Comprehensive assessment of air pollution in Almaty: source identification, spatial-temporal analysis

Project of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan
AP09260359

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Relevance of the project:

Air pollution is a serious environmental problem in Kazakhstan, affecting visibility, air quality, climate, and public health. This study, using modern methodologies, aims to acquire the knowledge necessary for effectively addressing the air pollution problem in the city of Almaty. The ultimate goal of the project is a better understanding of air quality: from its formation at sources to distribution and the development of an action plan for effective pollution control. The study will employ the most advanced methodologies: daily PM2.5 samples will be collected using a sequential air sampler, the determination of heavy metals and inorganic ions will be conducted by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and ion chromatography, and receptor modeling will be used to identify PM2.5 sources. A spatio-temporal analysis will be conducted. An action plan for effectively reducing air pollution in the city of Almaty will be developed using the MCDA decision support tool. The results of this study will be useful for policymakers, the international scientific community, and the local society.

Project goal:

Better understanding of air pollution: from its formation at sources to distribution and development of an action plan for effective pollution control using modern methods such as chemical analysis, receptor modeling, statistical analysis of ground observations

Project objectives:

  1. Assessment of spatial and temporal changes of air pollutants in Almaty using a network of ground monitoring stations.
  2. Determination of PM2.5 fine particulate matter sources.
  3. Study of the main trends and factors of air pollution.
  4. Development of an action plan with effective measures to reduce air pollution for policymakers.

Main members of the research group:

Used methods:

  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
  • Ion chromatography
  • Decision Support Method MCAD

Expected results:
Publications:

  • two publications in peer-reviewed international scientific journals, indexed in Web of Science (from the first and second quartiles with a percentile of at least 65 according to Scopus CiteScore)

Based on the research, the following will be developed:

  • Method for determining nitrogen-containing organic pesticides in water.
  • Method for determining nitrogen-containing organic pesticides in soil.
  • Method for determining nitrogen-containing organic pesticides in grain.

The main results of this study are: 1) identification of PM2.5 particle sources, 2) spatiotemporal changes, trends, and driving factors of aerosols; 3) an action plan for effective air pollution reduction for the city of Almaty. The results of this study will be useful for policymakers, the international scientific community, and the local population.
A Local Air Quality Conference will be held to disseminate the project results with the invitation of stakeholders, including key decision-makers and representatives of academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and the media. The results of this study will be available on the laboratory's website. A brochure will be prepared for distribution among policymakers, the media, and other stakeholders.
Data on air quality and pollution sources will help raise awareness among the entire population of Kazakhstan, particularly those living in areas with severe air pollution, depending on local fossil fuel use practices. It is also expected to create a domino effect by raising awareness among policymakers (including in the healthcare system), local technology providers, local municipalities, and the academic community, including at the secondary education level.
Furthermore, this study will initiate future air quality research in Kazakhstan and may serve as a foundation for developing an outstanding air quality research center in Central Asia.

Publications

1) Tursumbayeva M., Kerimray A., Karaca F., Permadi D.A., 2022. Planetary Boundary Layer and its Relationship with PM2.5 Concentrations in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Aerosol and Air Quality Research. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.210294 (IF = 3.063, Q3 WoS)

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