Author(s):
1. Jelena Isailović, Mining institute, Belgrade, Serbia, Serbia
2. Jasna Đerisilo, Serbia
3. Miloš Gajić, Mining institute, Belgrade, Serbia, Serbia
4. Sandra Petković Papalazarou, Mining institute, Belgrade, Serbia, Serbia
5. Josip Išek, Mining institute, Belgrade, Serbia, Serbia
6. Miroslav Sofrenić, Mining institute, Belgrade, Serbia, Serbia

Abstract:
This paper presents the results of concentration measurements of eleven toxic elements (As, Cd, Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, Sb, Co, Mn, Tl, and V) in flue gas emissions from a solid fuel-fired thermal power plant in Serbia. The focus is on comparing the current national regulations with European Union standards (BAT-LCP, IED). The study shows that although Serbia is formally aligned with certain aspects of EU directives, there is still no specific legal framework regulating this type of facility. Consequently, there are no clearly defined emission limit values for all of the observed metals, nor are there requirements for continuous emission monitoring. In terms of technical equipment, most domestic power plants lack efficient flue gas cleaning systems, which is not in line with standards applied in developed countries. For heavy metal removal, Serbian thermal power plants mainly rely on electrostatic precipitators. In contrast, EU and U.S. facilities apply advanced multi-stage treatment technologies—including activated carbon injection, filtration systems, and wet scrubbers—that enable effective removal of most of the listed metals. The results indicate the need for regulatory improvements and technical modernization to reduce environmental risks and enable full implementation of best available techniques in Serbia’s thermal energy sector.

Key words:
toxic element emissions, solid fuel thermal power plants, legal framework,toxic element emissions,solid fuel thermal power plants,legal framework

Thematic field:
SYMPOSIUM D - Environmental and sustainable materials

Date of abstract submission:
31.07.2025.

Conference:
Contemporary Materials 2025 - Savremeni Materijali

Applied paper from author