Annual variations of air pollution in Jahra, Kuwait

Abstract

A study of air pollution in Jahra residential area has been conducted over a period of five years on a 24 hours basis. Measurements of air pollutants and meteorological parameters were taken at 5 minutes intervals at Jahra from 2000-2004. The measured pollutants included sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), methane hydrocarbons (MHC) and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC)). Meteorological parameters monitored simultaneously included ambient temperature and solar intensity. Hourly averages were calculated from the measured data. Air pollution emissions in Jahra were estimated at the following locations: Ali Salem Air Base, Kuwait International Airport, Doha power stations, Jahra industrial area 1 and 2. Motor vehicles emissions were modeled as line source represented by known highways in the Jahra area. Comparison of measured data for CO, NOx, and SO2 were made against US-EPA (Environmental Protection Agency standards). Analysis of this data show that some pollutants are within or below the US-EPA standards, however, other pollutants such as NOx and SO2 exceeded these limits. Higher NOx and SO2 values were caused by increase in the density of population, motor vehicles, power generation, and industrial activities.