Assessment of CO2, PM10 and Heavy Metal Emissions from Iron and Steel Industries in Australia

Air quality is affected by the emission of air pollutants from the iron and steel industry. Behaviour of air pollutants depends on complex interactions of raw materials, processing techniques and pollution control measures. This paper reviews CO2, PM10 and heavy metals, such as As, Cr(VI), Cd, Ni, Hg, emission characteristics from iron and steel industries in Australia from the year 2001 to 2008. Seventeen Australian iron and steel industries emission data from the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) facility was collected and analysed. The study reveals that CO2 emissions per tonne of steel production in Australia have decreased by about 40% during the last 18 years. Emission of PM10 and heavy metals, such as As, Cr(VI), Cd, Ni, Hg, also exhibit reducing trends to some extent. Emission reduction methods are also discussed here. This emission data may be used as baseline information for policy making and improved understanding of industrial point emission sources to ensure high air quality, human health and environment.