Assessment of Air pollution in Benghazi City during February and March periods using Airvisual Outdoor Monitor

Abstract

Particulate matter is a major indicator of the level of air pollution. The ratio of fine and coarse particles and particle type determine the ability of atmospheric processes and affect human health. The aim of this work is to assess the spatiotemporal variation of particulates (PM1, PM2.5, and PM10) during the monitoring period from February 2023 to March 2023 and to assess the correlations between pollutants and the impact of meteorological factors. The results showed the main average air quality index (AQI) in the February period was about 138 μg/m3, which reflected the air quality is unhealthy for sensitive groups, while the main average AQI in the March period was about 89 μg/m3, which reflected the air quality is moderate. Based on PM2.5/PM10 ratios in February the mixed particles and anthropogenic source are more common in the atmosphere and PM2.5/ PM10 ratios in March period the mixed particles and natural sources are more common in the atmosphere in Benghazi city. The February period has more pollutants than the March period due to more than type of pollution. The bivariate polar plots of temperature AQI, PM1/PM2.5, and PM2.5/PM10 were negatively correlated with temperature while positively correlated with wind speed. SE directions of wind have a major impact on increasing PM and natural pollution type concentrations in Benghazi city.