Estimation of spatial distribution of PM10, lead, and radon concentrations in sepahanshahr, Iran using geographic information system (GIS)

Abstract

Background and purpose: Air pollution is one of the most important environmental issues and its impact on human health has been proven in the 20th century. Many air pollutants such as CO, NO2, SO2, O3, particulate matter (PM10), heavy metals, radon, etc. could have negative health effects. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of PM10, lead, and radon in the air of Spahanshahr, Isfahan, Iran. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in the summer of 2015. Sampling was performed using fiberglass filters by High volume sampler. Analysis of PM10, lead, and radon was carried out by weight discrepancy, ICP device, and CR- 39 detector, respectively. Geographic information system v10 and Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) were used for interpolation and the spatial distribution of mean concentrations of pollutants in the stations. Data analysis was done in SPSS V16. Results: The mean concentrations of PM10, lead, and radon were 57.07±33.07 µg/m3, 0.41±0.23 µg/m3, and 466.78±86.92 (Bq/m3), respectively. The concentration of PM10, lead, and radon in most sampling stations were higher than the WHO and EPA recommendations. The highest concentration of PM10, lead, and radon was observed in the Southeast, West, and West of the study area. Conclusion: This investigation showed that the high concentration of particulate matter in the Southeast of study area was mainly due to the vicinity of the confluence of two main highways in Isfahan and construction activities of the commercial center. But high concentrations of lead and radon in West Region and in stations near the lead mine could be due to the mining activities and the direction of the prevailing winds in summer (West-East). © 2018, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.