Analysis of Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) Concentration in Khorramabad City, Iran

Particle matter is a major air pollutant and an increase of 10 µg/m3 in its concentration may cause an increase of 1-3% in the mortality rate. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of the PM10 air pollutant in the city of Khorramabad. This is a cross-sectional study. The experiments were conducted during one year، from April 2010 to March 2011، using a dust track analyzer. The data were analyzed by conducting one-way ANOVA، and Scheffé''s multiple comparison method، and then compared with the Environment Protection Organization’s standard rates. The results revealed that the maximum concentrations of PM10 and PM2. 5 were، respectively، 120. 9 and 101. 09 µ/m3 at Shamshirabad station. There was a significant difference between the mean values of PM10 and PM2. 5 concentrations (µg/m3) during the different seasons. In addition، the mean concentrations of PM10 exceeded the maximum permissible concentration in warmer months. An annual comparison of PM10 and PM2. 5 concentrations with the standard revealed that particle matter concentration was higher than the standard during the summer season. However، the total mean of particle matter was less than the standard concentration.