Assessment of Air Pollutants and Determination of Air Quality Index in Zahedan

Air pollution issue is one of the most important environmental challenges in any country. In Zahedan, moderately, the air in 70 days of the year is polluted by dust.The goal of this study was assessment of air pollutants’ concentrations and determination of AQI in the city of Zahedan.
In this study, after performing the primary studies concerning the climatic and geographical conditions of Zahedan, four stations were selected for air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, SO2, O3, NO2, CO, NO) monitoring. The measurement process was performed monthly during one year (three days per month) and the monthly wind rose in the city was prepared by Word Lop and Saba Wind software. Then considering the Air Quality Index (AQI), and by using GIS software, 96 maps were prepared and the health quality of air pollutants was determined.
Considering the AQI in Zahedan City, the responsible pollutant was PM2.5 for all season in 2009. Its value in spring was 185, in summer was 201, in fall was 168 and in winter was 208
The results of this research showed that the main responsible pollutant during the year 2009 in Zahedan was PM2.5. Also during this year, air quality for 208 days was unhealthy for all people, 95 days was unhealthy for the sensitive people, 33 days was in hazardous condition, 16 days was unhealthy and 4 days was moderate for all citizens of Zahedan city.