Monitoring of Ambient Air Pollution in Lahore City

Abstract

Lahore is facing different environmental issues, including air pollution. The present study was conducted to measure the level of different air pollutants in the ambient air of Lahore city. Six ambient air pollutants (PM2.5, PM10, NO, NO2, SO2, and O3) were measured with the standard method. Different instruments were used for measuring target pollutants. These instruments include CO analyzer, NOx analyzer, SO2 analyzer, ozone analyzer and BAM analyzer. Results were compared with Punjab Environmental Quality Standards (PEQS). The level of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) was found as 55.99 μg/m3, higher than PEQS i.e. 15μg/m3. The mean concentration of course particulate matter throughout the year was found as 105.08 μg/m3, which was lower than PEQS i.e. 120 μg/m3. The mean level of NO was 54.56 μg/m3, which was higher than the PEQS (40 μg/m3). The annual average level of SO2 was 23.56μg /m3, which is lower than PEQS (80μg /m3). Higher levels of air pollutants can cause health issues among the city’s residents. Regular monitoring and necessary mitigation measures should be implemented to control the level of pollutants in the city.