Air quality index (AQI) changes and spatial variation in Bangladesh from 2014 to 2019

Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder; Md Nasir Ahmmed Patoary; Abdullah Al Nayeem; Marziat Rahman

doi:10.18502/japh.v8i2.12919

Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Md Nasir Ahmmed Patoary Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Abdullah Al Nayeem Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Marziat Rahman Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v8i2.12919

Keywords: Air quality index (AQI); Monthly and seasonal variation; Particulate matters (PM2.5)

Abstract

Introduction: The quality of air is becoming progressively worsen day to day. The increasing concentration of air pollution and its associated health effects are rapidly rising in Bangladesh and have drawn attention in recent years. The purpose of the research is to look into the increasing levels of air pollution in Bangladesh, specifically the proportion of Air Quality Index (AQI) in four seasons and six districts, monthly mean AQI, the correlation between PM2.5 and AQI between 2014 and 2019.

Materials and methods: The AQI data from six monitoring stations have been collected for research purposes from Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS). MS Excel 2020 and IBM SPSS V27 were used for the analysis.

Results: This study reveals that air quality in six districts of Bangladesh has been declining from 2014 to 2019, with winter and monsoon seasons being the most polluted. Dhaka and Narayanganj were found to have the unhealthiest (PM 2.5) air quality. There is a strong relationship between Paerticulate Matters (PM 2.5) and AQI, with AQI increasing with the amount of PM2.5 in all cities. In January, February, March, November, and December, the monthly mean AQI was higher, but in May, June, and July, the mean was lower. The F-values were significant based on seasons and stations. Overall, the study highlights the increasing air pollution and associated health effects in Bangladesh.

Conclusion: Air pollution in Bangladesh is a significant issue due to industrialization, urbanization, transportation, and fuel use, resulting in consistently high AQI levels throughout the year except during rainy months.