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.