Evaluation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration trends over heavily-industrialized metropolis of Ahvaz: Relationships to emissions and meteorological parameters

Majid Kermani; Ahmad Jonidi Jafari; Mitra Gholami; Mahdi Farzadkia; Jalal Saeidpour; Abbas Shahsavani; Farzad Fanaei

doi:10.18502/japh.v7i2.9599

Majid Kermani Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Ahmad Jonidi Jafari Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mitra Gholami Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Mahdi Farzadkia Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Jalal Saeidpour Health Information Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Abbas Shahsavani Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
Farzad Fanaei Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v7i2.9599

Keywords: Air pollution; Ahvaz city; Meteorological parameters; Particulate matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5)

Abstract

Introduction: Today, with the industrialization of societies, the expansion of urbanization and the increasing trend of population growth, sustainable livelihoods are severely polluted and unfortunately around the world, especially in developing countries, urban air quality is declining. This study is designed to determine the concentration of PM2.5 particles and the effect of meteorological parameters in 14 selected points in the metropolis of Ahvaz.

Materials and methods: The sampling of Particulate Matter less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) was in four seasons (winter, spring, summer and autumn). Sampling was performed using the Environmental Protection Agency, method TO-13A (EPA/TO-13A) guideline. Particle samples were collected on a fiberglass filter with a pore size of 1 µm and diameter of 37 mm. Information about meteorological parameters was also recorded by PHB-318. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed by SPSS and R.

Results: The results showed that the concentration of PM2.5 particles in the metropolis of Ahvaz during the study period is 14 times higher than the value of the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, temperature had a negative relationship and relative humidity and pressure had a direct and positive relationship with concentration of PM2.5 particle. It was found that Zargan, Padadshahr 1and 2, Saadi and 17 Shahrivar stations are the most polluted points compared to PM2.5 particles.

Conclusion: Planning appropriate strategies of air pollution control to reduce is important and necessary.