Several monitoring and surveys on ambient concentration of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), lead (Pb), particulate matter (PM), carbon monoxide (CO) and black smoke have been carried out by the author, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC), Department of Civil Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), and Department of Environment (DOE), Bangladesh Government at different street intersections of metropolitan Dhaka, In addition, all traffic pollutant concentrations at 82 street intersections were estimated using the Gaussian Plume Model. The surveys and the analysis were undertaken primarily to provide an independent check on the pollutant concentration and to determine if there is any violation of the international compliance. The study covers, for the first time in its type, wide areas of road intersections and surveyed concentration of oxides of nitrogen, It has been observed that the concentration of NOx, black smoke, lead, and PM violate both the national and international standards in metropolitan Dhaka. In addition, the concentration of CO is found relatively higher during the noon buildups. (Author/publisher).
Abstract