SPATIO-PERIODIC MONITORING AND ANALYSIS OF ATMOSPHERIC SULPHUR DIOXIDE (SO2) IN THE METROPOLITAN AREAS OF LAHORE -PAKISTAN

Abstract

For the last three decades, due to population growth and urban development, the mega cities of Pakistan like Karachi and Lahore are experiencing air pollution issues. Out of many, the sulphur dioxide (SO2) in one the most widely researched atmospheric pollutants. Therefore, present research deals with the spatial and periodic distribution of SO2and its seasonal variations and contamination at fifteen locations in the metropolitan area of Lahore. The sulphur dioxide analyzer’s monitoring method has been used to find the concentration and variations which allows instantaneous and continuous analysis of gas in an unaltered state. The industries which are located within or around the metropolitan area of Lahore cause most of the Urban Air Pollution (UAP), especially the emission of sulphur dioxide (SO2).The aims of this study have been to investigate the occurrence of systematic differences in the exposure of SO2 in different Landuse of the Lahore metropolitan areas and to identify the final risk zones of the city. The spatial and temporal perspective of the Lahore combined with the Total Risk Map (TRM) of the metropolitan area highlights the extremely high to extremely low risk zones of the city. The study revealed that Lahore urban area is characterized by a number of hot-spot sites which are mainly due to the industrial emissions. It has been observed that the level of air pollution is severe especially in the Central Business District (CDB) and in and around commercial zones of Lahore. The highest sulphur dioxide values have found near industrial locations, brick kilns and main road crossings areas. Improved technology for negative SO2 emission from industries and steps to control the consumption of low quality coal in brick kilns will lead to reduce the pollution in urban air. The air quality of Lahore can be improved by regular air monitoring and evaluation networks and the integrated approach among the stakeholders both in public as well as private sectors.