Uncertainties in assessing the environmental impact of amine emissions from a CO<sub>2</sub> capture plant
In this study, a new model framework that couples the atmospheric chemistry transport model system Weather Research and Forecasting–European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (WRF-EMEP) and the multimedia fugacity level III model was used to assess the environmental impact of in-air amine em...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Copernicus Publications
2014-08-01
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| Series: | Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics |
| Online Access: | http://www.atmos-chem-phys.net/14/8533/2014/acp-14-8533-2014.pdf |
| Summary: | In this study, a new model framework that couples the atmospheric
chemistry transport model system Weather Research and Forecasting–European Monitoring and Evaluation Programme (WRF-EMEP) and the multimedia
fugacity level III model was used to assess the environmental impact
of in-air amine emissions from post-combustion carbon dioxide
capture. The modelling framework was applied to a typical carbon
capture plant artificially placed at Mongstad, on the west coast of
Norway.
The study region is characterized by high precipitation amounts,
relatively few sunshine hours, predominantly westerly winds from
the North Atlantic and complex topography. Mongstad can be considered
as moderately polluted due to refinery activities.
WRF-EMEP enables a detailed treatment of amine chemistry in
addition to atmospheric transport and deposition. Deposition fluxes
of WRF-EMEP simulations were used as input to the fugacity model in
order to derive concentrations of nitramines and nitrosamine in lake
water. Predicted concentrations of nitramines and nitrosamines in
ground-level air and drinking water were found to be highly
sensitive to the description of amine chemistry, especially of the
night-time chemistry with the nitrate (NO<sub>3</sub>) radical.
Sensitivity analysis of the fugacity model indicates that catchment
characteristics and chemical degradation rates in soil and water are
among the important factors controlling the fate of these compounds
in lake water. The study shows that realistic emission of commonly
used amines result in levels of the sum of nitrosamines and
nitramines in ground-level air (0.6–10 pg m<sup>−3</sup>)
and drinking water (0.04–0.25 ng L<sup>−1</sup>) below the
current safety guideline for human health that is enforced by the Norwegian Environment Agency. The modelling framework developed in
this study can be used to evaluate possible environmental impacts of
emissions of amines from post-combustion capture in other regions of
the world. |
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| ISSN: | 1680-7316 1680-7324 |