Particulate Matter Reduction from Steel Furnaces and Coal fired Boilers through installation of Emission Control Systems (ECS) in Lahore Punjab, Pakistan

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of Emission Control Systems (ECS) on Particulate Matter (PM) emissions from two major industrial sectors in Lahore i.e boilers and steel induction furnaces. Data was collected from 2020 to 2024 to assess the effectiveness of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) efforts in promoting and enforcing ECS installation. PM emissions were monitored using isokinetic sampling methods for both units equipped with ECS (Wet Scrubbers for boilers and predominantly Dry Scrubbers for steel furnaces) and those operating without ECS. The data demonstrated a significant reduction in PM emissions from both sources. The steel industry with 71 units in Lahore, the number of units operating without ECS decreased dramatically from 69 in 2021 to just 1 in 2024, leading to a 49% drop in emissions. Similarly, in the boiler sector, the installation of Wet Scrubbers on 540 out of 600 boilers resulted in a 25% reduction in PM emissions between 2021 and 2024. The study highlighted the effectiveness EPA mitigation measures to control pollution and ensuring cleaner air for the region