Browsing by Author "Zainab, I."

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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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    Monitoring of particulate matter concentrations at high altitude ecosystems of Pakistan and China
    (Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zainab, I.; Ali, Z.; Ahmad, M. S.; Zona, Z.; Raza, S. T.; Sidra, S.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian; Liu, W.
    Particulate matter exhibits different behavior with altitude. A comparative analysis was carried out to monitor PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10and PMTotal at elevations above 3000 m in both China and Pakistan. Real time monitoring of PM was carried out at both sites using a DustTrak DRX (model 8533, TSI Inc.) for 24 hours each. In Pakistan, the average value of PMTotal was 415+ 16 µg/m³ while in China the value was considerably lower i.e. 110+ 57 µg/m³. The 24-hour mean values recorded were well above the WHO recommended limit of 25 µg/m³. These results indicate that, even at sites some distance from anthropogenic sources, PM concentrations still pose a health risk.
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    Seasonal variation of particulate matter in the ambient conditions of Khanspur, Pakistan
    (Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Ali, Z.; Shahzadi, K.; Sidra, S.; Zona, Z.; Zainab, I.; Aziz, K.; Ahmad, M.; Raza, S. T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, I.
    Concentrations of particulate matter tend to vary with shifting seasons. Levels of particulate matter were monitored during the summer and winter season in Khanspur, a high altitude tourist resort in Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) and Kestrel 4500 Pocket Weather Tracker (Nielsen- Kellerman) were installed at selected site in Khanspur and run for 24 hours. During summer the 24- hour average concentrations of PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 and PMTotalwere 96 ± 26.42, 106± 29.02, 118± 33.3, 163± 52.5 and 209 ± 79.5 µg/m³ while these were considerably lower during the winter season for the same size fractions (62 ± 48.6, 63± 49.3, 63 ± 49.5, 65.33 ± 50.06 and 66.96 ± 50.78µg/m³). A one way ANOVA was applied on the obtained data and it was concluded that seasons have a substantial impact upon PM concentrations. Moreover, this study provides evidence that seasonal variation of particulate matter is influenced by meteorological parameters.