Monitoring and Trend Analysis of Air-Borne Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) at Major Hot-Spot Areas: Mohakhali and Farmgate in Dhaka City

Abstract

The objectives of this work were to monitor and quantify the airborne particles (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and to
predict the influence of human and natural activities on their ambient concentrations. Samples of Air-borne
Particulate Matter (APM) in the size range 0-2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and 0-10 μm (PM₁₀) were collected
simultaneously using two MiniVol portable air samplers at Mohakhali and Farmgate area in Dhaka city.
At Mohakhali effective sampling duration was from May 16 to May 23, 2004 and at Farmgate from June 6
to June 13, 2004. Continuous seven day monitoring was carried out to find the effect of meteorology, traffic
load and other anthropogenic activities on ambient Particulate Matter (PM) pollution level. Weekday and
weekend average traffic number was evaluated by field technicians at both sampling sites. These sites are
regarded heavily polluted because of the proximity of major roadways. Daily and weekly average
concentrations of PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 at Mohakhali were found higher than USEPA and Bangladesh 24-hrs
average guideline values but at Farmgate the concentrations were within the guideline values. Average
proportions of PM_2.5 in PM₁₀ were found higher at Farmgate than that at Mohakhali.


Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 61-67