An assessment on variation of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter in Erzurum (Turkey)

Sulphur dioxide and PM10 levels are investigated in Erzurum during the periods of 1990-2000 heating season to assess air pollution level. For that reason, emissions of sulphur dioxide and particulate matter were calculated by using consumption of fuels and Turkish emission factors. These emission values were evaluated together with air pollution levels, which were measured at six stations in Erzurum atmosphere during 1990-2000 winter periods. Results reveal that in 1990-1994 heating period, there is an increasing trend in the emissions and air pollution levels over Erzurum, and the air quality limits were not met. The daily 24 h limit (short-term limit) was exceeded 127 days in 1992-1993 winter period. The reason for this increase was found to be the switching to use of low-quality fossil fuels instead of cleaner ones. Results also indicated that there was a considerable decrease in emissions of air pollutants and air pollution levels after 1995. This can be explained by the consumption of more high-quality fossil fuels. The correlation coefficient of SO2 with PM10 is obtained as r2 = 0.85, which is a high value supporting the idea that both pollutants are emitted from the same source.