AUTOMOTIVE RELATED EXPOSURE TO PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES CITIES
Z. A. Nasir, I. Colbeck, Z. Ali, S. Ahmed
1, 2* 1 3 4 Z. A. Nasir, I. Colbeck, Z. Ali, S. Ahmed
1 School of Energy, Environment and Agrifood, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK
2 School of Biological Sciences, University of Essex, Colchester, CO4 3SQ, UK
3 Environmental Health and Wildlife, Department of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
4 Department of Botany, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Published Online First:
June 01, 2015
Publication Date:
June 01, 2015
ABSTRACT
Poor urban air quality in developing countries is a growing public health challenge due to rises in population, industries, urbanization and vehicles along with insufficient air quality management. Among the range of air pollutants exposure to particulate matter (PM) is of greatest concern due to its association with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases. The present study reports traffic related exposure to PM by the roads in Lahore, Pakistan. The measurements of mass and number of PM were carried out by GRIMM analysers (Model 1.108 and Model 1.101) and condensation particle counter (TSI 3781). The heavy metals concentration in PM was determined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (Unicam atomic absorption, Cambridge, UK). The mean hourly average concentration of PM , 10 3 3 3 3 PM , PM and PM at the road sites was higher during weekdays (305 μg/m , 84 μg/m , 61 μg/m and 222 μg/m , 2.5 1 10 – 2.5 3 3 3 3 respectively) in comparison to the weekend (136 μg/m , 60 μg/m , 40 μg/m and 76 μg/m , respectively). At the 3 3 3 3 background site the levels in the same size fractions were 206 μg/m , 63 μg/m , 31 μg/m , and 143 μg/m , respectively. Likewise, the number concentration of ultrafine particles was considerably higher at road sites (417,003 #/cm3) than the background (97,300 #/cm3). The concentration of heavy metals in PM decreased in the following order: Si, Al, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb. Overall, the concentration of PM , PM and toxic metals (Mn, Cd, Ni) was substantially higher than 10 2.5 guidelines by the WHO. Furthermore, relatively higher levels of the fine fraction (PM and PM ) in the background 2.5 1 reflect their higher residence time and resultant increased risk of exposure to the wider public beyond that of the vicinity to automotive sources. Everyday commuters, mostly on two and three wheelers as well as the residential population in urban areas are at an enhanced risk of exposure to high levels of particulate pollution. Cancer (IARC) concluded that there is sufficient
Keywords:
PM, mass concentration, number concentration, heavy metals, urban, developing world.