UNIVERSITY OF ASIA PACIFIC

Department of Civil Engineering

Fall - 2024
Environmental Engineering IV

CE-433
GROUP : 1
Project Title: Air Pollution and Control

Group member:

MD SHAFAEAT HASAN 21105027

KAZI MAHRAB HOSSAIN 21105035

MD SAZZAD-ULL ISLAM 21105036

RAYAN TARIF 21105039

Submitted to:

AFIA JAHIN
LECTURER
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ASIA PACIFIC
 INDEX

CONTENT
PAGE NO
Introduction 1

Location of selected CAMS 2-3

Data collection 3-4

Detailed Calculation 5-6

Major causes for air 7

pollution
Pollution control measures 8

Conclusion and 9
recommendation
References 10
Introduction
Air pollution is a growing environmental and public health concern in many parts of the world,
particularly in densely populated and rapidly urbanizing countries like Bangladesh. With increasing
industrial activities, traffic congestion, urban expansion, and the widespread use of fossil fuels, the
concentration of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere has reached alarming levels in several cities.
Exposure to air pollution can lead to severe health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular
diseases, and contributes significantly to premature deaths.
To monitor and manage air quality effectively, the Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh, under
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, has installed several Continuous Air
Monitoring Stations (CAMS) across the country. These CAMS units are equipped to record real-time data
on key air pollutants such as PM₂.₅ (fine particulate matter), PM₁₀ (coarse particulate matter), NO₂
(nitrogen dioxide), SO₂ (sulfur dioxide), CO (carbon monoxide), and O₃ (ozone). This data is essential
for calculating the Air Quality Index (AQI), which provides a simple way to communicate the level of air
pollution and its potential health effects to the public.
This project focuses on analyzing air pollution data collected from a selected CAMS station. We selected
Rajshahi (CAMS-9) for the month Month of February, 2025. The analysis involves:
 Collecting data for five key criteria pollutants that are most harmful and commonly monitored.
 Calculating the AQI based on DoE’s official method, identifying the dominant pollutant
contributing to poor air quality.
 Interpreting the AQI results to categorize the air quality (e.g., Good, Moderate, Unhealthy).
 Identifying probable sources of air pollution in the chosen location based on environmental and
socio-economic activities.
 Recommending practical pollution control measures, based on scientific reasoning and best
practices used in other countries.
By conducting this assessment, we aim to develop a better understanding of the current air quality
situation in the selected area and propose evidence-based solutions to mitigate the harmful effects of air
pollution. The project also emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and public awareness in
achieving cleaner air and sustainable urban development in Bangladesh.
CAMS Map of Bangladesh
The CAMS (Continuous Air Monitoring Stations) map of Bangladesh is a visual representation showing
the locations of air quality monitoring stations installed by the Department of Environment (DoE) across
the country. These stations play a vital role in tracking air pollution levels in real time, and the map helps
users identify where the monitoring infrastructure is located. This map shows:

 Geographic Distribution: The map displays CAMS locations in major cities and regions such as
Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Barisal, Gazipur, Narayanganj, and others. These
stations are strategically positioned in urban, industrial, and transport-heavy areas where pollution
is most likely to affect public health.
 Station-Specific Data Access: By clicking on a station on the map (on the DoE website), users
can access real-time data for various air pollutants
 Real-Time AQI Updates: The CAMS map also shows the current Air Quality Index (AQI) values
for each location. The AQI readings are usually color-coded to indicate the air quality level—
ranging from green (good) to maroon (hazardous).

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Figure 1: Locations Map of Continuous Air Monitoring Stations (CAMS) under Department of
Environment in Bangladesh.

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Details Information of CAMS-9:
Location- Rajshahi, Sapura
Latitude/Longitude- 24°.38’33.20”N 88°.60’80.07”E
Monitoring Capacity- PM10, PM2.5, SO2, CO, O3 & NOx with Meteorological Parameters
Year of Est.- 2008
Type- Rd/Res
Inlet & Met tower Height (m)- 6.8 & 10
Time of our Project- Month of February, 2025

Data collection
Summary Table of components Month of February, 2025 for Rajshahi (Average Value)

Parameter Max Min Average Exceedance(Days Data

) capture(%)

SO2 -24 hr 10.7 2.1 4.2 0.0 87.1

(ppb)
NO2 -24 hr 11.7 0.8 2.0 0.0 87.1
(ppb)
CO-8hr 9.6 0.6 3.2 148.0 85.6
(ppm)
O3-8hr 58.8 1.1 15.9 6.0 85.6
(ppb)
PM2.5 -24hr 288.6 68.6 183.7 27.0 87.1
(ug/m3)
PM1 0 -24hr 363.4 109.9 246.9 20.0 71.0
(ug/m3)
Solar rad. 2142.5 0.2 745.5 N/A 86.0
1hr (W/m2)
Relative 93.4 85.6 93.1 N/A 84.0
Humidity
1hr (%)
Ambient 32.3 7.2 24.1 N/A 84.0
Temp. 1hr
(degree)
Rainfall 1hr DNA DNA DNA DNA DNA
(mm)

Air Quality Index (AQI), Month of February, 2025 in Rajshahi

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Date: AQI Value:

4
Detailed Calculation

Five criteria pollutants:

SO₂ = 4.2 ppb = 0.0042 ppm (24-hr)

NO₂ = 2 ppb = 0.002 ppm (24-hr)

CO = 3.2 ppm (8-hr)

O₃ = 15.9 ppb = 0.0159 ppm (8-hr)

PM₂.₅ = 183.7 µg/m³ (24-hr)

PM₁₀ = 246.9 µg/m³ (24-hr)

AQI Index Calculations:

AQI index for SO₂ = 6.176 ≈ 6

Equation: (0.0042 - 0)/(0 - 0.034) = (x - 0)/(0 - 50) → x = 6.176 ≈ 6

AQI index for NO₂ = Amount of NO₂ component is 0.002 ppm for 24-hr, so NO₂ has no short term air
quality standard and can generate an AQI only above 200.

AQI index for CO = 36.36 ≈ 36

Equation: (3.2 - 0)/(0 - 4.4) = (x - 0)/(0 - 50) → x = 36.36 ≈ 36

Additional AQI Index Calculations:

AQI index for O₃ = 12.42 ≈ 12

Equation: (0.0159 - 0)/(0 - 0.064) = (x - 0)/(0 - 50) → x = 12.42 ≈ 12

AQI index for PM₂.₅ = 233.90 ≈ 234

Equation: (183.7 - 150.5)/(250.4 - 150.5) = (x - 201)/(300 - 201) → x = 233.90 ≈ 234

AQI index for PM₁₀ = 146.48 ≈ 146

Equation: (246.9 - 155)/(254 - 155) = (x - 101)/(150 - 101) → x = 146.48 ≈ 146

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Report:

1. Reporting Area: Rajshahi

2. Reporting Date: Month of February, 2025

3. The "critical pollutant": PM₂.₅

4. The AQI (the highest value): 234

5. Category descriptor (and color format): Very unhealthy (Red)

6. Pollutant-specific sensitive groups: People with respiratory/heart disease; especially children and the
elderly

7. Name and index value of other pollutants (particularly those with index value > 100): PM₁₀ (146)

Decision:
An AQI (Air Quality Index) value of 234 falls into the category of "Very Unhealthy" according to most
international standards, including the U.S. EPA scale and Department of Environment Ministry of
Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bangladesh.
Health Implications of AQI 234 ("Very Unhealthy";
General Population: Everyone may experience serious health effects.
Sensitive Groups (children, elderly, people with heart/lung diseases, asthmatics): Increased risk of severe
respiratory symptoms, aggravation of heart and lung conditions, and possible hospital admissions.
Healthy Individuals: Even those without existing conditions may experience breathing discomfort, throat
irritation, coughing, fatigue, and reduced lung function.
Recommended Actions;
Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed. Use air purifiers if available.
Avoid Physical Activity Outside: Postpone outdoor workouts or labor.
Wear a Mask: If you must go outside, wear a high-quality mask (N95 or better).
Monitor Symptoms: Seek medical attention if you experience persistent cough, difficulty breathing, or
chest pain.

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Major Causes of Air Pollution

1. Brick Kilns

 One of the largest contributors.

 Many kilns operate with outdated, inefficient technologies that burn coal and wood, releasing
massive amounts of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
 Often unregulated or poorly monitored.

2. Vehicular Emissions

 Rapid urbanization has increased the number of old, poorly maintained vehicles on the road.
 Use of low-quality diesel and petrol exacerbates emissions.
 Traffic congestion further intensifies localized air pollution.

3. Construction and Road Dust

 Constant road repairs and new building projects release fine dust particles into the air.
 Lack of dust control measures worsens the situation, especially in dry seasons.

4. Crop Residue and Biomass Burning

 Farmers in nearby rural areas burn crop residue during seasonal transitions.
 Biomass is also used for cooking in some suburban and peri-urban households.

5. Industrial Emissions

 Small-scale industries (e.g., metal works, food processing) operate without adequate emission
controls.
 Emissions often contain toxic gases and fine particulates.

6. Transboundary Pollution

 Polluted air from neighboring cities or even across the border (like from India) can drift into
Rajshahi, especially during winter.

7. Household Fuel Use

 Many low-income households still use wood, charcoal, dung, or kerosene for cooking or heating.
 This emits high levels of indoor and outdoor air pollutants, especially carbon monoxide and
PM2.5.

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Pollution Control Measures

1. Regulate and Modernize Brick Kilns

 Enforce strict emission standards for kilns.

 Promote cleaner technologies like zigzag or hybrid Hoffman kilns.

 Relocate kilns away from residential areas.

2. Improve Public Transport

 Invest in clean and efficient public transit (e.g., electric buses).

 Implement vehicle emission testing and retirement programs for old vehicles.

 Promote non-motorized transport like cycling through safer infrastructure.

3. Control Construction Dust

 Make dust control measures mandatory at construction sites (e.g., water spraying, covers).

 Ensure trucks transporting materials are covered and cleaned before exiting sites.

4. Ban Open Burning

 Strictly prohibit open burning of waste and crop residues.

 Set up community composting and municipal waste management systems.

5. Promote Clean Cooking and Heating

 Subsidize and distribute clean cook stoves or LPG/electric alternatives.

 Educate rural and peri-urban households on the health benefits.

6. Green Urban Development

 Increase tree plantation drives and develop urban green belts.

 Encourage rooftop gardens and community parks for natural air purification.

7. Pave and Maintain Roads

 Pave unsealed roads and regularly clean streets to control dust.

 Use vacuum sweepers and water sprinklers in dry seasons.

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8. Industrial Emission Control

 Enforce pollution permits for small and medium industries.

 Install scrubbers, filters, and electrostatic precipitators in factories.

9. Real-Time Monitoring & Policy Enforcement

 Expand air quality monitoring networks in all city zones.

 Use data to inform policy decisions, such as pollution emergency responses (e.g., odd-even
vehicle rules).

10. Public Awareness & Community Action

 Run education campaigns about sources and impacts of air pollution.

 Engage schools, local leaders, and media to encourage behavior change.

Conclusion

Air pollution in Rajshahi has reached alarming levels, with AQI values frequently crossing into the "very
unhealthy" range. The causes are diverse and deeply rooted—ranging from outdated brick kilns, vehicular
emissions, and construction dust to unregulated waste burning and weak enforcement of environmental
laws. This not only threatens public health, especially among children, the elderly, and those with
respiratory conditions, but also degrades the quality of life and long-term sustainability of the city.

Recommendations

1. Enforce Emission Regulations Strictly

Introduce and monitor standards for brick kilns, vehicles, and industries.
2. Promote Clean Technologies
Encourage the use of electric vehicles, clean cook stoves, and modern kiln technologies through
incentives and subsidies.
3. Expand Green Spaces
Launch large-scale urban afforestation and protect existing green areas.
4. Strengthen Public Transportation
Improve accessibility, affordability, and cleanliness of public transit to reduce private vehicle use.
5. Improve Waste Management
Ban open waste burning and provide sustainable alternatives like composting and proper landfill
systems.
6. Enhance Air Quality Monitoring
Install more real-time AQI monitoring stations and make the data publicly accessible to inform
citizens and policymakers.
7. Raise Public Awareness
Conduct campaigns on health risks, preventive measures, and community participation to fight air
pollution collectively.

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References

1. Department of Environment (DoE), Bangladesh Annual Environment Reports

[Link]
2. AirVisual / IQAir World Air Quality Index and Real-Time AQI Data for Rajshahi
[Link]
3. World Bank (2020) “Bangladesh: Enhancing Air Quality Management”
[Link]
4. UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) “Actions on Air Quality: A Global
Summary of Policies and Programmes to Reduce Air Pollution”
[Link]
5. WHO (World Health Organization) Ambient Air Pollution: A Global Assessment of Exposure
and Burden of Disease [Link]
6. Clean Air and Sustainable Environment (CASE) Project, Bangladesh
Implemented by DoE and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
[Link]
7. Journal of Environmental and Public Health (Various Articles)
Search for articles on air pollution in Rajshahi via databases like PubMed, ScienceDirect, or
Google Scholar.

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