Statistic Study of Gaseous Air Contamination in the City of Svishtov, Bulgaria

Abstract

Polluted air has a negative impact on human health and plant and animal life. There are two types of sources of air pollution: human activity (transport, heating, industry and others) and natural phenomena such as natural fires, volcanic activity, deforestation and others. Substances that are the most common air pollutants are dust particles, carbon and nitrogen dioxides, carbon and nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons; aldehydes; radioactive substances, heavy metals, sulfur dioxide, ozone, etc. Gaseous air pollutants of primary concern in urban environments include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. Sulfur dioxide is a colorless gas that is a product of volcanic eruptions and various industrial processes. It’s usually released when coal and oil are burned. Nitrogen oxides, especially nitrogen dioxide, are poisonous gases with a pungent, suffocating odor. There are many regulations aimed at air pollution and pollution monitoring for all European countries. Bulgaria, as part of the EU, must comply with all these regulations. There are still many places and periods of time in Bulgaria over the years with air pollution greater than daily norms. The present study is dedicated to the study of air pollution with gaseous substances in the area of Svishtov, Bulgaria. The town of Svishtov is located in Northern Bulgaria, on the banks of the Danube River, where the southernmost point of the river along its entire length is located. A statistical analysis of the level of air pollution in Svishtov based on official data from the monitoring station in the city is presented. The measurements cover the period 2021 - 2023. All research results are presented graphically and commented.