Characterization of Inhalable Ground-Level Ambient Particulate Matter in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

Abstract

The capital Dhaka of Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated and air polluted cities in the world. This study is aimed to assess the trend of Particulate Matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) from 2013 to 2018 in relation to meteorological parameters. PM data were collected from the Continuous Air Monitoring Station (CAMS) at Darus Salam point in Dhaka city. CAMS gather air samples through beta gauge instrument which measures the volume of gas extracted through the stack/duct and calculates mass concentration. In the present study, PM_2.5 was 54 % of that of PM₁₀ which is fine particulate matter. PM_2.5 and PM10 had the lowest concentration in the month of July due to the highest rainfall rate whereas it was highest in the months of January and December. In addition, annual average concentration of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ is observed to be 5-6 times higher than Bangladesh National Ambient Air Quality Standard (BNAAQS) while higher PM concentrations were observed in winter seasons. This study found significantly inverse association between ground-level PM and meteorological parameters in Dhaka city. Air pollution is deteriorating rapidly in Dhaka city and it is high time to implement the Clean Air Act urgently to reduce such destruction.