Abstract
Urban air pollution is a critical environmental and public health issue, particularly due to fine particulate matter (PM). This study aimed to chemically characterize PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ in an urban environment. Air samples were collected over a 30-day period from three urban locations using filter-based samplers. Gravimetric analysis was applied to determine mass concentration, while spectrophotometric and atomic absorption spectrometry techniques were used for chemical analysis. The average concentrations of PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ were found to be 28.6 ± 6.4 µg/m³ and 54.2 ± 11.7 µg/m³, respectively. Sulfate and nitrate ions dominated the chemical composition, and trace metals such as Pb and Zn were detected at notable levels. The results indicate that urban particulate matter exceeds WHO guideline values and poses potential health risks.
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