KERMAN’S AIR POLLUTION SITUATION

Abstract

Air pollution in large cities is very important from health and economic points of views. In a city, air pollution has direct relationship with the topography, climate, population, economic situation and the degree of industrialization. Therefore, for a survey about Kerman's air pollution, 13 stations were chosen for determination of SO2, NO2 and CO, and 14 stations to assess concentration of suspended particles. Specific autoanalyser electrodes were used for determination of gas materials and Hi-Vol Sampler for Suspended particles. Sampling and tests were run everyday of weeks, holiday and nonholidays, four seasons of a year, 1977 Iranian calendar (March 1998-1999). The mean yearly concentrations of SO2, NO2 and CO in Kerman metropolitan area were 0.055, 0.5 and 5.19 ppm, respectively, higher than standards in most of the stations. Industries are biggest suspects. Daily (24 h) concentration of suspended particles in Kerman varied between 100 to 756 micrograms per cubic meter. The yearly mean of SP was 348 in Kerman metropolitan area, much higher than WHO standard, but most of it was dust. As the final conclusion, authorities should pay necessary attention to the Kerman ambient air quality. The standard for suspended particles in cities such as Kerman, with dry, Semi-desert climate, having desert winds with running sand, should be revised.