Ground level concentration of sulfur dioxide at Kuwait`s major population centers during the oil-field fires

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Environment International

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(96)00013-X· OSTI ID:258713

Al-Ajmi, D N; Marmoush, Y R ^[1]

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1. Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (Kuwait)

During the Iraqi occupation, Kuwait`s oil wells were ignited. the fires were damaging to the country`s oil resources and air quality. The impact of the oil-field fires on the air quality was studied to determine the level of exposure to pollutants in major population centers. The period of July-September 1991 was selected for examination. A mathematical model was used to compute the ground-level concentration isopleths. The results of these computations are supported by significant concentrations measured and reported by the Environmental Protection Council, Kuwait. The ground-level concentrations of sulfur dioxide in the major population centers, whether measure or estimated, were less than the ambient standards of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency`s air pollution index. The dispersive characteristics were classified according to wind conditions. The results of this assessment provide historical data on Kuwait`s oil fires and may be useful in assessing risks resulting from this catastrophe. 6 refs., 10 fig., 2 tab.

• OSTI ID: 258713
• Journal Information: Environment International, Journal Name: Environment International Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 22; ISSN ENVIDV; ISSN 0160-4120
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
AIR POLLUTION
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
FIRES
GROUND LEVEL
KUWAIT
OIL WELLS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
URBAN AREAS