Tropospheric Ozone in Tehran, Iran, during the last 20 years

Author(s)
Faezeh Borhani, Majid Shafiepour Motlagh, Andreas Stohl, Yousef Rashidi, Amir Houshang Ehsani
Abstract

Air pollution and its effects on human health and the environment are one of the main concerns in urban areas. This study focuses on the distribution and changes in the concentrations of ozone and its precursors (i.e., NO, NO2 and CO) in Tehran for the 20-year period from 2001 to 2020. The effects of precursors and meteorological conditions (temperature, wind speed, dew point, humidity and rainfall) on ozone were investigated using data from 22 stations of the Air Quality Control Company (AQCC) and meteorological stations. Regression models were applied to evaluate the dependence of ozone concentration on its precursors and meteorological parameters based on monthly average values. Finally, the monthly and annual levels of surface ozone and total column ozone were compared during the study period. The results show that the average ozone concentration in Tehran varied substantially between 2001 and 2008, and decreased after 2008 when stringent air quality control measures were implemented. The highest average concentration of ozone occurred in the southwest of Tehran. Although mobile and resident sources play an important role in the release of precursors, the results also indicate a significant effect of meteorological conditions on the changes in ozone concentration. This study is an effective step toward a better understanding of ozone changes in Tehran under the changing influence of precursors and meteorological conditions.

Organisation(s)
Department of Meteorology and Geophysics
External organisation(s)
University of Tehran
Journal
Environmental Geochemistry and Health
Volume
44
Pages
3615-3637
No. of pages
23
ISSN
0142-7245
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-021-01117-4
Publication date
10-2021
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
105206 Meteorology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Water Science and Technology, Environmental Science(all), Geochemistry and Petrology, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Chemistry
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
Portal url
https://ucris.univie.ac.at/portal/en/publications/tropospheric-ozone-in-tehran-iran-during-the-last-20-years(af8a5dfe-3a89-4b85-85c0-a523672bc1a1).html