Browsing by Author "Ansari, B."

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    Changes in particulate matter concentrations at different altitudinal levels with environmental dynamics
    (Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zona, Z.; Ali, Z.; Sidra, S.; Nimra, A.; Ahmad, M.; Aziz, K.; Zainab, I.; Quratulain; Ansari, B.; Raza, S. T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
    Ambient air quality is defined not only by the source strength but a variety of meteorological parameters as well. In the current study, ambient concentrations of PM along with temperature and relative humidity levels were monitored at seven different locations of Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) was employed for twenty four hours real time monitoring of particulate matter at the selected sites. A considerable variation was observed in the 24 hour trend of particulate matter (PM) at different locations owing to variation in meteorological conditions due to different altitudes and seasons, and natural and anthropogenic sources in the vicinity. The highest average concentrations of PM2.5 (407 mu g/m(3)) were observed at highest elevation (Makra Peak, Shogran, 3089 m) while lowest averages (102 mu g/m(3)) were obtained at the seaside (Hawks Bay, Karachi, 0 m). On the other hand PMTotal fraction exhibited highest levels at site B (506 mu g/m(3)) and lowest at Site A (121 mu g/m(3)). Correlation factors were determined for PM and meteorological parameters at each location. More research needs to be conducted to have a comprehensive knowledge about the physical parameters controlling particulate dispersal at different altitudes within the country.
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    State of air quality in and outside of hospital wards in urban centres – a case study in Lahore, Pakistan
    (Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Gulshan, T.; Ali, Z.; Zona, Z.; Ansari, B.; Ahmad, M.; Zainab, M.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, I.
    Particulate pollution in healthcare facilities is a potential threat to healthcare workers, patients and visitors. A study was carried out to monitor particulate levels in and outside of five wards of Sheikh Zayed Hospital, a tertiary healthcare facility of Lahore. Measurements indicated that the hourly mean concentrations of PM2.5 in a medical, pulmonology (chest), surgical, pediatric and nephrology ward were 78 ± 37, 86 ± 46, 94 ± 48, 169 ± 122 and 488 ± 314 µg m- 3 respectively. The outside levels of PM2.5 of the same wards were 69 ± 27, 81 ± 49, 178 ± 85, 282 ± 164 and 421 ± 240 µg m- 3 . Indoor levels were higher than outdoors in all the wards except surgical and pediatric ward. Such elevated levels of PM can result in aggravation of the poor health status of the patients as well as affecting the hospital staff and visitors.