Abstract
Abstract
This research aimed to detect suspended particulate levels in Mosul city for the first time, as the previous studies depend on dustfall. The city was exposed in the last years to high levels of suspended particulates with the wind blowing. Many studies have found the risk of dust inhalation especially the very fine one. The measurements was conducted using Haz Dust-1100 device, including air temperature and wind speed during the study period from January to September 2010. The average suspended particulates of size 50 micron or less reached 230.8 microgram/m3 with a standard deviation of 210 microgram/m3 in the residential areas, which was higher than the allowable range of 200 microgram/m3. The months April, May and June recorded the higher levels of suspended particulates above the allowable level, while the lower levels was recorded in the cold rainy months January and February. The data analysis showed a significant inverse relationship between wind speed and suspended particulate levels of 50 micron size or less and significant direct relationship with air temperature. The research recommended to make a green belt around the city and increase the green areas to decrease the suspended particulate levels.
Key Words: Suspended Particulate, Dust, Wind speed, Air temperature, Mosul, Residential
