Characterization of Road Traffic Air and Noise Pollution at Mymensingh City

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), carbon monoxide (CO) and sound level from traffic areas in Mymensingh city. Airveda air quality monitor, Testo 317-3 and sound level meter were used to measure the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), CO and sound level, respectively. Samples were collected from twenty-one locations for consecutive seven days. The PM2.5 concentration fluctuated from 63 µgm-3 to 231.14 µgm-3 where the average concentrations were 99.85 µgm-3, 109.54 µgm-3 and 114.70 µgm-3 during morning, noon and afternoon, respectively. The highest PM2.5 was found at Bypass Mor (231.14 µgm-3) during the afternoon whereas the lowest concentration was observed at Notun Bazar (63 µgm-3) during noon. The PM10 concentration varied from 94.57 µgm-3 to 614.57 µgm-3 and the average concentration of PM10 was 163.78 µgm-3, 205.04 µgm-3 and 157.14 µgm-3 during morning, noon and afternoon, respectively. The lowest concentration was found at Trishal bus stand (94.57 µgm-3) during the morning. The CO concentration ranged from 1.28 ppm to 84.86 ppm whereas the mean values were 16.23 ppm, 24.80 ppm, and 17.35 ppm during morning, noon and evening, respectively. The highest concentration was found at Bridge Mor (84.86 ppm) during noon whereas the lowest concentration was found at Kewatkhali (1.28 ppm) during afternoon. The sound levels varied from 46.6 dB to 123.6 dB whereas the mean values were 76.80 dB, 81.41 dB and 91.08 dB during morning, noon and evening, respectively. The highest sound level was found at Burapeer Mazar (102.22 dB) whereas the lowest sound occurred at Jobbar Mor (49.91 dB). Considering the concentration of particulate matter, CO and sound level, it is concluded that these values were higher than the values observed in most of the European cities and also exceeded the Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard.