Abstract:
The foremost objective of the research is the provision of a comprehensive depiction of particulate matter in Islamabad Capital Territory. Particulate matter includes Total Suspended Particles (TSP) including PM10 and PM2.5 of industrial and residential areas value compare with Pakistan Environmental Protection Agency standard and US-EPA air quality index (AQI). Using of these particulate matters to determine toxic heavy metal in air that are harmful for human health. Range of TSP and PM10 are within permissible limit but the values are more in Industrial area as compared to residential areas. The values of PM2.5 in industrial areas, as well as in residential areas of sectors I-9, I-10 and Kahuta Industrial Triangle of Islamabad are exceeding National Environmental Quality Standards (NEQS) which define the quality of ambient air. The value of PM2.5 is maximum in industrial area and minimum in residential area. Parameter of heavy metal include Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Cadmium (Cd), Nickle (Ni) and Zinc (Zn) that are determined in industrial and residential area in Islamabad. Heavy metal value varies in every location. Lead and zinc range is maximum in every location. Cu, Cd, Ni, and Fe normal range in every location. The major sources of particulate matter are natural as well as anthropocentric. Increased levels industrialization, urbanization, constructions and vehicular emissions are major contributors of particulate matter in Islamabad Capital Territory. In order to cater the urban air quality of Islamabad Capital Territory and Pakistan, coordinated approach of interventions is required in this regard.
