Fluoride aluminum plant emission

In 1978, the emission of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) from an aluminum plant In the vicinity of Sundsvall, Sweden, was estimated to be about four times the total amount emitted from all the motor vehicles In that country. As might be expected, the result of this estimate caused considerable concern, and a survey of the air quality In the Sundsvall area was made In 1980-81. The program monitored concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and fluoride In ambient air, with samples being collected once each week. Concentrations of fluoride and meteorological data were measured by the aluminum company laboratory, while PAH concentrations were determined by the Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU). 

Determination of total fluoride emissions from stationary sources—SPADNS zirconium lake method Determination of total fluoride emissions from stationary sources—specific ion electrode method Determination of fluoride emissions from potroom roof monitors for primary aluminum plants Determination of total fluoride emissions from selected sources at primary aluminum production facflities Determination of hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, and carbon disulfide emissions from stationary sources Determination of total reduced sulfur emissions from sulfur recovery plants in petroleum refineries Semicontinuous determination of sulfur emissions from stationary sources Determination of total reduced sulfur emissions from stationary sources (impinger technique)... 

The third category for interactions is high dose (III). The effects produced by this level of interaction can be seen by the casual observer. The result of high-dose exposure is destruction or severe injury of the forest system. High-dose conditions are almost always associated with point source emissions. The pollutants most often involved are SO2 and hydrogen fluoride. Historically, the most harmful sources of pollution for surrounding forest ecosystems have been smelters and aluminum reduction plants. 

Air emissions should be monitored regularly for particulate matter and fluorides. Hydrocarbon emissions should be monitored annually on the anode plant and baking furnaces. Liquid effluents should be monitored weekly for pH, total suspended solids, fluoride, and aluminum and at least monthly for other parameters. Monitoring data should be analyzed and reviewed at regular intervals and compared with the operating standards so that any necessary corrective actions can be taken. 

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