Characteristics of atmospheric trace gases, particulate matter, and heavy metal pollution in Dhaka, Bangladesh

Aerosol particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and trace gases (SO2, NO2, CO and O3) were sampled at five locations in greater Dhaka, Bangladesh, between January and April 2006. Particulate matter was collected on micro-fiber filters with a low-volume sampler, and trace gases (SO2, NO2, and O3) were collected with an impinger equipped with PM samplers. Carbon monoxide was determined using the Indicator Tube method. The total average concentrations of SO2, NO2, CO, and O3 were 48.3, 21.0, 166.0 and 28 μg m–3, respectively. The total average concentrations of SO2 and NO2 were much lower than the annual average guideline values of the World Health Organization (WHO). The total average O3 concentration was also much lower than the daily maximum values…