Date of Award

7-2002

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Environmental Science

First Advisor

Prof. Abdulbari Bener

Second Advisor

Dr. MUDjed Maraqa

Third Advisor

Muhammed Hassan AI-Malack

Abstract

Documentation of air pollution and sources in the emirate of Abu Dhabi has never been reviewed in terms of its effect on health. No research by means of a population-based study has been conducted in order to define the important epidemiological characteristics of air pollution in human health. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the levels of air pollutants in the environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate, and the effects of air pollution on human health. Additionally, a comprehensive time-series analysis was performed on the air quality data for a period of four years (1998-2001)

The study was undertaken by conducting comparison of pollutants including measurements of particulate matter less than 10 micron, ozone, Sulphur dioxide,

Nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide at three different areas. In addition to the prevailing

Meteorological factors such as wind speed and direction, temperature, and relative humidity at three different locations, as following:

  • The FECC site in Salam Street which is represents a highly populated

Area with heavy traffic and commercial area.

  • Mussafah, a main industrial area.
  • Sateen, representing levels in a residential location.

An epidemiological study was performed on respiratory and no respiratory patients admitted to AI-Jazeera and AI-Mafraq hospital from the annual reports in

Abu Dhabi Emirate, for the period spanning January 1999- to December 2001.

Results showed that the critical air pollutants in Abu Dhabi city in United Arab Emirates (UAE) were nitric oxide, particulate matter (PM10) and ground ozone above the national ambient air quality standards and the proposed standards for Abu Dhabi city. However, carbon monoxide and Sulphur dioxide were below the (NAAQS) standard and proposed standard for

Abu Dhabi city. Also, that the Mussafah industrial area was more polluted than the FECC

Commercial and Bateen residential areas according to air quality index. There was a possible effect from the oil fields both onshore/offshore, Mussafah emissions on the quality of the atmosphere in the FECC and Sateen areas. Other possible sources of pollution were power plants and traffic.

Furthermore, there was a strong association between increasing ozone levels and patients admitted for respiratory diseases. Also, there was strong association between increasing S02 levels and admitted patients for non-­ respiratory diseases. This study indicated the importance to develop a new control strategy to manage and improve the air quality there. However, consideration should be given to the future expansion of towns and cities

Towards industrial emission sources, and a potential decrease in the air quality of residential areas as a possible consequence.

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