Air quality assessment in Southern Kuwait using diffusive passive samplers.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Air Quality Monitoring

Background:

• Baseline environmental impact assessment is crucial for industrial projects.
• Understanding air pollutant levels is essential for public health and environmental protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure concentrations of key air pollutants in southern Kuwait.
• To compare measured levels against Kuwait Environment Public Authority (KEPA) and US EPA standards.

Main Methods:

• Utilized diffusive passive samplers for fortnightly average concentrations of NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and VOCs.
• Employed a high volume air sampler for PM10 measurements.
• Generated spatial distribution maps based on consistent results.

Main Results:

• Measured concentrations of NO, NO2, SO2, H2S, NH3, and VOCs were consistently low.
• PM10 levels were also measured.
• All analyzed pollutants were below KEPA and relevant US EPA/OSHA standards.

Conclusions:

• No violations of air quality standards were reported in the studied area.
• The measured air pollutant concentrations indicate a satisfactory baseline environmental condition.
• The study provides valuable data for future environmental monitoring in Kuwait.