Health risk assessment of engine exhaust emissions within Australian ports: a case study of Port of Brisbane

Emissions from ocean-going vessels present a significant health risk to populations surrounding ports and damage the environment. Emissions from ships using heavy fuel oil include substantial amounts of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. In order to assess the risk of these emissions, a complete methodology has been developed, based on the Australian Environmental Health Risk Assessment Framework. The method includes a detailed inventory of in-port and at-sea emissions using an activity-based approach applying downwash and near-field areas from first principles equations as well as the air-shed regions from CALPUFF dispersion modeling results for Port of Brisbane in 2013. The final risk values are validated against national and European guidelines. Various health impact assessments, as well as carcinogenic and ecological effects, are discussed in depth. This study offers a significant contribution to developing a baseline measurement of the current state of risk from emissions of the ocean-going vessels visiting the port, and suggests that, given the expected development of many Australian ports in the near future, the need for continual monitoring of shipping emissions is an essential and necessary area of research.