Exploring Air Quality and Industrial Pollution Sources in Bandar Abbas City: A Three-Year Analysis (2020-2023)
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Environmental PhD student, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Environment, Faculty of Natural Resources and Agriculture, University of Tehran .
3 Associate Professor of Environmental Science, Faculty of Natural Resources and Desertification, Yazd University.
4 Master of Environmental Science, Arman Sabz Mohit Researchers Company, Yazd University Technology and Innovation Center, Yazd Science and Technology Park
Abstract
The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a crucial indicator for assessing daily air quality, informing individuals about cleanliness or pollution levels, and highlighting associated health impacts. This study delves into the dynamics of air quality in Bandar Abbas city over a three-year span from 2020 to 2023, exploring its correlation with meteorological factors and identification of industrial pollution sources. AQI data (For 11:00 AM and 11:00 PM every day) sourced from Bandar Abbas' air pollution monitoring station were analyzed alongside meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, temperature, and humidity obtained from the University of Iowa website. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software version 27. Results revealed direct relationships between AQI and wind direction, as well as temperature, and an inverse correlation with cloud cover at daytime. Moreover, AQI exhibited significantly higher levels during summer compared to other seasons. Additionally, a significant relationship was observed between the concentrations of O3 and SO2 and wind direction at nighttime.The study identified prominent sources of industrial pollution, including Setare Khalij Fars Refinery, Bandar Abbas Refinery, Al Mahdi Aluminum, Hormozgan Steel, Kaveh Steel, and Bandar Abbas Thermal Power Plant, primarily situated to the west of the city. Acknowledging the significant impact of wind direction on AQI, the study underscores the importance of considering both the prevailing wind direction and the distance of pollutant sources from the city in industrial site selection, especially in light of the region's complex topography.
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