Design of optimal network for air pollution monitoring sites in Kuwait

Air Quality Monitoring Network (AQMN) is an essential tool to monitor and control atmospheric pollution. The use of mathematical models to predict spatial and temporal dispersion of pollutants within the atmosphere provides a general approach to determine the optimal number and location of monitoring sites in selected areas. The aim of this research work has been to develop an optimisation model to support the environmental decision-making process by optimally locating air pollution monitoring sites in urban areas with specific reference to the state of Kuwait. However, the design methodology has been based on generic concepts applicable to other areas. The experimental data collected for the year 2001 from the existing AQMN for the air pollutants, i.e. sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), ozone (O3) and non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), are used to calculate their diurnal and seasonal variations. Distribution levels of the pollutants concentrations relative to: meteorological data, such as wind speed and wind direction with a special attention to, SO2, were also evaluated and analysed to establish the effects of weather conditions in the dispersion of the pollutants. As this research has revealed, for the first time, the levels of NOx and NMHC exceeded the allowable ambient limits most of the time over the residential areas of Kuwait. In addition, it has been found that the highest concentrations levels of SO2 at the monitoring sites were attributed to the fossil fuels used in power plants. [Continues.]