APPLICATION OF INDEXES FOR AIR-QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN KUWAIT

The objective of the present work is to adapt an earlier uniform ambie nt air quality index structure to fit the unique local environmental c onditions prevailing in Kuwait. The new index is based on linear segme nted functions for calculating subindices and a maximum operator funct ion for calculating the overall index. It incorporates five regularly monitored air pollutants (total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide , nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ozone), and their correspondin g descriptive categories. Due to the very special nature of the natura l arid environment in the region and the frequent occurrence of dust s torms, total suspended particulates was found to be responsible for th e highest values of the ambient air quality index. To overcome this pr oblem in applying the index, a statement should be attached to indicat e the ''critical air pollutant'' causing the index to exceed the permi ssible standard and the natural origin of the pollutant in the case of dust storms. In general, the index developed was able to reflect the day-to-day variations in ambient air quality in a reasonable fashion. It also reduced the volume of reported data for better dissemination, while retaining the meaning of the information to be communicated.