Poll Res.

25 (2) : 1-6 (2006) Copyright Enviromedia

STUDY ON SOME AIR QUALITY PARAMETERS OF CHITTAGONG METROPOLITAN CITY, BANGLADESH

M. MARUF HOSSAIN*, M. SHAHEEN MAHMUD AND M. SHAFIQUL ISLAM Institute of Marine Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chittagong 4331, Bangladesh ABSTRACT
Air pollution is causing a serious threat to public health in most of the urban centers in the developing countries. The ambient air quality levels of Chittagong Metropolitan City are degrading day after day. The situation is expected to be worsening further with the increase of population, unplanned industries, economic development and influxes of people from rural areas. In this study, five specific stations of Chittagong Metropolitan City were selected in different locations, such as Chittagong WA S A Mode-1; Agrabad Commercial Area; Nasirabad Industrial Area; Kalurghat Industrial Area, Traffic Point at GEC, CD A Avenue; Chandga Residential Area and was a (atempted to know the present condition of ambient air quality. The suspended particular matters (SPM) was found to be the high in all the investigated stations that exceed clearly the National Air Quality Standards and also showed maximum in comparison to other two parameters (SOx and NOx). The highest concentration of SPM was found in Kalurgat Industrial Area and the level was 1490.90 (g/m3). The highest concentration of NOX (oxides of nitrogen) was found in Kalurgat Industrial Area and the level was 182.09 (g/m3). The highest concentration of SOX (oxides of sulfur) was found in Kalurgat Industrial Area and the level was 160.11(ug/m3). Except the SPM level, other air pollutants in residential and traffic point area were relatively good and within acceptable limit. This study also tried to reveal the impact of air pollution on human heath and study recommended several strategies to control air pollution with an aim of improving existing air quality of the Chittagong Metropolitan City.

KEY WORDS : Air pollutants, Suspended particulate matters (SPM), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX), Oxides of Sulfur (SOX)

INTRODUCTION In many towns and cities exposure to air pollution is the main environmental threat to human health. Long time exposure to high level of shoot and small particles in the air also contributes to a wide range of chronic respiratory diseases, aggravates heart diseases and other types of particulate pollution, either on its own or in combination with SO2, leads to an enormous burden of ill health causing at least 500,000 premature death and 4-5 million new case of chronic bronchitis each year (World Bank, 1992). The 1952 London smog episode was the worst example of an air pollution episode resulting in estimated 4,000 deaths in five days. This prompted more stringent air pollution acts in England and in other countries, starting the modern history of air quality management. Although, the components of air pollution have changed over the years, with industrial sources now
*marufctgu@yahoo.com

including toxic gases, coal remains as an important source of air pollution. In addition, vehicular traffic sources have expanded rapidly in the last three decades. Traffic activities in urban areas of industrialized western nations have witnessed a four to five fold increase over the last 30 years. In developing nations, this increase has been ten fold or more (William, 2000). Due to increasing man made activities, emission of SO2 and nitrogen oxides have been rising over the past decades. Expansion of industry and transport systems has made this situation more critical. Chittagong, the second largest city of Bangladesh is occupied by a large number of industries. In Chittagong and Chondroghona alone, 720 industrial units are located on the banks of the Karnafully. Many of them, in addition to discharges of toxic liquid and. solid wastes, also emitt toxic gases in to the environment. The city covers an area of 120 km2 with a popu-

HOSSAIN ET AL. are located within the 10 km radius of the study area. Analytical procedures Measurement of SPM ( Suspended particulate matters) The sampling was performed with high volume sampler, APM-415 model of Envirotech Instruments, India. The samplers draw atmospheric air through preweighed fibre filter sheets at flow rates ranging from 1.4 to 2.5 m3 per minute. The samplers are provided with housing, which facilitates internal pre-sepa ration of particles larger than 100 microns diameter before the air samples reach the filter surface. APM fibre filter, capable of retaining almost all the particulate matter were used during the sampling. The samplers were continuously used during the entire sampling period of eight hours and the flow rates were measured at intervals of one hour. After completion of the sampling period, the mass of dust collected on the filtered sheet was evaluated gravimetrically, the volume of air samples were calculated from average flow rate and sampling period. The concentration of SPM was computed from the mass of dust collected and the volume of air sampled and expressed as micro gram per cubic meter (g/m3). Measurement of SO x (Oxides of sulfur) The modified West & Gaeke(1956) procedure followed in Department of Environment (DoE) was adopted for sampling and analysis of atmospheric SO2 concentrations. Atmospheric air was drawn at a measured and controlled rate ranging between 400 to 500 mL/minute through a solution of sodium tetrach loro - mereurate in an orifice tipped bubblers, continuously during the entire sampling period. SO2 in the air sample was absorbed in the absorbing reagent and forms stable di-chlorosulphitomer curate complex. After completion of sampling period, the sample solution was treated with solution of sulphonic acid, formaldehyde and parosaniline methyl sulphonic acid. The absorbance of the resulting solution was measured spectrophotometricall ty to evaluate the amount of SO collected during the sam2 pling. The volume of collected SO2 was expressed as microgram per cubic meter (g/m3). Measurement of NOx (oxides of nitrogen) The arsenite procedure was adopted for the sampling and analysis of atmospheric NOx concentrations, a modified method of Jacob & Hochheiser (Kudesia, 1992). Atmospheric air was drawn at a measured and controlled rate of 200 m L/minute in an orifice tipped

lation of near about six million (personal communication). Over the period, Chittagong city experienced continuous population growth accompanied by periodic changes to its territorial areas. As a port city, urban settlements are faced with several unforeseen situation including environmental degradation. Absence of proper environmental planning, unplanned industrialization and urbanization, over population, lack of proper solid waste management and greening programme etc. are main problems of Chittagong metropolitan city. However, the present study will help to know the status of air quality of Chittagong metropolitan city. In addition, Bangladesh is a signatory of Male declaration on control and prevention of air pollution and its likely trans-b oundary effects for South Asia. Obviously, this study will be baseline information to prepare a National Action Plan (NAP) to cope with Sub-regional Action Plan. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was carried out for a period of nine months, from February 2002 to October 2002 in Chittagong Metropolitan City. The samples were collected with the help of Department of Environment (DoE) authority, Chittagong and the analytical work is also carried out there. The air quality parameters that had been analyzed during the present investigation were SPM (Suspended particulate matters), SOx (Oxides of sulfur) and NOx (Oxides of nitrogen) respectively. The methodology for analysis followed the standard procedure used by the DoE (Department of Environment). Chittagong, Bangladesh in their routine monitoring on air quality analysis. According (o the design and purpose of the study, five specific stations of Chittagong Metropolitan City we re selected. They were-Station-1 Chittagong WASA Mode-1 Agrabad Commercial Area. Station-2 Nasirabad industrial Area Station-3 Kalurghat Industrial Area Station- 4 Traffic point GEC, CDA Avenue Station -5 Chandgha Residential Area During the selection of the number and location of sampling station, attention was paid to the wind flow patterns and location of human settlements and industries. One of the sampling stations was located in mixed and commercial area, two of the sampling stations were located in industrial area, one of the sampling stations was located in traffic point and other one was located in the residential area. One oil refinery, one steel mill, two cement clinker factory, one TSP plant, one dry-dock and two fertilizer factories

STUDY ON SOME AIR QUALITY PARAMETERS OF CHITTAGONG bubbler. The air existing in this bubbler was passed through an acidic permanganate solution and through an orifice tipped bubbler containing sodium hydroxide arsenite solution. The air sample was drawn in atmospheric NOx converted into sodium nitrite and the overall collection efficiency being 80%. After completion of the sampling, the solutions of the first and third bubbler were treated with solution of hydrogen peroxide, sulphani lamide and NEDA (N1-napthyl ethylene diamine dihydrochloride). The nitrite ion in the solution forms an intensely colored azodye and evaluated collection efficiency and volume of air sampled and expressed as microgram per cubic meter (g/m3). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Present study is an attempt for the first time to measure the concentration of SOX (oxides of sulfur), NOX (oxides of nitrogen) and SPM (suspended particular

matters) from the different area of Chittagong Metropolitan city. The air quality data of selected parameters (SOx, NOx and SPM) from specific station of Chittagong metropolitan city have been represented in Table 1-5. The samples were collected with the help of DoE (Dept. of Environment), Chittagong and measured in the laboratory of DoE (Dept.of Environment). Concentration level of SOX (Oxides of sulfur) The detailed result for SOx (oxides of sulfur) at five selected stations can be seen in Table 1-5 and Fig-1. Results showed that the mean concentration of SOx in Chittagong WASA Mode-1, Agrabad commercial Area.(St.-l); Nasirabad industrial area.(St.-2); Kalurghat industrial area.(St.-3);traffic point at GEC, CDA avenue. (St-4) and Chandga residential area. 3 (St.-5) were 84.23(g/m3), 107.08(g/m ), 146.55 (g/ m3), 66.05 (g/m3) and 24.16 (g/m) respectively (Table 1-5). During the present investigation among the five investigated area, highest concentration of
Mean value of N0x(g/m3) SPM (g/m3) 580.74 585.90 576.51 631.70 Mean Va1ue of SPM (g/m3)

Table 1. Air quality at Chittagong WASA Mode -1, Agrabad commercial area (St.-l) during the investigation period. Date 13.02.2002 08.06.2002 04.09.2002 03.10.2002 Acceptable Range (National Air Quality Standards) SOX (g/m3) 81.49 85.18 82.33 87.92 1 00 Mean value of SOX (g/m3) NOX (g/m3) 92.12 95.73 88.15 97.04 1 00

84.23

93.26

593.72

400( WHO, 1999 & DoE, l 997)

Table 2. Air quality at Nasirabad industrial area (St.-2) during the investigation period. Date 14.02.2002 12.05.2002 18.05.2002 09.08.2002 Acceptable Range (National Air Quality Standards) SOX (g/m3) 88.28 108.78 114.14 117.12 120 Mean value of SOX (g/m3) 107.08 NOX (g/m3) 96.14 112.89 127.47 120.93 100 Mean value of N0x(g/m3) 102.64 SPM (g/m3) 474.17 587.11 598.07 689.19 Mean Va1ue of SPM (g/m3) 587.14

500 (DoE, l997)

Table 3. Air quality at Kalurghat industrial area (St.-3) during the investigation period. Date 02.03.2002 04.04.2002 13.05.2002 18.06.2002 Acceptable Range (National Air Quality Standards) SOX (g/m3) 160.11 121.70 147.00 157.40 120 Mean value of SOX (g/m3) 146.55 NOX (g/m3) 182.09 132.60 150.70 162.30 100 Mean value of N0x(g/m3) 156.92 SPM (g/m3) 1490.90 878.80 1287.14 985.40 Mean Va1ue of SPM (g/m3) 1160.56

500 (DoE,1997)

HOSSAIN ET AL.

Table 4. Air quality at Traffic point GEC, CDA avenue (St.-4) during the investigation period. Date 13.04.2002 18.05.2002 03.07.2002 10.08.2002 Acceptable Rangc (National Air Quality Standards) SOX (g/m3) 77.35 49.17 85.45 52.23 100 Mean value of SOX (g/m3) 66.05 NOX (g/m3) 51.00 58.18 47.00 44.83 100 Mean value of N0x(g/m3) 50.25 SPM (g/m3) 870.85 668.12 747.45 589.13 Mean Va1ue of SPM (g/m3) 718.89

400(DoE.1997)

Table 4. Air quality at Chandga residential area (St.-5) during the investigation period. Date 14.02.2002 15.03.2002 20.05.2002 02.09.2002 Acceptable Range (National Air Quality Standards) SOX (g/m3) 21.27 27.38 29.09 18.90 80 Mean value of SOX (g/m3) 24.16 NOX (g/m3) 24.23 29.17 28.11 21.20 80 Mean value of N0x(g/m3) 25.68 SPM (g/m3) 287.40 267.60 219.17 172.60 Mean Va1ue of SPM (g/m3) 236.69

200 (DoE,1997)

SOX(160.11g/m3) was recorded in Kalurghat industrial area (St.-3) (Table -3). Comparison with National Air Quality Standards The results of the present investigation of SOx (oxides of sulfur) at different location of Chittagong metropolitan city were further compared with National ambient air quality standards (Fig.l) to assess whether the present value of SOX at Chittagong metropolitan city exceed the acceptable value . This comparison of SOx not only shows the highest value in Kalurghat industrial area but also exceeds the value of National air quality standards (Fig-1 and Table 3). However, the SOX level in other investigated areas (mixed and commercial area, traffic point and residential area) were below the prescribed national limits (Table 1-5 & Fig.1). Concentration level of NOx (Oxide of nitrogen) The detailed results for NOX at the selected stations can be seen in Table 1-5 and Fig.-2. Results showed that the mean concentration of NOX in Chittagong WAS A Mode-1, Agrabad Commercial Area.(St.-l); Nasirabad Industrial Area. (St.-2); Kalurghat Industrial Area. (St.-3) Traffic Point at GEC, CDA Avenue. (St-4) and Chandga Residential Area(St.-S) were 93.26 (g/m3), 1 02 .64 (g/m3), 156.92 (g/m3), 50.25 (g/ m3) and 25.68 (g/m3) respectively (Table 1-5).During the present investigation among the five investi-

gated area, highest concentration of NOX (182.09 3 g/m ) was recorded in Kalurghat Industrial area (St.3 and Table -3). Comparison with National Air Quality Standards The results of the present investigation of N O x (Oxide of nitrogen) at different locations of Chittagong Metropolitan city were further compared with National Ambient Air Quality Standards (Fig.-2) to assess whether the present value of NOX at Chittagong Metropolitan city exceed the acceptable values. This comparison of air quality of NOx not only shows highest value in Kalurghat Industrial area but also it exceeded the value of National Air Quality Standards (Fig.-2 and Table 1-5). However the NOx in other investigated areas (Mixed and Commercial Area, Traffic point and Residential Area) were below the national prescribed limit (Fig-2). In Nasirabad Industrial Area (St.-2), the concentration of NOX was just above the national prescribed limit (Table 2 and Figure 2). Concentration level of SPM (Suspended particular matters) The detailed results for SPM (Suspended particular matter) at five-selected stations can be seen in Tab1e 1- 5 and Fig.- 3 . Results showed that the mean concentration of SPM (Suspended particulate matter) in Chittagong WAS A Mode-1, Agrabad Commercial Area. (St.-l); Nasirabad Industrial Area. (St. -2);

STUDY ON SOME AIR QUALITY PARAMETERS OF CHITTAGONG

concentration of SPM was recorded in Chandga residential area (172.60 g/m 3) (Table-5). Present study also showed that the concentration levels of SPM were remarkably high, compared to other two pollutants (SOX &N O x), and in all the five stations (Table 1-5). Comparison with National Air Quality Standards The mean of all the observed values of ambient SPM (Suspended particular matters) concentration ranges from 237 (g/m3) to 1161 (g/m3), which were much above the prescribed for National air quality standards (Fig.-3). The maximum value (1490.90 g/m3) of SPM found in Kalurghat industrial area is more than 4.5 times higher than the national standards on SPM for Industrial area (400 g/m3).This results of SPM is significant in respect of air pollution, because not only in industrial area, but also other investigated area (Commercialand mixed, traffic point and residential). Value of SPM was much higher than the National accepted limits(200-500 g/m3 (Table 1 5).From the present study, it could be said generally that, air quality of Chittagong metropolitan city is not so good, considering the level of SPM. When considering the other two pollutants (SOx & N O x), the highest air polluted area is Kalurghat Industrial area and relatively less polluted is Chandga residential area (Table 1-5). Impact of Air Pollution on human health During the present investigation, generally it shows that the level of SPM, SOx and NOx in industrial area of Chittagong city exceeded the WHO (1992) and Bangladesh standards (DOE,1997), especially the level of SPM exceeded in all the investigated stations, i.e. Industrial, commercial and residential area (Table 1-5). Reviews from different parts of the world show that excessive level of SPM, SOx and NOx may cause serious health hazards to human health and other living organisms. Some of the health impacts of the above pollutants were explained by different authors. Such as the excessive level of SPM could cause respiratory, cardiovascular, lung diseases, bronchitis etc. Whereas excessive level of NOx and SOx may causes respiratory problems, chest pain, premature mortality etc. The increased risk of respiratory and skin diseases may be the result of the cumulative effects of indoor and outdoor pollution. Children are particularly vulnerable to environmental toxins (Quamrul et. a1. 2002). According to Akter et al. (2002) - A i r pollution is causing a serious threat to public health in most of the urban centers in developing countries. The environment of Dhaka has been

Fig. 1 Comparision on the relative concentrations of SOx among the stations and National Quality Standards

Fig. 2 Comparision on the relative concentrations of NOx among the stations and National Quality Standards

Fig. 3 Comparision on the relative concentrations of SPM among the stations and National Quality Standards

Kalurghat Industrial Area (St.-3) Traffic Point at GEC, CDA Avenue (St-4) and Chandga Residential Area (St.-5) were 593.72 (g/m3), 587.14 (g/m3), 1160.56 (g/m3), 718.89 (g/m3) and 236.69 (g/m3) respectively (Table 1-5). In all the investigated area, highest concentration of SPM was recorded in Kalurgat Industrial area (1490.90g/m3) (Table-3) and lowest

HOSSAIN ET AL.
between the child and you can take breath in a pollution free environment. Bangladesh Environment. 2: 81-87. Published by ICBN. FEJB(Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh), 2002.Kolkala concentrates on efficient management. In: Air Pollution in Asian Cities, Ed. by Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, July 2002, 180 pp. Aktcr, J., Azad, A.K. and Sultana, J. 2002. Traffic contribution to air pollution : A case study on Dhaka, Second International conference on Bangladesh Environment (ICBEN), December 9-21,2002, Dhaka Declaration on Bangladesh Environment, Bangladesh Poribesh Andolon (BAPA), 2002. DoE, 1997. Environmental Conservation Rules 1997. Department of Environment (DoE). Government of Bangladesh. DoE, 1999. Project concept of air quality management project, Department of Environment and Forests, Bangladesh Government. Reazuddin, M. 2002. Automotive Pollution control in earnest : In: Air Pollution in Asian Cities, Ed. by Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, July 2002, Forum of Environmental Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB),180 pp. Quamrul, I., Gaziur,R., Mostofa, K.M. and Bakhtiar,R. 2002. Smoke and haze over Dhakas sky line. In: Air Pollution in Asian Cities, Ed. by.Quamrul Islam Chowdhury, July 2002, Forum of Environ. Journalists of Bangladesh (FEJB),180 WHO, 1992. Urban Air Pollution in Mega cities of the World. Earth Watch. Global Environment Monitoring System. World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Environment Program, UNDP. Blackwell. UK. World Bank,1992. Urban Development Strategy and City Assistance Program World Bank,1995.R & D for Sustain able Development-Con troll ing pollution and strengthening Institutions, A presentation by Economics of Industrial Pollution Control Research Team, World Bank, New York. William, F.H. Jr. 2000. History of air pollution and its ab atement-a short history of Air pollution in Meuse valley, Belgium. West, P.W. and Gaeke, G.C. 1956. Analytical Chemistry. 28 pp. Kudesia, V.P.1992. Air pollution, Pragati Prakashan, Meerut, India

deteriorating rapidly during the last couple of years. The road users frequently complain about headache, eye and skin irritation and breathing problem. The situation is expected to be worsening further with the increase of population, economic development and high influx of people from rural area. Motor vehicle, which are increasing at a rate of 5% per year in Dhaka, is the most significant source of air pollution (Mahmood & Mahmood, 2002). According to a World Bank report, Air pollution is killing 15,000 people annually in Bangladesh. A million cases of sickness requiring medical treatment and 850 million cases of minor illnesses. Economic loss of these avoidable deaths and sickness was estimated to be US $ 2 0 0 11) 800 million every year (FE .IB,2002). Air pollution level in Dhaka city is considerable higher than the Bangladesh standards or WHO guidelines(1992) for residential areas. As per a World Bank(1995) study, Kolkata witnessed more than 5,500 premature deaths and hospitalization of more than 30 lacks people due to ambient air pollution in the year 1991 and 1992. The death figures were up to 10,647 and that of the case of hospitalization rose to 55 lakh in 1995. A study in 1999 by the Department of Environment mentions the transport section as the biggest contributor to air pollution. It identified, outdated and dilapidated vehicles, poor fuel quality, lack of maintenance of vehicles, maintenance of roads, and the lack of more scientific traffic planning as the main resource of transport related pollution. Latest estimates in 1996, indicate that pollution load of S P M, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide from this sector has increased from 206 tons/ day in 1987 to 417 tons/ day in 1996 (DOE, 1999; Reazuddin, 2002). REFERENCES
Mahmood, S.A.I. and Mahmood, B.A.I. 2002. A time to choose