Development of a research program to improve air quality in the cities of Nur-Sultan and Almaty using modern analytical methods and modeling tools

Targeted Funding Program
Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan
BR10965258

Relevance of the project:

Limited data on pollutant concentrations and the lack of adequate data analysis hinder proper risk assessment and the development of effective air pollution reduction programs. Therefore, a comprehensive air analysis using modern research methods and modeling tools is required in the cities of Kazakhstan. In this study, PM2.5 pollution sources will be identified for the cities of Almaty (2 million residents) and Nur-Sultan (1 million residents) using the latest scientifically proven approaches: chemical analysis and positive matrix factorization (PMF)

Purpose of the program:

The program is aimed at developing a scientifically-based program to improve air quality in large cities (Nur-Sultan and Almaty) using modern research methods and modeling tools. Sources of PM2.5 pollutants will be identified using the latest scientifically proven approaches: chemical analysis and the positive matrix factorization method.

Program objectives:

Study of the contribution of various pollution sources to the concentration of fine PM2.5 particles in the atmospheric air for specific cities of Kazakhstan using chemical analysis of their composition and receptor modeling.
Two sampling stations will be installed in the cities of Almaty and Nur-Sultan. To study the sources of PM2.5 pollution, the chemical composition of the particles and their mass concentrations will be analyzed. To determine the sources through receptor modeling, analysis of mass concentrations of ions, heavy metals, organic and elemental carbon is required. Positive matrix factorization will be used as the receptor model.
Study of concentrations of various fractions of suspended particles (PM2.5, PM10), volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the air of specific cities in Kazakhstan.
Mass concentrations of PM2.5, PM10, volatile organic compounds, heavy metals, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons will be determined in Almaty and Nur-Sultan. The obtained concentrations will allow assessing the level of atmospheric air pollution and its dependence on weather conditions and seasons.
Assessment of spatial and temporal changes in air pollutants in selected cities of Kazakhstan using established concentrations and data from the national monitoring network of ground stations.