Hydrogen sulfide footprints lead to Rotten valley

By Laura Suleimenova

"Ak Zhaik" newspaper has learnt about the results of the “Complex research of impact of Atyura Refinery and other production facilities (located within the city bopundaries) on the condition of environment and health of Atyrau population" for 2014.

The research was conducted by the republican Research Center for Protection of Atmospheric Air. In particular, in the 4th quarter of 2014 motor transport emissions toxicity was assessed on the territory of Atyrau. Measurements of toxicity level of exhaust gases of diesel motor transport showed that 27% of checked cars, mainly Kamaz trucks, have increased level of smoke compared to standard requirements. Level of toxicity of exhaust gases varied from 41,2% to 100%. Also excess level of toxicity was found in exhaust gases of 15 year old MAZ, GAZ-3307 and SETRA S215 cars, i.e., imported mainly from Russia and Belarus.

The research of cars that run on petrol showed that every 3d car doesn't meet standards. Excessive emissions in exhaust gases have been recorded on carbon oxide. The majority of cars with increased toxicity level are of Russian make with average age of 5 years. The 2nd place was taken by 17 year old cars from Germany. On the 3d place - 13 year old Japanese cars.

Also in the 4th quarter of last year researches concerning atmospheric air quality in Atyrau were conducted. The highest excess of maximum concentration limit on hydrogen sulfide has been registered by Agip KCO monitoring station "West Oil" located closer than other stations to evaporation fields of Atyrau Refinery near Toukhlaya Balka (Rotten depression valley). Considerable emission excess has been registered by monitoring stations of Atyrtau Refinery, “Steaming Yard" and Khimposyolok. Small excess has been registered by stations located in Mirny, Avangard, Zhilgorodok, Privokzalny, Peretaska, Akimat and Shagala areas.

It has been noted that practically all excesses of maximum concentration limit on hydrogen sulfide were registered during night time and early in the morning. According to researchers, it means that forbidden emissions of hydrogen sulfide into the atmospheric air of Atyrau take place. Moreover, during summer period the content of hydrogen sulfide in the air is more that during the fall time. The researchers consider that, perhaps, on one hand it is caused by bigger intensity of evaporations from the surface of artificial reservoir “Rotten depression valley" (Toukhlaya Balka) during hot season, on the other hand – by increased activity of unspecified sources that discharge above the limit (not allowed) emissions of hydrogen sulfide into atmosphere. The research results indicate that they are mostly concentrated around evaporation fields.