1. MOHAMMAD IDREES - Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Bahria University Karachi Campus, Pakistan.
2. YASMIN NERGIS - Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, Bahria University Karachi Campus, Pakistan.
3. ISHFAQ KHAN - Department of Environmental Science, International Islamic University, Sector H-10, Islamabad, Pakistan.
The level of air pollution in cities of Pakistan is alarming high even among South Asia countries. The region itself cities having worst air quality in the world. Significantly damaging human health, eminence of life, economy and environment. The detriment from Pakistan’s urban air pollution result in weather patterns beyond study and prediction. This study will however highlights the issue of air pollution in Karachi, country’s most polluted and populated city. This study was conducted in industrial zones, including residential and commercial areas. The data was collected using HAZ-SCANNER (HIM-6000) apparatus, which measured the ambient air pollutants like Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), and Particulate Matters (TSPM, PM10, and PM2.5). The study found that the concentration of particulate matters (TSPM, PM10, and PM2.5), CO, and NO2 values in sampling sites were less moderate in the post-monsoon season as compared to the pre-monsoon season. This could be due to the seasonal monsoon effects. However, the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 were still on the higher side than the national standards. It was also noted that the North Karachi industrial area, which had fewer and smaller industrial units, was comparatively less at risk. The high levels of air pollutants have severe health implications and can cause chronic diseases. Therefore, it is important to implement local environmental standards regarding ambient air pollutants to mitigate the negative impact on human health and economic activities. This study calls for more focused attention and implementation of such standards to ensure a healthier and sustainable environment.
Urban Pollution; Air Pollutants; Industrial Zones; Health Effects; Pre-Monsoon; Post-Monsoon.