Monitoring the trends in emissions from coal-fired power stations in Lephalale (Limpopo) during the 2010-2022 period using remotely sensed data

Abstract

This study uses datasets from the Sentinel-5P, Modern Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA-2), Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and Goddard Earth Observing System with Chemistry Model (GEOS-Chem) to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution of sulphur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), carbon dioxide (CO₂) and carbon monoxide (CO) in the town of Lephalale, South Africa. Lephalale has two active coal-fired power stations which continuously releases SO₂, NO₂, CO₂ and CO. Within the 2010-2022 period of the study, it was found that SO₂ and NO₂ had the most significant trend of increase from 2010-2019, and decreased from 2020-2021 due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. CO₂ and CO kept a fluctuating trend between the 2010-2022 study period. The results of the study showed that the poor air quality in Lephalale is consequential of these emissions by coal combustion. Most importantly, if no mitigation measures are taken and strictly followed by coal mines and electricity generators, the lives of the people in and around Lephalale and Limpopo province will be severely affected.