Environmental Risk Assessment for Thermal Power Plants

Abstract

Thermal power plants still represent an important source of energy both in Romania and in Europe. Risks on the environment are primarily generated by the noxae generated from combustion of fossil fuels, namely: noxious gases (CO₂, CO, NO_x, SO_x), particulate, heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb), CH₄, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dioxins and furans. All these pollutants plus the slag and the ash resulting from the combustion of fuels have, in time, a significant environmental impact. The environmental hazards caused by these emissions are analyzed in this paper depending on the gravity of the consequences and likelihood of occurrence. It shows the risk analysis, the risk matrix and treating and monitoring to identified risks.