Ambient Air Quality in the Industrial Area of Khor Al-Zubayr, Southern Iraq

Abstract

     The objective of this study is to determine the levels of gaseous pollutants, as indicators of ambient air quality, emitted from the industrial area of Khor Al-Zubayr, Southern Iraq. Several polluting-induced industries, such as petrochemical complex, gas liquefier plant, steel and iron complex, fertilizers factory, and gas-fueled power station, are located on the study area. Gaseous pollutants such as HCs, NOx, SOx, HCHO, O₃, and CO₂ measured using the portable detection instrument of Drager Chip-Measurement System, Germany, whereas portable instrument of RK1 Gas Monitoring Eagle II, USA, detected the pollutants of CH₄, H₂S, and CO. Fieldwork carried out during 2012 at six selected stations in the study area. The results have showed that there a spatial variability in gaseous concentrations throughout the selected stations. The measured concentrations of CO, CO₂, NOx, SOx, H₂S, HCs, CH₄, and HCHO ranged from10.11 to 35.63, 100.01 to 400.01, 0.21 to 3.12, 0.92 to 9.59, 1.12 to 5.28, 10.51 to 28.21, 9.21 to 20.52, and 0.11 to 1.25 ppm, respectively; while O₃ concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 0.24ppb. By comparison, the recorded levels differ with the previous studies results. These levels lies within the recommended guidelines and in other cases exceed it. Generally, air quality in the study area is safe. Some gaseous pollutants concentrations, however, may represents potentially hazard on the public health. Therefore, the need for more rigorous longitudinal monitoring with repeated measures across seasons and spaces to air pollution is necessary.