Estimation and dispersion analysis of shipping emissions in Bandirma Port, Turkey

Ships emit numerous of pollutants from their stacks. Those emissions have substantial impact on urban areas since they are located on the proximity of residential and commercial areas. Estimation of these emissions, their effects, and their health impact remains crucial for environmental planning. This study was conducted in Bandirma, where is a district with immense port activity. First, we calculated the emissions, originated from ships, at berth. PM₁₀, NO_x, SO₂, and CO emissions were 182.4, 7,996.6, 1,681.6, and 239.6 tons, respectively. The total environmental cost of the emissions was €41,146,400. Then, we employed air quality modelling by AERMOD. The concentrations of PM₁₀, NO_x, SO₂, and CO were estimated on a 10 × 10 km domain, which covered the whole Bandirma district. This availed us to identify the most impacted areas by shipping emissions. Although the emissions were higher than other ports in the Marmara Sea, ground-level concentrations were lower. This was related to the effect of meteorology on pollutant dispersion. Consequently, we proposed administrative recommendations in order to manage the environmental impact of the emissions.