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

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.

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.

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.

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