Assessment of air pollutants at the Fuel Stations in Al-Nassiriyia in the Republic of Iraq

Introduction. Globally, pollution is an issue impacting on the health of mankind. An individual’s health connected to hygiene of their living environment, as a result of the rapid growth of industries, the pollution happens when the balance between the structures and functions of an environment are disrupted by changes in the components of it.

This study aimed to measure the concentration of some air pollutants (nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and ozone) in fuel stations located in Al-Nassiriyia city.

Materials and methods. The samples were collected from four stations. The results of current study were compared with the seasonal air pollutant levels at fuel stations. Analysis of air pollutants (NO₂, SO₂, O₃) was conducted by using a multi-gas analyzer.

Results. A rise in nitrogen oxide and sulphur oxide concentration (0.013, 0,007 ppm, correspondingly was registered in winter at sites S1 and S2. The highest ozone concentration was recorded in the autumn season (0.133 ppm) in S3, while the lowest concentration – in the winter (0.057 ppm) in the same station.

Limitations. Small sample size and short time of study are the two major issues. The other are government agreement.

Conclusions. In winter air pollutants were higher than in autumn due to weather changes such as lower temperatures and high humidity, vehicle emissions, car exhausts, and high traffic. Concentrations of NO₂, SO₂ and O₃ were greater in fuel stations compared to the control station due to their distance from pollution sources.

Compliance with ethical standards. This study was approved by the biomedical ethics committee, Department of Biology, Collage of Science, University of Thi-Qar (3/11/1850 in 27/12/2023) and (3/11/1849 in 27/12/2023).

Contribution:
Kadhem Z.S. – research concept and methodology, project administration, data collection and processing, statistical analysis, text writing, editing;
Maktoof A.A. – research concept and methodology, project management, data processing, text writing, editing.
All co-authors – approval of the final version of the article, responsibility for the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interest. All authors declared no conflict of interest.

Acknowledgment. The study had no funding.  

Received: June 02, 2024 / Revised: July 26, 2024 / Accepted: October 2, 2024 / Published: March 7, 2025