Geographical mapping and modelling of noise pollution from industrial motors: a case study of the Mbalmayo Thermal Power Plant in Cameroon

Estimated greenhouse gas emissions in the Mbalmayo thermal power plant between 2016-2020 using the genetic-Gaussian algorithm coupling

The greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions inventories in our context result from the production of electricity from fuel oil at the Mbalmayo thermal power plant between 2016 and 2020. Our study area is located in the Central Cameroon region. The empirical method of the second level of industrialisation was applied to estimate GHG emissions and the application of the genetic algorithm-Gaussian (GA-Gaussian) coupling method was used to optimise the estimation of GHG emissions. Our work is of an experimental nature and aims to estimate the quantities of GHG produced by the Mbalmayo thermal power plant during its operation. The search for the best objective function using genetic algorithms is designed to bring us closer to the best concentration, and the Gaussian model is used to estimate the concentration level. The results obtained show that the average monthly emissions in kilograms (kg) of GHGs from the Mbalmayo thermal power plant are: 526 kg for carbon dioxide (CO2), 971.41 kg for methane (CH4) and 309.41 kg for nitrous oxide (N2O), for an average monthly production of 6058.12 kWh of energy. Evaluation of the stack height shows that increasing the stack height helps to reduce local GHG concentrations. According to the Cameroonian standards published in 2021, the limit concentrations of GHGs remain below 30 mg/m3 for CO2 and 200 μg/m3 for N2O, while for CH4 we reach the limit value of 60 μg/m3. These results will enable the authorities to take appropriate measures to reduce GHG concentrations.

Research into Possibilities of Reducing Noise Emissions in the Sandy Gravel Production Process—Case Study

The continuous process industry is an important area of the economy. In addition to its undeniable societal benefits, its operation is associated with several factors that are often perceived negatively and have an adverse impact on the environment, noise emissions being one of them. Accordingly, noise emissions have been the subject of numerous studies and always have to be approached in the context of a specific industrial area. In this paper, a case study is presented to illustrate the results of research aimed at reducing noise emissions in the sandy gravel production process. The research identified causes and effects of noise emissions arising from the gravel treatment process. Based on these, practical solutions were subsequently investigated and proposed, and their implementation brought noise emissions below 50 dB. The results obtained during the research can be generalized for further study of the issue and can be used to make general valid recommendations applicable in the continuous process industry.

Preparation of Industrial Noise Mapping and Improvement of Environmental Quality

Environmental noise control is necessary for human health and auditory comfort conditions. In this respect, it is required that industrial noise should be kept under control and healthy living spaces should be obtained in residential areas. This paper aims to explain industrial noise control at urban and building scales. In this study, the strategic noise mapping process related to industrial activities in a line with the Environmental Noise Directive (END) was clarified. Besides this, what type of factors are effective in the industrial noise mapping process were defined, and important basic parameters, which are essential in the industrial noise mapping, were detailed. The preparation of the industrial noise mapping process was explained in detail. It was mentioned that the regions exposed to excessive noise should be defined according to the strategic noise map and improvement plans should be performed. Improvement methods that reduce excessive noise in living spaces are clarified and it was explained how the improvement of environmental quality can be acquired. In this regard, this paper gives information on industrial noise mapping and industrial noise control at the urban scale.