Modeling CALPUFF-WRF of the dispersion of PMx, NOx and SO2 emitted by the Thermoelectric of Miraflores in the Panama Canal

Abstract

In this first stage of the research was modeled the dispersion and transport of paticulated material, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide emitted by the Miraflores Thermoelectric Plant. The CALPUFF model was chosen because it is recommended by the EPA for routes over 50 km and where changes in coverage are presented: water, soil. This model, besides being complex, requires the use of continuous data in time and space to generate valid results. In the absence of total coverage in surface meteorological stations, we used the WRF meteorological model with which the three-dimensional wind field could be simulated for a 50x50km2 domain with 4x4km2 resolution. The results obtained in this article show the points with the highest average concentration of 1h of pollutants, whose values applying the EPA methodology for Puerto Rico as a reference, yield good air quality.