Pollution atmosphérique particulaire dans la ville de Kenitra (Maroc)

Abstract

Towns of Morocco are exposed to a high atmospheric particulate pollution due to automobile traffic, industrialization, but also to soil dusts (in relation with aridity and desert proximity). Monitoring networks and data about air pollution are still rare. The present study is a preliminary work about particulate and heavy metals pollution in the city of Kenitra. Aerosols had been collected with a PM10 sampler (Partisol), a dichotomous sampler (PM2.5 and PM2.5.10 fractions) and a stacked filter unit (Gent type) with a fine fraction (below 2.5 μm) and a coarse fraction. In summer, the average PM10 concentration is near 80 μg/Nm 3, above the EEC rules and WHO recommendations, but similar to some other African towns. The ratio PM2.5/PM10 is low (below 0.5), with a seasonal variation in relation with meteorology. The lead and nickel concentrations are also very low, in relation with the use of leaded gasoline and the oldness of many vehicles. This preliminary work reveals high levels of pollution (especially PM10, Pb and Ni) in the town of Kenitra. The major sources are traffic, soil dusts and resuspension of deposited particles. It is necessary to develop monitoring network and sanitary and environmental impact studies in these cities.