Satial distribution analysis of NOx emission due to sugar cane and alcohol industries in Sao Paulo State

Authors

  • Flávia Guimarães FIORANELLI USP
  • Jorge Marcos de MORAES USP
  • Alexandre Marco da SILVA USP
  • Anselmo FIORANELLI USP

Abstract

The aim of the present paper was to quantify NOx emission of sugar cane and alcohol industries in Sao Paulo State, due to the burning of the cane bagasse. The use of this kind of fuel is increasing to supply individual needs of thermal and electrical energy of the mills and, the exceeding energy, obtained by cogeneration, is exported to the local energetic network. Using georeferenced data obtained in 125 mills in Sao Paulo state, maps were elaborated showing the spatial distribution of NOx emission for the harvests of 2001/2002, 2002/2003 and 2003/2004. The maps were generated through interpolation and geoprocessing techniques. It was verified that the regions of Piracicaba and Ribeirão Preto, both with high demographic density, have high values of NOx emission and consequently are the most sensitive to be influenced by this kind of atmospheric pollutant. Keywords: Atmospheric pollution. Nitrous oxides. Sao Paulo state. Sugar cane and alcohol mills. spatial study of pollution.

Published

2008-07-25

Issue

Section

Article

Most read articles by the same author(s)