Survey of (PM۲.۵) Concentrations in Sari's City Center in ۲۰۱۰

Background and purpose: Because of the high traffic flow in the city center in Sari, a walk through survey indicated that the PM۲.۵ concentrations are likely to be higher than the standards. This study was carried out to determine the level of PM۲.۵ at the streets' curbsides in the city center in Sari. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study the PM۲.۵ concentrations were measured in ۱۸۵ monitoring stations at the curbsides of four main streets in the Sari city  entre. ۵۵۵۰ ۱۰-s samples were collected using a real time particle monitor. A questionnaire was used to record air pollution related information and data were analyzed by descriptive statistic and ANOVA tests. Results: Mean of PM۲.۵ concentration was ۸۳μgm-۳ and it was two times more than the national one and EPA recommended ۲۴- hour standard (۳۵μgm-۳). This study showed that mean of PM۲.۵ concentration at the street during traffic rush hours in the morning and evening were higher than those measured in the afternoon. Conclusion: Because of the high concentration of PM۲.۵ in the Sari’s city centre that resulted in this study, the ۲۴- hour PM۲.۵ concentrations are likely to be higher than standards in some days in the city centre in Sari. Therefore, monitoring and control of air pollution are recommended in this city.

کلیدواژه ها:

Air Pollution ، PM۲.۵ ، Sari City ، Street Pollution