Distribution of sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere of Jiddah, Saudi Arabia.

The aridity of Saudi Arabia, in general, makes air pollution studies very important, not just on a local level but also on an international level. A comprehensive field study of atmospheric sulfur dioxide (SO2) concentration was conducted in Jiddah, Saudi Arabia (one of the fastest growing cities in the world) for the period 1984 through 1987. Sulfur dioxide trends have been developed for five stations in Jiddah. Daily, monthly and annual means, maximum and mean maximum are reported. The average SO2 concentration for 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987 was 0.035 microL/L, 0.039 microL/L, 0.035 microL/L and 0.033 microL/L, respectively. The four-year average SO2 concentration was 0.036 microL/L and a maximum of 0.832 microL/L was recorded once at station 104 in 1985. A slight decrease in SO2 concentration from 1984 to 1987 was observed. The statistical significance of data and background information for air quality standards for the city are discussed. Analysis of data shows a lower mean than any international air quality standard.