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State of Air Pollution and Its Health Effects on Human Health - A Case Study of Karachi, Pakistan
KAMRAN KHAN, Saiyada Masood, Sumayya Saied, Azhar Siddique, Mirza M. Hussain, Haider Khwaja, University of Karachi, Pakistan
Abstract Number: 449
Working Group: Aerosol Chemistry
Abstract
Particulate matter pollution is the persistent interest with respect to environment and public health. Urban centers are mostly affected due to rapid industrialization and unplanned urbanization. The extensive assessment of PM2.5 was performed in the current analysis to investigate PM2.5 mass of the mega city, Karachi, along with the characterization and source apportionment. Three sites characterized by the typical urbanized environment of high vehicular emission and heavy population were selected. Two sites (AFOHS and Gulshan-e-Maymar, GM) were influenced by industrial emissions being situated in proximity while one site (Gulshan-e-Iqbal, GI) is categorized as residential area surrounded by commercial activities. Risk assessment of PM2.5 was conducted whereas estimation of expected deaths was also quantified. During the study, PM2.5 mass measured, were exceeding the WHO guidelines. High carbonaceous portion of PM2.5 was also estimated at all three sites because of vehicular emission (BCIR) and biomass burning (BCUV). Source apportionment was performed by enrichment factor, mass reconstruction and factor analysis. It reveals the high contribution of natural and anthropogenic activities in elevated PM2.5 mass concentration. Major components involved combustion of fossil fuels, soil re-suspension, and emissions from industries as well as vehicles. Backward-in-time trajectory was used to assess the long-range transportation of PM2.5 at local and regional level. It shows significant impact on the concentration of atmospheric aerosols in which major portion comprises of anthropogenic sources paired with vehicular and industrial emissions and fossil fuel combustion. High morbidity rate was also endorsed by the results obtained from risk assessment carried out for daily PM2.5 exposure level. Air Quality Index (AQI) was also measured at all three sites and found most of the air not suitable for health.