Abstract:
The National Environmental Quality Standards of Pakistan were designed in 1993 and after
that Pakistan did not revise the quality standards. With the passage of time, the necessity for
revision of the quality standards has been increased, as many research works identified the
new parameters in environmental resources. Also it is noticed in some research works that
the existing parameters should need to be re-examine to identify the updated limits.
The purpose of this study is to identify the new parameters for further investigation to update
the National Environmental quality standards of Pakistan. This study is also highlight those
parameters which are added in the standards but their limits need to be re-examine. The study
was conducted by performing the comparative review of Pakistan quality standards with
India, China, USEPA (for Effluents) and WHO. The data has been collected from secondary
data sources like journals, publications, research work and government issued notifications.
In the data comparison it is has identified that 8 new parameters (Aluminum etc.) of fresh
water needs to added in the standards and 5 parameters (Barium etc.) which limits need to be
re-examine. In the case of ambient air 4 new parameters (Nickel etc.) are found which need
to be added and 4 parameters (Sulphur Dioxide etc.) need to be review. It is also identified
that the design practice for quality standards of Pakistan for Noise, Motor Vehicle Exhaust,
Gaseous Emissions, Municipal and Industrial effluents needs to be updated like WHO, India,
China and USA. With this study, the gaps in the quality standards are identified to make the
continual improvement inconsideration. All the new identified parameters and limits of
parameters for review need the further investigation. It is recommended to Pak EPA for
conducting the revision of NEQS and add maximum parameters in quality standards, also use
the updated practices for designing the quality standards to get the maximum efficiency in
controlling the environment as well to restrict the damage from base source.
