Target the neglected VOCs emission from iron and steel industry in China for air quality improvement

Highlights

● Haze formation in China is highly correlated with iron and steel industry.

● VOCs generated in sinter process were neglected under current emission standard.

● Co-elimination removal of sinter flue gas complex pollutants are timely needed.

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed significant improvement in China’s air quality. Strict environmental protection measures have led to significant decreases in sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO_x), and particulate matter (PM) emissions since 2013. But there is no denying that the air quality in 135 cities is inferior to reaching the Ambient Air Quality Standards (GB 3095–2012) in 2020. In terms of temporal, geographic, and historical aspects, we have analyzed the potential connections between China’s air quality and the iron and steel industry. The non-target volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emissions from iron and steel industry, especially from the iron ore sinter process, may be an underappreciated index imposing a negative effect on the surrounding areas of China. Therefore, we appeal the authorities to pay more attention on VOCs emission from the iron and steel industry and establish new environmental standards. And different iron steel flue gas pollutants will be eliminated concurrently with the promotion and application of new technology.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Volatile organic compounds / Iron and steel industry / Air quality / Sinter flue gas emission

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by the Key Research and Development Program of Henan Province (No. 212102310506). Financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation (No. K2022QN027), the Postgraduate Education Quality Improving Project (No. JG202217) and the Discipline Strength Improving Project of Zhongyuan University of Technology (No. SD202242) were also acknowledged.

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