Chemical composition of traffic generated dust and its impact on human health with associated problems in Quetta
2016
Laghari, S.K. (University of Balochistan, Quetta (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany) | Zaidi, M.A. (Pakistan Council for Science and Technology, Islamabad (Pakistan)) | Shaheen, G. (University of Balochistan, Quetta (Pakistan). Dept. of Botany) | Bakish, G.
Rate of dust fall in urban areas of Quetta was estimated during two consecutive years (2010 and 2011) through recommended methods using standard size and shape containers. Collection of dust fall was made from January 2010 to December 2011. The levels of dust fall in Quetta during both years remained the highest (38.67 and 42.02g/m2/month), respectively, with high traffic density. Among the locations, Shahrah-e-Iqbal showed with the highest rate of dust fall while Liaqat Bazar showed the lowest. Statistical analysis using a t-test revealed that all the locations showed significant (P less than 0.001) high rate of dust fall during 2011 than 2010. Percentage of dust fall which increased from 2010 to 2011 was noted 5.43-11.94% with Mechangi road having the largest increasing percentage and Liaqat bazar showing the least. Metallic analysis of dust fall in Quetta was made through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. All the investigated metals except Ni were found high in all the dust fall samples of all the locations and dust samples collected during 2011 showed high contents of heavy metals than 2010. Data regarding impact of air pollution on human health exhibited that the percentage of pulmonary diseases, eye irritation and headaches in the urban area of Quetta was found the highest than any other and 55% of effected people were those who practiced trade while being directly exposed to the pollutants without any protective measures.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by National Agricultural Research Centre