Gaseous Pollutants in Basra City, Iraq

This study aimed to detect the present levels and distribution of CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, and total hydrocarbons gases (HCs) produced from different industrial plants in Basra city, Iraq. Measurements were carried out in the winter and summer of 2011. CO, SO2, NO2, and HC concentrations were measured using a Drager CMS portable detector, while CO2 concentrations were measured using a RI-411A portable detector. The average minimum concentrations of CO, CO2, SO2, NO2, and HCs were 2.0 mg/L, 250.0 mg/L, 4.0 mg/L, 0.4 mg/L, 0.5 mg/L, and 0.3 mg/L, respectively. Their average maximum concentrations were 18.0 mg/L, 280 mg/L, 0.9 mg/L, 1.3 mg/L, and 1.3 mg/L, respectively. The results indicate that stations close to the electrical power plant and oil refinery have higher levels of pollutants when compared to the urban station. According to the standards guidelines reported by the World Health Organization’s Environmental Protection Act, the detected concentrations of CO for short-term exposure and the average concentrations of NO2 and SO2 for short-term and long-term exposure pose serious health hazards, especially in the industrial areas.