Methodological aspects of assessing atmospheric contamination with metal aerosols in the vicinity of thermal power complexes.

A study of metal aerosols content in waste steam-containing gases from a thermal power station operating on oil fuel revealed that the concentrations of V2O5, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO2 and Cr2O3 are not influenced by the operational mode, type of boiler, the mean ratios being 1 : 0, 3 : 0, 27 : 0, 2 : 0, 03 : 0 and 0.25 respectively. Comparing the metal content in oil fuel and waste gases showed that no more than 10% of the studied compounds are sorbed on the boiler walls, the remaining 90% being released into the atmosphere. It is suggested that V2O5 be determined as an integral indicator with the aim of rapid hygienic assessment of the extent of atmospheric contamination with metal aerosols. The presented results may be used in preventive and regular sanitary surveillance during thermal power plant designing, construction and reconstruction.