Avaliação da qualidade do ar no entorno da fábrica de produção de Cimento Moçambique - Dugongo Cimentos, SA em Matutuíne

Abstract

The installation of a large cement production industry, "Moçambique Dugongos Cimento, SA" in the community of Salamanga, in the district of Matutuíne generates visible environmental impacts in its surroundings. After identifying a scenario of environmental degradation at the site, this research project was developed to assess the current air quality scenario and analyze the impacts that atmospheric emissions related to the plant's activities have on the local environment. The methodology applied was based on a literature review, fieldwork, laboratory analysis and data analysis using statistical and spatial analysis tools with the aid of QGis. For data collection, four points were identified for measuring air quality parameters in the area surrounding the plant (point 1 is the point upstream of the cement production plant, points 2, 3 and 4 are the points downstream of the cement production plant).The parameters analyzed were PTS, SO2, NO2 and CO. The maximum average concentrations observed were 811.103 µg/m3 for PTS, 1025.848 µg/m3 for SO2, 0 µg/m3 for CO and 92.67 µg/m3 for NO2. Comparing the results with the specific national and WHO legislation, it was found that the concentration level of PTS is above the national air quality limits and above the limits set by the WHO at all three points downstream of the plant, the concentration of SO2 is also above its national air quality limit at the second point and above the limit set by the WHO at points 2 and 3 downstream of the plant. The other parameters investigated (NO2 and CO) are within the standard limits. Thus, it can be concluded that the air quality index around the factory is poor, in terms of impacts, meaning that the local population is exposed to high levels of pollution, putting their health at risk and they may develop respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In order to improve air quality, we recommend improving (paving and/or increasing the frequency of humidification) the main access road linking the factory to the limestone mine and putting protective tarpaulins on the trucks transporting the raw materials. (TRADUÇAO NOSSA)