Evaluation of planting's effect on mitigating PM2.5 and PM 10 concentrations in Basra city, Iraq

This study conducted to evaluate the air pollution due to Particulate Matter (PM) emissions, especially PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ in ambient air of Basra Province,Iraq. Two sampling locations were selected for PM analysis with similar residential and commercial activities as well as population density. The only difference between the two locations is that Site 1 was completely arid while Site 2 had a patch of green plantations near to it. These sites were selected to discuss and compare the potential impacts of plantations on the ambient PM concentrations. Measurements were recorded from August to December 2021. PM were monitored using a Metone Aerocet 532. The results showed that the average of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ values at both sites were higher than the daily limits of both Iraqi and WHO Standards. PM₁₀ concentrations at Site 2 with the green area was found to be higher than that of arid Site1. This could be due to reasons such as location and types of trees that are present or due to the presence of a highway in the proximity of the sampling location. As Iraq is a developing, middle-income nation and therefore implementing sophisticated technologies such as smog towers or shifting to electric vehicles, etc. would not be economically feasible. Therefore, to reduce the PM pollution, basic strategic plans such as using mass transportation, using clean fuel, regular servicing of the vehicle engines, and regular monitoring of the industrial PM emissions and planting trees should be adopted to significantly reduce the dust events leading to PM, and consequently reducing the PM content in the air.