Potential Contribution of Traffic to Air Pollution in the State of Kuwait

P Koushki,N Al-Mutairi

doi:10.3844/ajessp.2009.218.222

Abstract

Problem statement: The reduction in ambient air pollution is a universal goal-particularly in urban areas, the lack of resources often necessitates identification and prioritization of sources of air pollutants. Efficient planning and effective management of environmental pollutants is thus important for optimum utilization of limited resources. Approach: This study examined seven years of data from three air pollution monitoring stations in the State of Kuwait. The stations-each located at a different district-were selected such that the influence of traffic source and oil refineries/power stations on ambient air pollution contaminants could be detected. A sampling plan was developed and CH4, CO, O3, SO2, NO, NOX and TS concentrations were measured both during peak-traffic hours as well as off-peak hours. Results: Analyses of the data showed that concentrations of the air pollutants had slightly increased over the seven-year study period and only those of the NOX and SO2, exceed the permitted standard levels. Traffic was the main source of air pollution in the district located adjacent to the city centre, while oil refineries contributed most to ambient air pollution in the rural district. Conclusion: The concentration levels of NO, NOX and Total Sulfate (TS) were significantly less at the district located away from urban traffic and oil refineries compared to those of with heavy daily traffic congestions and those of the district in proximity to oil refineries.

Highlights

Urbanization processes have increased pollution levels in urban areas, worldwide
The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to six air contaminants that are harmful to human health: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ground-level ozone and suspended particulate matter-usually in dust and smoke[3]
The study survey indicated that nearly 29% of the surveyed cities experienced sulphur dioxide concentrations in excess of the maximum levels allowable under WHO guidelines and 71% had nitrogen dioxide concentrations that exceeded WHO maximums

Summary

Introduction

Increased population, increased human activity and increased auto ownership, are responsible for most of air pollution emissions in urban environment, e.g., 80% of CO2 in cities[1]. The World Health Organization (WHO) refers to six air contaminants that are harmful to human health: carbon monoxide, lead, nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, ground-level ozone and suspended particulate matter-usually in dust and smoke[3]. In a survey of more than 100 cities in industrial and non-industrial countries, the World Bank has found that the air in many urban areas remains unhealthy[4]. The study survey indicated that nearly 29% of the surveyed cities experienced sulphur dioxide concentrations (often from power plants) in excess of the maximum levels allowable under WHO guidelines and 71% had nitrogen dioxide concentrations (often from urban traffic) that exceeded WHO maximums

Objectives

Results

Conclusion