Health Risk Assessment of Sulphur Dioxide Emissions From a Coal-Fired Power Plant In Botswana
| dc.contributor.author | Letswee, Edward | |
| dc.contributor.supervisor | Makonese, Tafadzwa | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-02-18T09:10:39Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2025 | |
| dc.description | A research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science in Medicine (Exposure Science), in the Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Background: Coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) are significant sources of sulphur dioxide (SO₂) emissions, which are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular health issues. This study assessed health risks from SO₂ emissions at the Morupule B Power Station (MBPS) in Palapye, Botswana, considering local meteorological and geographical conditions. Purpose: This research aimed to quantify SO₂ emissions from MBPS, model their dispersion using AERMOD, and assess associated health risks for vulnerable population subgroups (infants, children, and the elderly). Methods: SO₂ emission rates were calculated using standard molecular weight conversions and volumetric flow analysis. AERMOD was employed to predict ground-level SO₂ concentrations within a 20km × 20km domain using meteorological data from 2021-2023. Health risks were quantified using Hazard Quotients (HQ) based on the USEPA Health Risk Assessment Framework. Results: The maximum ground-level concentrations were 113.1 μg/m³ (hourly), 30.4 μg/m³ (daily), and 8.0 μg/m³ (annual), representing only 32.3%, 24.3%, and 16.0% of respective regulatory limits. Hazard Quotient analysis revealed all values remained well below 1.0 across all population groups, with the elderly showing slightly higher susceptibility (HQ values of 0.0734 for hourly, 0.0553 for daily, and 0.0363 for annual exposures). Predominant north- northeasterly winds effectively dispersed emissions away from major population centers. Conclusion: Current SO₂ emissions from MBPS pose minimal health risks to surrounding communities due to effective emission control technologies, favorable atmospheric dispersion conditions, and strategic facility location. The study demonstrates that coal-fired power generation can operate with limited public health impact when appropriate controls are implemented. These findings contribute valuable region-specific data to address research gaps regarding air quality management in sub-Saharan Africa. | |
| dc.description.submitter | MM2026 | |
| dc.faculty | Faculty of Health Sciences | |
| dc.identifier.citation | Letswee, Edward . (2025). Health Risk Assessment of Sulphur Dioxide Emissions From a Coal-Fired Power Plant In Botswana [Master`s dissertation, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg]. WIReDSpace. https://hdl.handle.net/10539/48054 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/10539/48054 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg | |
| dc.rights | © 2025 University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. | |
| dc.rights.holder | University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg | |
| dc.school | School of Public Health | |
| dc.subject | UCTD | |
| dc.subject | Sulphur Dioxide | |
| dc.subject | Coal-Fired Power Plant | |
| dc.subject | AERMOD | |
| dc.subject | Air | |
| dc.subject | Dispersion | |
| dc.subject | Modeling | |
| dc.subject | Botswana | |
| dc.subject.primarysdg | SDG-3: Good health and well-being | |
| dc.title | Health Risk Assessment of Sulphur Dioxide Emissions From a Coal-Fired Power Plant In Botswana | |
| dc.type | Dissertation |