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Bangladesh

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

The Cost of Particulate Air Pollution in Dhaka City

1997

Fahmida Akhter Khatun

Banglaesh Institute of Development Studies

The Bangladesh Development Studies

XXV

First

English

Bangladesh

Gaseous Pollutants in the Atmosphere and their Monitoring

1988

M.M. Rahman

Bose Centre for Advanced Study and Research, Dhaka University

National Symposium on Monitoring of Environmental Systems of Chemical Industries in Bangladesh

157-169

English

The gases CO, No2, SO2 and organics are being released into the atmosphere through anthropogenic activities including industrial emissions. These gases when present in the atmosphere at concentrations above certain limits, cause harm to humans, other animals, vegetation or materials, and therefore regarded as primary pollutants. After being emitted from a source, they are dispersed and transported. Secondary pollutants like ozone and particulates may be formed from these primary pollutants through chemical and physical transformations. Some of the pollutants succeed in reaching the stratosphere, and there they take part in reactions leading to the destruction of the ozone shield, which protects us from the harmful UV rays of the sun.
In the present paper various techniques for monitoring the gaseous pollutants in the concentration ranges of interest will be discussed and the air quality standards in several countries and also that recommended by WHO will be presented. In Bangladesh no attempt has yet been made to monitor gaseous pollutants. In view of relatively little industrial activities in Bangladesh, the average concentration of the pollutants in the country is expected to be much below the danger level. However it is apprehended that in certain densely populated urban regions the local pollutant concentrations may be rather high. Further it is expected that a rapid growth of industries will take place in our economic survival, but it poses a great threat to the public health and environment. It is suggested that a clean air policy to be adopted by the government and national air quality standards be set. In order to implement this, adequate steps should be taken for monitoring of atmospheric pollutants at various locations and when necessary, suitable control measures must be mandatory for industries in question.

Bangladesh

An Analytical Methodology for Heavy element Contaminants in Air Particulates

1988

A. H. Khan

S. K. Biswas

Bose Centre for Advanced Study and Research, Dhaka University

National Symposium on Monitoring of Environmental Systems of Chemical Industries in Bangladesh

41-51

English

An external beam thin target proton particle-induced X-ray emission (proton PIXE) method has been developed to study heavy element (Z ³ 19) composition of air particulates fractionated into six groups of particle size with 05-32 mm aerodynamic diameter. A 6_stage Delron cascade impactor is used for air sampling. The impaction surface for air sampling is built on 0.4 mm pore size nucleopore filters. The samples are irradiated with 2.0MeV protons and the characteristics X-rays are detected with a Si (Li) detector having the resolution of 170eV at 5.9 keV.
For 40 mC irradiation, the concentration of 10-16 elements (K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Ga, Br, Rb, Sr, Zn and Pb) can be determined by comparison with an X-ray yield curve constructed from thin micromatter standards. The minimum detection limit (MDL) of the method for Cu has been found to be 0.06ng m3 for 5-4.0mm diameter particle size. Using this methodology, the heavy metal composition of air particulates under some workplace environments in the Dhaka City has been studied. The distribution of elements in different particle size groups and their implications are discussed

Bangladesh

Trace element Composition of Blood in Adult Population in Bangladesh

1980

A. H. Khan

M. Khaliquzzaman, M.B. ZAMAN, M. Husain, M. Abdullah, S. Akhter

Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka

Journal of Radioanalytical Chemistry

First

157-167

English

The trace element composition of whole blood has been investigated in adult population in Bangladesh. The population was formed of one hundred individuals randomly selected from a working community of five hundred adults. The blood samples were freeze dried and analyzed using the external beam PIXE method. n this analysis, proton beams of 2MeV energy and about 30 nA current were used for characteristic X-ray excitation. The concentration of eight elements, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, and Pb were determined by comparison with a calibration, obtained from NBS orchard leaves. The frequency distributions of all the elements measured are presented and the results are compared with available data.

Bangladesh

Trace element Composition of Size Fractionated Air Borne Particulate Matter in Urban and Rural Areas of Bangladesh

1997

Dr. M. Khaliquzzaman

Mr. S.K. Biswas, Dr.S.A.Tarafdar, Mr.A.Islam and Dr. A. H. Khan

Atomic Energy Centre, Dhaka

First

English

Size fractionated air borne particulate matter (APM) samples were collected at an urban site (Dhaka) in Bangladesh for a period of 17 months and at a rural site for 12 months. The samples were collected using a ‘Gent’ stacked filter unit in two fractions of 0-2.5 mm and 2.5-10 mm sizes. Proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) spectroscopy has been used to determine the concentrations of 18 elements in the range of ng/m3. The elements range from Si to Sr and include Pb. The results of analysis of 292 air particulate samples from the urban site and 108 samples from a rural site of coarse and fine types are presented. The results are discussed in the context of air pollution especially that of Pb.

Bangladesh

Bangladeh

Air Pollution in Dhaka city: Measurement of Valatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

Dr. A. Hussam

Dr. M. Alauddin, Dr. A. H. Khan

Intronics Technology Center

First

English

Most people living in Dhaka City now are aware of the severe air pollution. In particular, the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollution created by the autorickshaw and automobile exhausts have reached an alarming level. Since many of these VOCs are actually toxic and known carcinogens, the primary goal of this work is to establish a methodology for the measurement of volatile and semivolatile organic compounds in ambient air and provide a reliable database to the policymakers in formulating appropriate mitigation measures. It should be noted that measurements reported here are first of its kind in Bangladesh.

The VOCs in the air were collected by a new technique called solid phase microextraction (SPME) and analyzed by an ultra-high resolution gas chromatography (GC). In SPME, a fiber optic grade fused silica fiber is coated with a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) stationary phase and allowed to equilibrate at the sampling site. The fiber coating absorbs the VOCs and reaches an equilibrium concentration. The VOCs are then thermally desorbed in the GC for separation and subsequent analysis. Some VOCs are collected in bottles for identification by GC-mass spectrometry (MS) with selected ion monitoring capability. Analytes identity was confirmed by retention indices of known standards, mass measurement and library matching of the GC-MS. Compound class identification was performed by GC-MS selected ion monitoring. Calibration gas standards for aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were and analyzed the same way. The precision of analysis of GC calibration standards was +5%. and the average accuracy for a multicomponent aromatic hydrocarbon standard was +10 by SPME. The calculated detection limit of the technique based on the measurement of 100 counts on the integrated peak area was below 1 parts per billion for most VOCs and even parts per quadrillion for many semi-VOCs at 95% confidence level.

Ambient air samples were collected for 30-45 minutes by SPME at four locations near Shewrapara. More than 200 organic compounds were detected in the air; 35 of these compounds were identified with known chemical structures. These are normal hydrocarbons pentane (n-C5H12) through nonacosane (n-C29H60), aromatic hydrocarbons: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX mixture), 3-methoxy benzenethiol, 1-isocyanato-3-methoxybenzene, n-propylbenzene, n-butylbenzene, 1,3,5 –trimethylbenzene and 3,3’-dimethoxy-2-butanone as the ketone. Two samples collected near an autorickshaw stand contained 783,000 and 1,479,000 mg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meters of air) of VOCs. These values are 400% and 745% higher than accepted normal value of VOCs 193,000 mg/m3, respectively. In particular, the concentration of toluene (a known carcinogen) was 50-100 times higher than the threshold limiting value of 2000 mg/m3. Two other samples collected under normal traffic conditions at the mentioned site showed 135,000 mg/m3 and 180,000 mg/m3 of total VOCs. The values are within normal range of the accepted value. Samples analyzed by GC-MS shows a significant portion of the total VOCs came from aromatic and polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). It is now quite well established that many of the compounds are highly carcinogenic in nature.
For a comparative study and in order to understand the origin of VOCs, local fuel samples such as octane, petrol, diesel, and motor oil were analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Most VOCs were found to originate from low boiling octane and petrol. Significant portions of the semi-VOCs showed clear signature similar to that of unburned and weathered diesel and were present in all samples. Signature at concentrations of high boiling mobil fraction was also found.Work is under progress to identify the chemical nature of aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs, aldehyde-ketones, and other compounds in air samples. A comprehensive database of compounds and their concentration is being established from fuel samples. Other, methods for air analysis such as impinger, bag and charcoal for air collection are also being used. ITC has also facilities for measuring SO2, NOx, ozone, and lead in air for a complete measurement of air pollution of air quality in Dhaka City.

Bangladesh

Bangladeh

Air Pollution in by Motor Car in Dhaka City: A Primary Search.

1993

K.B. Sajjadur Rashid

Department of Geography, Jahangimagar University

Bhugol Patrika

12/1993

95-105

Bangla

Bangladesh

State of Air Pollution in Bangladesh

1999

Gaziur Rahman

Mostafa Kamal Majumder, Bakhiar Rana

Forum of Environmental Jaournalists of Bangladesh (FEJB)

Bangladesh: State of Environment Report 1998

First

33-48

English

Bangladesh

Asia

Observed Regional Distribution of Sulfur Dioxide in Asia

1996

G.R. Carmichael

M. Ferm, S. Adikary, J. Ahmad, M. Mohan, M-S.Hong, L.Chen, L.Fook, C.M.Liu, M.Soedomo, G.tran, K.Suksomsank, D.Zhao, R.Arndt and L.L. Chen

Kluwer Academic Publishers

Proceedings from the 5th International Conference on Acidic Deposition Goteborg, Sweden, 26-30 June 1995

Volume 4

First

English

SO2 concentrations have been measured for one year at forty-five locations throughout Asia using passive samples. Duplicate samples were exposed at each site for one month intervals. The sites were selected to provide background information on the distribution of SO2 over wide geographical regions, with emphasis on the regional characteristics around areas estimated to be sensitive to sulfur deposition. The annual mean values ranged from less than 0.3 mg/m at Tana Rata, located at 1545 m on the Malaysia Peninsula, Lawa Mandau, (Borneo) Malaysia, and Dhnakuta, Nepal to values greater than 20 mg/m3 at (Guiyang) China, Babar Mahal, Nepal, and Hanoi, Vietnam. In general high concentrations were measured throughout China, with the highest concentrations in the heavy industrial areas in Guiyang. The concentrations in east Asia around Korea Peninsula were –5 mg/m3. The concentration in the southeast Asia tropics were low, with no station in Malaysia and Indonesia having average concentrations exceeding 1.7 mg/m3. The observed SO2 concentrations were found to display a distinct seasonal cycle which is strongly influenced by the seasonality of winds and precipitation patterns.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Study on the Sulfur Dioxide Pollution in the Capital City of a Developing Country in Winter

1997

Toshihiro Kitada

A.K.Azad

Journal of Global Environmental Engineering

Volume 3

121-143

Developing country, Dhaka, SO2, measurement simulation

English

Ten-day average concentrations of SO2 were measured using molecular diffusion tubes in Dhaka, Bangladesh in winter 1995-96 and its spatial distribution and temporal variation were simulated using Eulerian transport/chemistry/deposition model.
The measurement first elucidated the characteristics of the spatial distribution of SO2 in this area, and showed extremely high concentrations in the south-eastern industrial zone f Dhaka where the highest concentration was about 100 ppb. Motor vehicles and brickfields were speculated two major emission sources. The model well reproduced the observed concentrations. The chemical conversion rate of SO2 and SO4 over Dhaka was estimated, and it showed large diurnal and spatial variations. The average Pseudo-first-order-reaction coefficient of SO2 to SO4 at ground level in winter was about 0.3%h-1 resulting in 7% conversion in a 24-hour period. The spatially averaged dry deposition of SO2 was 112.5mol km-2 in 10 days over Dhaka.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Study on the Concentration Distributions of SO2 and NO2 in The City of Dhaka, Bangladesh in Winter 1995-96

1997

A. K. Azad

Toshihiro Kitada

Molecular diffusion tube, SO2 , NO2, air pollution , developing country, Dhaka.

English

Ten-day average concentrations of SO2 and NO2 were measured at 64 sites in Dhaka City and its suburbs during the period of December-January of 1995-96 using molecular diffusion tubes. This has made first systematic observation of air pollution over Dhaka area. The results showed extremely high SO2 concentrations in the southeastern industrial zone of Dhaka where the highest concentration was 104 ppb. Polluted zone, defined as the average SO2 concentration over 40 ppb, extended along major route running from north-west to south-west, and also parallel to the Buriganga river in the Dhaka area. In case of NO2, the highest 10-day average was 35ppb, and higher concentration appeared in the city center and along main roads of Dhaka, indicating traffic as a major NO2 source.

A preliminary estimation of SO2 and NO2 emissions in Dhaka for winter 1995-96 has been made, together with their spatial allocation to see their relations with SO2 and NO2 concentration distributions; estimated total emissions were 72 and 70 ton day-1 for SO2 and NO2 respectively. It was speculated that typical meteorological conditions in this season such as very low wind speed (average less than 0.5m/s) dry and stably-stratified air largely contributed to the severe air pollution.

Bangladesh

East Asia and West Pacific Ocean

Numerical Simulation of the transport of Sox and Noy over East Asia and the West Pacific Ocean in Winter- With Anthropogenic and Natural Emissions

Toshihiro Kitada

Masato Nishizawa, Yutaka Kondo, Tsuguo Mizoguchi

English

Long range transport/ transformation/ deposition of various trace chemical species has been simulated over east and Southeast Asia and the west Pacific Ocean during February and March 1994. Emission sources considered in the simulation include natural sources of NOx due to lighting, soil microbiological activity and biomass burning, and of SOx from volcano as well as anthropogenic sources of NOx, SOx and hydrocarbons; the anthropogenic NOx sources also include aircraft emissions. Comparison of calculated concentrations with PEM-west-B (Pacific Exploratory Mission-West, Phase B) campaign data showed good agreement for O3, CO, SO2 and hydrocarbons such as C2H4, C2H6 and C3H8, and acceptable agreement for NOx, HNO3 and PAN. Dry and wet depositions of both S and N compounds were also calculated and the results are discussed in terms of material balance in the atmosphere

Bangladesh

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Study on the Air Pollution Control System for Dhaka, Bangladesh

Toshihiro Kitada

A. K. Azad

English

An Eulerian 3-dimentional transport/chemistry/ deposition model was applied to simulate the dispersion, chemical transformation and deposition of air pollutants, and to formulate an effective air quality control strategy for Dhaka, Bangladesh. The model well predicted the observed concentrations. Simulation based on projected emission scenario in 2010 was performed which suggests that SO2 concentration at all places of central Dhaka will largely exceed 40 ppb (Japanese standard Value) in 2010 if no emission measure is taken. A series of control strategy simulations were conducted to find out an appropriate method to reduce pollutant concentrations. Only abatement of traffic emissions by 505 would reduce SO2 concentration in 2010 just below the air quality standard in the city center of Dhaka. The control scenario simulations also involved reduction of sulfur contents (to 0.5%) in diesel fuel for traffic vehicles, and changing of fuel type from diesel oil to gasoline and natural gas for vehicles which suggest that any one is sufficient to meet air quality standard for SO2 in downtown Dhaka until 2010, but natural gas is most efficient. The NO2 concentration in the city center would be about to exceed and would be well below standard value in 2010 if the diesel fuel used in motor vehicles is replaced by gasoline and natural gas respectively. The simulation results also suggest that the industrial emissions have to be cut by 50% together with substituting natural gas for current diesel fuel for vehicles so that the air quality standard of SO2 is satisfied in the highly polluted south-east industrial area of Dhaka. Based on the control strategy simulations, proposals have been made to improve the air quality in Dhaka.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh (Dhaka)

Vehicular Air Pollution Control in Dhaka

1998

Recommendations made by the Consultative Group Meeting

Depatment of Environment & The World Bank

English

Bangladesh

Bangladesh Country Report

1999

Shiply Rahman

Training Workshop on Environmental Impact of Air Pollution, Brisbane, Australia

First

English

The People’s Republic of Bangladesh lies in between 20034’ and 26038’ north latitude and 88001’ and 92041’ east longitude and bounded on the west, north and east by India on the southeast by Myanmar and on the south by the Bay of Bengal. The total land area of the country is 57295 square miles equal to 148393 square kilometers

The country is mostly a low, flat and fertile land with the exception of some hilly areas in the northeast and southeast and some high land in the north and northeast. The country forms the greater part of the Bengal basin, created due to the subsidence of a part of the Godowanal and is drained predominantly by the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river systems. The rivers, with a large number of tributaries numbering about 230 and with a length of about 24140 km flow to the Bay of Bengal, where the plains have been formed by the silt brought down and deposited by these rivers. This Delta building process still goes on. There are about 2818 km of railroad, 10887 km paved road and roughly 8333 km of perennial and seasonal waterways.

Biomass, gas, oil, electricity and coal are the main sources of energy used in Bangladesh. Biomass comprises of wood such as fuelwood, charcoal, twigs and leaves, agricultural residues such as plant residues, paddy husk and bran, bagassae, jute sticks and animal dung such as cattle, buffalo, goat and sheep dung. The total amount of biomass fuel consumed in the country is about 39 million tons.

In the year 1990, CO2 emission from energy sources such as liquid fossil, solid fossil, gaseous fossil and solid fossil and solid biomass fuels are 5287643.5 and 5500 million tones respectively.

Of late, the growth of vehicles in the city has been phenomenal. The street level ambient particulate varies from 25(mg/m3) in August to over 1800 in January. 3-wheeler 2-stroke engines are the major contributors in this respect. Lead pollution has also increased tremendously. There are some areas in the Dhaka City where lead concentration at 1meter height from the ground level is over 250 Ngm/m3. Existing environmental policies include:
a) Creation in1989 of the Department of Environment within the Ministry of Environment and Forest.
b) Approval in 1992 of a National Environmental Policy and Action Plan.
c) Initiation of work on National Environment Management Action Plan (NEMAP), National Conservation Strategy and Forestry Master Plan.
d) Declaration that Environmental Impact Assessment should be carried out for all major development projects.

ALGAS has identified a number of GHG mitigation and opportunities the implementation of which demands attention from Government of Bangladesh, traditional international donors, non-traditional international sources and private sector