Limited data are available on air pollution levels in Abu Dhabi Emirate in general. Therefore, the present study was designed to investigate the level of atmospheric contaminants in the environment of Abu Dhabi Emirate. This includes measurement of suspended particulate matter less than 10 micron (SPM10) in Al Ain City during normal and stormy conditions and measurement of the same air solids besides the gaseous pollutants: ozone, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and methane and non-methane hydrocarbons in Abu Dhabi City and follow up of hourly variation in their concentration. The study further includes collecting sufficient data for the prevailing meteorological factors in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
The study was undertaken with a Mobile Air Pollution Laboratory. As the first of its kind in the country, and being equipped with the most advanced monitoring devices, the laboratory can provide accurate measurement of low concentrations of the above air contaminants, besides the meteorological parameters.
The available results contribute much in ascertaining the role of the major man-made activities taking place in contaminating the Emirate atmosphere as well as the natural materials. These results will help also in comparing the pollution levels in Abu Dhabi Emirate with the established air quality standards.
Air pollution legislation and control in Abu Dhabi Emirate has been taken into consideration in the present study.
It is expected that the present study will form an important contribution for air quality management in Abu Dhabi Emirate
