MEASUREMENTS OF SO2, NOX AND SPM IN AN INDUSTRIAL-AREA AT THE AEGEAN COAST OF TURKEY

Data from continuous measurements of SO2 NOx, suspended particulate ma tter (SPM) and meteorological parameters at seven sites around a highl y industrialized region in the Aegean coast of Turkey, between July 15 , 1991 to July 31, 1992 were used to evaluate spatial and temporal var iations of air quality parameters. Low annual averages and insignifica nt differences between day and night concentrations were observed at s tations far from sources. At stations close to sources, annual average concentrations were high and diurnal patterns were significant. Annua l average SO2 and SPM concentrations in all stations used the 'Kriggin g' technique to assess the impact of industries on air quality in the surrounding airshed. Results have demonstrated that Turkish air qualit y standards for SO2 were exceeded in a circle with a radius of 4 km an d which was centered on the petrochemical complex and refinery. Simila rly, standards for SPM were exceeded in a circle with a radius of 1.2 km and which was centered on the ironwork plants. Both SO2 and SPM sho wed well defined diurnal variations, particularly in stations close to sources. The SO2 concentrations showed a maximum during day-time, whi le SPM concentrations peaked after midnight. Although annual average S O2 and SPM concentrations were highly variable depending on distances between stations and sources, background concentrations of the same po llutants, calculated by stripping episodes from data, did not change s ignificantly from one station to another. Long range transport and res uspension of local soil were suggested as sources of background SO2 an d SPM, respectively. The difference between observed and background co ncentrations of SO2 and SPM in each station was related to the impact of industries on air quality at that particular site.