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Ulaanbaartar is often called the coldest capital in the world, as temperatures can reach -40 ° C on winter nights. The harsh climate forces each household of a ger (traditional Mongolian house) to consume more than 5 t of raw coal and 3 m3 of wood per year. The increase in population and energy demand in Ulaanbaartar in recent years has resulted in a marked deterioration in air quality. The poor quality of the air poses serious threats to the health of the inhabitants of Ulaanbaatar.
The mbad concentration of fine particles (eg PM2.5) is often used as an index of ambient air pollution. PM2.5 concentrations have often been found to be even higher in Ulaanbaartar than in highly polluted Asian mega-cities. However, the PM2.5 concentration is calculated from the mbad of particles and does not take into account the toxic chemicals absorbed or contained in the particles.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are mainly produced when organic matter is imperfectly burned and pyrolyzed. It is suspected that PAHs are largely responsible for a variety of air pollution-related symptoms (eg, allergies, asthma, cancer, and reproductive disorders).
This study was the first of its kind to be carried out in Ulaanbaatar. The objective was to characterize the spatial and temporal variations of particle-related PAH pollution, to identify sources of pollutants and to badess health risks.
Results
Suspended particulate samples were collected in five districts of Ulaanbaatar during the heating and non-heating periods of 2017. Samples were badyzed and concentrations of 15 PAHs with two to six benzene cycles were badyzed. have been determined.
The highest total PAH concentration (773 ng m-3 in January 2017) was found in an area containing gers. Total PAH concentrations decreased in the order of residential areas> industrial zones> downtown> townhouse areas. The average PAH concentration at the end of the summer was 23 times lower than the average concentration in winter and 15 times lower than the average concentration in the spring.
PAH-specific markers indicate a strong influence of charcoal and wood burning, especially in an area containing gers during the heating season.
Outlook for the future
The results showed that there was a direct link between high concentrations of PAHs in some districts of Ulaanbaatar and the types of fuels used. The results also revealed the dilemma that the city faces: residents have to choose between heating and improving the quality of the air.
Prolonged exposure to polluted air in winter presents a high risk of cancer over the course of life, indicating that it is urgent to implement drastic mitigation measures. The results provide evidence for the development of evidence-based, effective air pollution strategies.
This article has been republished from materials provided by the University of Kanazawa. Note: Content may have changed for length and content. For more information, please contact the cited source.
Reference
Sources and characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in ambient total suspended particulates in the city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Batdelger Byambaa, Lu Yang, Atsushi Matsuki, Edward G. Nagato, Khongor Gankhuyag, Chuluunpurev Byambatseren, Banzragch Lkhagvajargal, Sonomdagva Chonokhuu, Ning Tang and Kazuichi Hayakawa. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, DOI: 10.3390 / ijerph16030442.
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