Influence of stevedoring operations of liquid and powdery fertilizers at Klaipėda state seaport on the ambient air quality

Abstract

Economic operations carried out at Klaipėda State Seaport negatively affect the quality of the ambient air. To assess the atmosphere pollution in northern Klaipėda caused by economic operations at the Port, investigation was carried out from June to November. This paper surveys the influence of stevedoring and transportation of liquid and powdery fertilizers on the ambient air. Measurements of ammonia and phosphorus acid concentrations in the air showed that the concentrations and distribution of ammonia concentrations were for the most part influenced by meteorological conditions – the wind force and relative air humidity – as well as by transportation of liquid fertilizers. The largest excess of the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) of ammonia concentration was recorded in June: at daytime and in the evening it was higher 1,1 time, and at night – 2,2 times. In September, October and November ammonia concentrations in the ambient air did not exceed the MPC. Excess of phosphorus acid concentrations in the ambient air was detected in June (1,2 time at daytime) and July (at daytime and in the evening) in the closest proximity of the Liquid Fertilizer Transhipment Terminal.