Evaluation of Air Quality in Damietta Harbor Region

Abstract

Ship emissions in port areas are dispersed mainly concerns sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), particulate matter, ... etc., in the atmosphere, affecting air quality and jeopardizing people's health and quality of life. This study aims to assess air quality of Damietta Harbor Region. Implementing continuous monitoring of major air pollutants (NO2, SO2, CO, O3 and PM10) were found in Damietta harbor by using Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Station (AAQMS) from January 2013 to December 2015. According to the obtained results, the annual mean levels of NO2, SO2, CO and O3 in Damietta Port Area in 2013, 2014 and 2015 were 29.92, 41.50 and 29.12 μg/m of NO2, 26.68, 27.69 and 24.83 μg/m of SO2 , 5.31, 2.29 and 6.23 mg/m of CO and 33.10, 41.00 and 39.43 μg/m of O3, respectively. These results did not exceed the AQL as stipulated in the Egyptian Environmental Law 4/94 and its executive regulations (80, 60 μg/m) for NO2 and SO2, and (10 mg/m for 8 hrs.) for CO, and (120 μg/m for 8 hrs.) for O3. Whereas, the annual mean levels of PM10 in Damietta Port Area were 83.56 and 72.32 μg/m, in 2013 and 2015 respectively, found higher than AQL as stipulated in the Egyptian Environmental Law 4/94 and its executive regulations (70μg/m).