محسن نوروزی

Flares are recognized as significant environmental risks that impact ecosystems. This research aims to analyze the impact of flares on ecosystem pollution and human health in the Persian Gulf. Specifically, it focused on modeling sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions from an offshore flare at the South Pars gas platform using AERMOD software for accurate analysis. For this purpose, the amount of SO2 gas emissions in the first six months of 2022 was obtained based on field measurements. Subsequently, the distribution of these pollutants was investigated using the AERMOD distribution model in an area of 10 x10 km2 in both the X and Y directions, considering time averages of 1, 3, and 24 hours. To assess the accuracy of the model's outputs, these values were compared with the results of field measurements at six separate receptors. The findings revealed that the maximum concentration of SO2 emissions during a 1-hour period was 1.73 µg/m³, primarily localized in the vicinity of the flare. The AERMOD software confirmed the significant influence of wind direction on SO2 emissions, with pollution dispersing up to 4.5 km from the emission center in the northwest to east direction within the first hour. Importantly, the investigation demonstrated that the pollutant emission levels from the flare remained well below the standards established by Iranian and American environmental organizations. Consequently, the activity of the studied flare poses no immediate danger to workers, residents, or ecosystems in the Persian Gulf. Statistical analysis illustrated a significant correlation between the model and field results (r = 0.943, Sig. = 99%), indicating the accuracy and robustness of the used model for estimation. In conclusion, the results provide a comprehensive framework for assessing air pollution stemming from flares to mitigate their deleterious effects on ecosystems.