Spatiotemporal Variations in Urban Air Quality of Lahore, Pakistan

This study reports the air pollution vulnerability mapping of Lahore city and provides information about the vulnerability levels of air pollutants at various places of Lahore. The air quality monitoring activities have been carried out at five places of Lahore and each location is monitored for six air pollutants which are carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, ammonia and chlorine by a reagent absorption method. The sources and concentrations have been discussed. The data obtained from sampling at various commercial and residential sites is compared against the past year data and the comparison graphs are plotted to show the trend of these air pollutant. The spatial patterns of monthly mean precipitation and monthly mean temperature have been studied. A public survey has been conducted that shows the public awareness in regard to basic information regarding air pollution. In the end some conclusions and recommendations are given for the purpose to maintain a healthy environment for our citizens, support the strategies, to maintain energy independence and promote an effective role in formulating the environmental policies.

Dr. Muhammad Shafiq has a PhD in Meteorology from the University of Innsbruck, Austria and is a Research Scientist at SUPARCO, Pakistan.
Dr. Fouzia Yaqub has a PhD in Plant Sciences from the University of Karachi and is a Lecturer at Khatoon-e-Pakistan Government College for Women, Stadium Road, Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr. Isma Younes has a PhD in Geography and is an Assistant Professor at University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.