A preliminary assessment and control strategy of size segregated pollutants in urban and peri-urban areas of metropolitan faisalabad, pakistan

In recent years, Pakistan has experienced severe and persistent air pollution associated with urbanization and industrialization and it has substantial effects on ecosystem and air quality. In urban and periurban areas, maximum TSP concentration was observed at Satiana Road (987 μgm-3) and Chak 215 RB (1123 μgm-3). Similarly, maximum PM10 concentration was recorded at Gutte Wala (782 μgm-3) and Chak 215 RB (893 μgm-3), while maximum PM2.5 concentration was observed at Madina Food Mill (621 μgm-3) and Chak 215 RB (654 μgm-3). The statistical results suggest that there is significant difference between urban and peri-urban areas. Majority of size segregated pollutants including TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 were found with higher values than the United States Environmental Protection agency (US-EPA), National Ambient air Quality Standards (NAAQS), world health organization (WHO) and National Environmental Quality standards for Pakistan (NEQS-Pak) limits for both urban and peri-urban areas, only 4%, 8% and 4% for TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 in urban and TSP (40%) PM10 (60%) and PM2.5 (44%) in peri urban samples were found under prescribed guidelines. Furthermore, we have also compared metropolitan size segregated pollutant (PM10) with other Pakistan and Asian metropolitan cities' and purposed strategy to control it. (author)