Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Natural Resources Department, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran
2 Natural Resources Department, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan, Iran
Abstract
Particulate matters (PM) has a negative effect on human health especially in industrial and urban areas due to their great potential of reaching the furthest parts of human lungs. Therefore, it is essential to conduct continuous monitoring of PM in order to assess their spatial and temporal trend in ambient air. This study aimed to assess the spatial and seasonal variations of PM2.5, PM10, total suspended particles (TSP) concentration and evaluating their correlations with meteorological parameters in surrounding regions of Isfahan city, Iran. PM2.5, PM10 and TSP concentrations (24-hours) were measured by gravimetry method with low volume air sampler for one-year period (July 2015-July 2016) at three stations located on western, eastern and southern part of Isfahan. The overall daily mean concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and TSP were 73, 101 and 134 µg/m3 in east; 50, 86 and 103 µgr/m3 in the south; and 23, 45 and 53 µgr/m3 in west stations, respectively. This study identified that PM2.5 concentrations were above the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guideline at all stations. The daily mean concentration of PM2.5, PM10, and TSP showed a negative correlation with humidity, while a positive correlation was observed between daily average temperature and all pollutant concentrations. A weak positive correlation was observed in case of wind speed. This study found that the meteorological condition has the highest impact on fluctuating PM2.5 concentration over the monitoring period. Pollution rose analysis indicated that westerly and north-westerly wind increased PM2.5 concentration at all sites.
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