EVALUATION OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL TECHNIQUES IN MESSEBO CEMENT FACTORY, TIGRAY, ETHIOPIA

Abstract

Cement production is one of the most emission-intensive industrial activities, contributing significantly to global air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This study assesses the effectiveness, limitations, and implementation status of air pollution control techniques and their associated occupational health impacts at Messebo Cement Factory PLC (MCF) in Northern Ethiopia. A mixed-method design was employed, integrating quantitative on-site pollutant measurements (CO₂, NOₓ, SO₂, CO, and particulate matter) with qualitative surveys and clinical health data. Field results indicated that pyroprocessing and raw material handling were the dominant emission sources. CO₂ emissions increased from approximately 78,884 tonnes in 2000/01 to 990,767 tonnes in 2015/16, primarily due to production expansion, while per-tonne emissions remained above international best practice benchmarks. Particulate matter concentrations at raw milling points reached 240 mg/Nm³, exceeding Ethiopia’s national limit of 150 mg/Nm³ and the WHO/IFC guideline of 50 mg/Nm³. Despite the presence of baghouse filters and other emission control systems, frequent exceedances revealed operational inefficiencies and maintenance deficiencies. Survey data from 1,235 respondents, including factory employees and nearby residents, showed that 65% observed visible dust emissions and 76% reported receiving no environmental or safety training. Analysis of clinical records from 2013–2017 further revealed high incidences of respiratory tract infections (up to 22.4%) and dermatitis linked to particulate exposure. The findings demonstrate that current air pollution control and occupational health practices at MCF are inadequate to meet regulatory and safety standards. The study recommends upgrading filtration systems, adopting cleaner fuels, improving occupational health and safety management, and aligning operations with ISO 14001 and IFC/World Bank environmental standards to promote sustainable industrial performance