Damascus, Aug. 29 (SANA) Preliminary air-quality monitoring in Damascus found PM10 concentrations exceeding the approved daily limit, particularly in areas with heavy traffic, the Ministry of Local Administration and Environment said Saturday.
The 56-day monitoring program collected 1,263 field readings using a mobile station at three locations — Youssef al-Azma Square, Mazzeh Highway and Baramkeh — as part of efforts to assess air quality, identify pollution sources and provide data to support environmental decision-making.
The readings covered eight air pollutants: PM10, carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO).
The preliminary results showed elevated PM10 concentrations, including readings above the approved daily limit, particularly at locations with heavy traffic.
Limited, short-term exceedances were also recorded for carbon monoxide and ozone, while nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide remained within short-term limits during the monitoring period.
Preliminary data identified urban dust, resuspended soil and traffic as likely contributors to the elevated particulate levels.
The ministry said longer monitoring periods covering different locations and seasons would be needed to identify pollution sources more accurately. Future measurements will also be assessed alongside traffic and weather data.
It cautioned that the findings were preliminary and did not constitute a comprehensive assessment of air quality across Damascus, adding that the 56-day monitoring period was insufficient to assess compliance with annual pollution limits.
The next phase of the national program will expand monitoring and focus on better identifying pollution sources, alongside measures to improve traffic flow and reduce urban dust, the ministry said.
F.J./M.F.
