STATUS OF GASEOUS POLLUTANTS AND PARTICULATE MATTER IN SELECTED URBAN AREAS OF LAHORE

Abstract

The present study was conducted in different areas of Lahore city with objective of assessing the quality of ambient air. Samples were collected from selected locations of Lahore and were analyzed for particulate matter (fine and course). Air monitoring equipment was used for measurement of other gaseous pollutants. For data analysis, statistical means were estimated and compared with Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS). Results showed that gaseous and particulate pollutants in ambient air were higher than PEQS in all study sites. Highest levels of target pollutants were found as CO 17.53 mg/m3 (railway station), NO 45.87 ug/m3 (Thokar Niaz Baig), NO2 88.56 ug/m3 (Lahore Fort), SO2 129.31 ug/m3 (Thokar Niaz Baig), PM10 156.17 ug/m3 (Lahore Fort), PM2.5 45.85 ug/m3 (Railway Station) and O3 133.41 ug/m3 (Thokar Niaz Baig). Levels of air pollutants were higher because of industrial and vehicular emissions. This study can be useful to improve environmental conditions of industrial estate by reducing level of particulate matter and controlling methods for industrial pollution. There is need to raise environmental awareness regarding ambient air health effects among people.