Publication Date

1982

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Cole, Alan L.

Degree Name

M.S. (Master of Science)

Legacy Department

Department of Geography

LCSH

Plants; Effect of sulphur dioxide on; Electric power-plants--Environmental aspects--Southern states

Abstract

A mathematical model for examining the potential for chronic and acute vegetation damage in the vicinity of sulfur dioxide (SO₂) point sources was developed. The potential for vegetation damage is based on computed ground level SO₂ concentrations and results from field studies which have estimated SO₂ vegetation threshold levels and the effects of SO₂ when threshold levels are exceeded. The extent of acute vegetation damage is computed by estimating the area exposed to concentrations above a threshold level and applying a probability of vegetation damage factor. Chronic damage is computed by applying calculated dosages of SO₂ to a functional relationship between dosage and vegetation response. The model was used to assess the potential for acute and chronic vegetation damage in the vicinity of a hypothetical 1000 Mw coal fired power facilities located at Greensboro, North Carolina. Results from the application indicated that for facilities with emission rates in compliance with the New Source Performance Standard (NSPS) areas with acute SO₂ damage were minimal. Computed integrated dosages in the vicinity of the facilities within the NSPS were too low to inflict chronic SO₂ damage. For old existing facilities with emission rates above the NSPS computed areas of potential acute and chronic damage were significant. The model was also applied to 22 locations in the contiguous United States to identify geographical areas with a high potential for acute SO₂ damage. Results of the application indicated that the Southwestern and Southeastern States have the highest potential for damage.

Comments

Includes bibliographical references.||Includes illustrations and maps.

Extent

ix, 135 pages

Language

eng

Publisher

Northern Illinois University

Rights Statement

In Copyright

Rights Statement 2

NIU theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from Huskie Commons for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without the written permission of the authors.

Media Type

Text

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