Tehran Air Quality Index During 2000-2009

Abstract

Tehran's air pollution has become a national environmental problem. The correct understanding of the pollution levels over an urban region is of great importance to both government authorities and services and to the community. This is particularly true for high polluted urban regions such as Tehran. It is important to recognize the levels of air quality by means of an easily understandable manner even for non-specialists. In this study an attempt is made of the application the quality index (AQI) in a network of 10 measuring stations, during the period of 2000-2009 to give better understanding in changes of air quality during this period and the effect of air pollution control policies on air quality index. Results showed decreasing air quality index values during 2000-2009. There is a sharp decrease in air quality index values during 2004-2006 that has a good correlation with development of railway in municipal transportation and decrease of automobile age by replacing old cars with new.