Assessment of Particulate Matter (PM2.5) pollution and Health risks associated with Coal Power Project Sahiwal (Pakistan)

Abstract

Economic development comes at an unavoidable cost of environmental degradation. History suggests that Coal-Fired power plants are a symbol of economic development, at present 38% of world electricity generated by Coal-fired Power Plants. Following the examples of economically stable countries, to overcome energy shortages, Pakistan is also installing coal-based power plants under CPEC. Sahiwal Coal Power Project is the first major coal power plant with the installed capacity of 1320MW, operational since July 3, 2017. While the plants bring jobs and prosperity to the surrounding region, they also pose a serious threat to the locals residing nearby as they are more vulnerable to the immediate impacts. Exposure to the pollutants’ emissions from coal power plants cause adverse respiratory problems (i.e. asthma), cardiovascular diseases (i.e. Heart attacks) and effects on nervous system such as ischemic strokes as well as skin, eyes, nasal allergies etc... Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the impact on ambient air quality and the status of health problems in the vicinity aroused after the installation of Sahiwal coal power plant. Surveys were conducted (Nov-Dec, 2018) in the vicinity, ambient air quality monitoring at 3 stations (Chak 75/5R, Chak 76/5R, Chak 77/5R) to assess the 24-hr avg. concentrations of various air pollutants (SPM, PM10&2.5, SO2, NO, NO2, CO, O3) was performed. Health assessment via questionnaires (Modified ATS-DLD 78A) and respiratory tests (Spirometry) were undertaken during the surveys. Reported symptoms for common illnesses was dominated by Nasal irritation and allergies 80.4%, followed by throat irritation and allergies (77.2%) and eyes related issues 65.6%, skin problems 58.4% and ear related problems with 46%. Headaches and nausea related complaints were reported with 63.6% and 37.6% respectively. Predominant type of respiratory complaint was cough (80% frequent and 44.4% chronic) followed by shortness of breath with (49.6% Grade I, 43.6% Grade II, 38.8% Grade III, 20.8% Grade IV, and 11.2% for Grade V), wheeze (37.6% frequent and 24% chronic), phlegm (36.8% frequent and 13.6% for chronic). Majority of respondents with preexisting illness complaint about worsening of their condition after the installation and operation of Sahiwal coal power plant. The spirometry analysis, of selected participants suggested that the Obstructive pattern on spirometry was 56 % (Mild: 29.2%, Moderate:15%, Severe:9.3%, Very Severe: 2.5%) and restrictive pattern was 17.4 %. A trend of reduced lung function (predicted FVC, FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio) was observed among participants with chronic respiratory symptoms compared to those without symptoms. The observed ambient 24-hr average concentrations of air pollutants in the study area of Sahiwal Coal Power Plant were well below the PEQS except for SPM and PM2.5 which are quite high than the standard values. This was a pilot study with a small sample size and short sampling period, however, as a preliminary research, this study significantly adds to the scarcely available data in this field. It is recommended that repeated, longitudinal, quantitative health monitoring with professional consult be provided to truly mitigate persistent health problems. Further work be done, with longer sampling periods for each season in order to capture a seasonal profile of concentrations of particulate matter. NGOs, Educational Institutes and researchers should be allowed to visit inside the plant.