Cumulative Impact Assessment of Multiple Industrial Facilities on Regional Air Quality and Receptor Health

Abstract

The concentration of multiple industrial facilities within a region can result in cumulative air pollutant emissions that significantly affect ambient air quality, ecosystem integrity, and public health in surrounding communities. Traditional single-source assessments often fail to adequately evaluate combined exposure risks arising from simultaneous industrial operations. The present study investigates the cumulative impact of multiple industrial facilities on regional air quality and receptor health under varying environmental and operational conditions. The research focuses on evaluating pollutant dispersion, cumulative exposure patterns, emission interactions, and associated human health risks resulting from combined industrial activities. Experimental analysis and atmospheric assessment were conducted using emission inventory evaluation, air dispersion modeling, environmental monitoring, and receptor-based exposure analysis to examine the influence of sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and toxic air contaminants on regional air quality deterioration. Results demonstrate that cumulative industrial emissions significantly increase pollutant concentrations in downwind receptor zones, particularly under unfavorable meteorological conditions characterized by low wind speed and atmospheric inversion. The study further reveals that long-term exposure to combined pollutant loads contributes to elevated respiratory, cardiovascular, and ecological health risks in nearby populations and sensitive environmental receptors. Comparative assessment with single-source impact evaluations confirms the importance of integrated cumulative assessment approaches for accurately identifying regional pollution hotspots and exposure pathways.