A cross-sectional comparison study was carried out involving 220 subjects who were divided into two groups, that is 110 generator operators and 110 non-operators (controls). Structured self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data on demographic characteristics and health problems. The gaseous pollutants (CO, CO2, TVOC, HCHO) and particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10) have been monitored in 110 locations located in 3 sectors (North, Centre and South). Pre- and Post level measurements were conducted at 2m, 5m and 8m from the generator inside the operator room and outdoor. IBM SPSS (v.2022) was used for statistical analysis of the experimental data with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Operators had considerable grater rate of chronic health issues compared to controls groups (p < 0.001 across all symptoms). Chronic coughing (53.64% vs 7.27%), shortness of breath (44.55% vs 4.55%), and nasal irritation (43.64% vs 8.18%) were among the most notable findings. The operator groups were significantly more likely to experience systemic symptoms (dizziness, 42.73%; nausea, 33.64%). Environmental data revealed significant elevation after the activation (mean PM2.5 concentration is 172.71 μg/m³, max 2m, mean PM10 concentration is 257.04 μg/m³, max 2m, almost 5 times of the baseline). HCHO more than doubled and CO rose by five times to 11.78 ppm at 2 m. The concentrations of all pollutants after activation were far above the WHO air quality guidelines. Conclusions: The emissions level of a private diesel generator is significant in Al Najaf and the impact zone is at least 200 m2/unit, with the emission of hazardous air pollutants. The high concentration of the air pollutant emissions has been correlated with adverse respiratory and toxicological health impacts in workers, thus providing strong recommendations for adherence to regulatory standards and protective setback distances, and a transition to cleaner energy sources.