Decreased Lead Concentration in Cairo Atmosphere Due to Use of Unleaded Gasoline
Hoda F. S. Rizk and Mamdouh I. M. Khoder
Air Pollution Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Corresponding author: Dr. Mamdouh I. M. Khoder
Air Pollution Department, National Research Centre
Dokki, Giza, Egypt
Fax number: 202-3370931
E-mail: khoder_55@yahoo.com
CEJOEM 2001, Vol.7. No.1.:53-59
Key words:
Urban air pollution, suspended particulate, lead, leaded gasoline, unleaded gasoline, nickel
Abstract:
In order to reduce lead concentration in the environment of Cairo, several measures have been taken. These caused notable decrease of lead concentration in the atmosphere of Cairo. Lead concentration in suspended particulate matter was determined in two urban areas (city centre and Dokki) in Greater Cairo from winter 1998 up to autumn 1999. The seasonal mean concentrations of lead ranged from 1.3 m
g/m3 (summer) to 2.2 m
g/m3 (winter), with an annual mean of 1.7 m
g/m3 at the city centre area. In Dokki, it ranged from 1.1 m
g/m3 (summer) to 1.7 m
g/m3 (winter), with an annual mean of 1.4 m
g/m3. A comparative study of lead concentrations and their seasonal variations before (1994–1995) and after (1998–1999) changing leaded to unleaded gasoline at the city centre area showed similar seasonal trends of lead concentration, with maxima during winter and minima during summer. With the use of unleaded gasoline the lead level was also decreased in the four seasons throughout. The maximum percentage decrease was observed in winter (–43.87%) and the minimum in summer (–29.73%). The ambient air concentration of lead during the last four years showed a decrease of 39.50% (about 10% decrease per year). Due to future implementing the use of unleaded gasoline in all of the provinces of Egypt, further considerable decrease is to be expected.
Received: 29 May 2001
Accepted: 09 August 2001
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