Particulate Matter Concentration in Ambient Air at Gulshan e Iqbal, Karachi

Abstract

The aim of this study is to measure the PM concentration (PM2.5, PM10) at different times and at different locations of the Gulshan-e-Iqbal town and comparison of the obtained results with the permissible limits of Pak-EPA for assessment of the air quality. A total of 12 sampling locations were selected in different blocks of Gulshan-e-Iqbal town. The PM 2.5 concentration in the study area ranged from 47 to 81.3 µg/m3, with a mean value of 65.4 µg/m3. The results revealed that values of PM2.5 at all the sampling stations were above the permissible limits (35 µg/m3) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA). The PM 10 concentration in the study area ranged from 55.6 to 99.0 µg/m3, with a mean value of 79.9 µg/m3. The results revealed that values of PM10 at all the sampling stations were within the permissible limits (150 µg/m3) set by Environmental Protection Agency Pakistan (Pak-EPA). The concentration of PM (PM2.5, PM10) was found to vary with time at all the sampling stations. Maximum concentrations were recorded at 2 PM and 7 PM while minimum concentrations were recorded at 12 AM. The worst air quality in terms of particulate matter concentration in the study area was observed at Block 11 of Gulshan-e-Iqbal, whereas better air quality in terms of PM was recorded at Block 7