Characterization of Inhalable Ground-Level Ambient Particulate Matter in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

The capital Dhaka of Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated and air polluted cities in the world. This study is aimed to assess the trend of Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) from 2013 to 2018 in relation to meteorological parameters. PM data were collected from the Continuous Air Monitoring Station (CAMS) at Darus Salam point in Dhaka city. CAMS gather air samples through beta gauge instrument which measures the volume of gas extracted through the stack/duct and calculates mass concentration. In the present study, PM2.5 was 54 % of that of PM10 which is fine particulate matter. PM2.5 and PM10 had the lowest concentration in the month of July due to the highest rainfall rate whereas it was highest in the months of January and December. In addition, annual average concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 is observed to be 5-6 times higher than Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard (BNAAQS) while higher PM concentrations were observed in winter seasons. This study found significantly inverse association between ground-level PM and meteorological parameters in Dhaka city. Air pollution is deteriorating rapidly in Dhaka city and it is high time to implement the Clean Air Act urgently to reduce such destruction.

Time Series Analysis PM<sub>2•5</sub> Concentration for Capital City Dhaka from 2016 to 2023

“…It has been observed that there exists a robust and statistically significant negative relationship between rainfall and the concentration of PM 2•5 . Precipitation is always associated with the reduction in pollution level from the atmosphere especially during the monsoon [25]. While in the month of December to January average rainfall found below 30 mm, this is mostly in during winter when all the particles travel one place to another.…”

Monsoon Season Spatial Distribution of Particulates Concentration in the Road Intersection Area of Different Land Use in Major City in South Asian Countries

“…Therefore, 50% of PM₂.₅ is generated from motorized vehicles, while 15% is generated from brick kilns according to receptor modeling studies, another study found that In Dhaka, an average of 22% and 36% of fine particulates originate from brick kilns and automobiles, [9,10]. Moreover, PM₂.₅ in Mirpur 10, a heavily motorized area in Dhaka city was found to be as high as 172.2 µg/m 3 [10,11].…”

“…[1]. Besides, in comparison to vehicle-free and non-motorized areas, more fine particles were found in main motorized areas of Dhaka [9] The brick production sectors have contributed significantly to air pollutant and destruction of the environment due to the use of dated traditional kilns and poor-quality fuels [6]. According to a study strong linkage has been found between PM₂.₅ and the number of brick kilns in Dhaka city and their proximity.…”

Status of air quality in Rajshahi metropolitan area, Bangladesh

“…Ambient PM₁₀ refers to particles that have a size of 10 µm or smaller in terms of their aerodynamic diameter. PM₂.₅ refers to particles that have a size of 2.5 µm or smaller [12,13]. Pollution encompasses the presence of harmful substances in the air, such as fine particulate matter (PM2•5) emitted by power plants, industrial processes, transportation, brick kilns, biomass burning, wind-blown dust, and sea spray.…”