INVESTIGATING OZONE AMBIENT LEVELS: CASE STUDY OF THE FAHAHEEL URBAN AREA, STATE OF KUWAIT

摘要

Continuously monitored ambient concentrations of ozone (O_3), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO_2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx) for the years 2004-2005 and 2014-2015 are used to understand the relationships and photochemical rections between ozone (O_3) and nitrogen oxides (NOx ≈ NO+NO_2) in one of Kuwait's major urban areas (Fahaheel). The objective of the study is to investigate the fate of O_3 as a secondary pollutant and to determine the chemical coupling and mixing ratio of NO_2 to O_3. The variation of total atmopsheric oxides (Ox = O_(3)+NO_2) concentrations with NO_2 is also assessed to gain an insight into the atmospheric sources of Ox. In addition, the diurnal variations of NO, NO_2, NOx, O_3, and Ox along with variation of regional and local Ox are examined. The daytime and night-time relationships between O_3 and NOx and the ozone weekend effect in Fahaheel area are also reported in this communication. This study creates a historical baseline for urban areas subjected to heavy industrial emissions that can significantly improve our understanding of the impacts of future changes in O_3 concentrations.