Validation of a computational model for atmospheric pollution emanating from an industrial chimney using a solar based instrumentation system

This study examines the atmospheric dispersion of pollutants from industrial chimneys, highlighting the importance of assessments both before and after installation to safeguard public health and the environment. A Vantage Pro2 Plus weather station, powered by a solar panel, was used to continuously collect accurate meteorological data, which informed a Gaussian model for pollutant dispersion. The results revealed that the predominant wind direction is towards the east, with pollution mainly affecting areas between the southeast and northeast. Seasonal variations showed broader dispersion during winter that exceeds 4500 meters of large at a distance of 10 kilometers from the source during the day and higher pollutant concentrations at night that can reach 5.10-6 g/s, compared to a maximum of 10-6 g/s during other times. The study demonstrates that lower temperatures result in higher concentrations over smaller areas, whereas higher temperatures cause wider dispersion with lower concentrations. These findings support decision-making for optimal chimney placement, ongoing monitoring, and emergency planning. The integration of solar-powered weather stations and real-time data visualization significantly improves the efficiency of environmental monitoring and management.