Assessment of Particulates and Heavy Metals Concentration Distribution in Ambient Air around Al-Dora Refinery in Baghdad City, Iraq

Baghdad's air pollution levels have increased due to the rapid growth of oil refinery operations and other industrial processes, such as fuel burning, car exhaust, and electric power generators. Air pollution is believed to be one of the leading causes of severe health problems and chronic diseases. In this study, we aim to determine the concentrations and levels of heavy metals (Copper, Chromium, Lead, and Nickel) and total suspended particles (TSP) in the air of Al-Dora oil refinery area. The results of the study indicated that the average amount of TSP in the air exceeded both international and Iraqi permissible limits. (TSP) was the highest in location A7 (Dijlah University Street) and location A8(Al-Yossifia-Dora Highway) due to its nearness to the refinery. Results indicated that the air in the studied area has high levels of heavy metals that exceeded the global (WHO Cr=0.04; Cd=0.05; Pb-0.5µg/m3) and national (Iraqi Standards Pb=3 µg/m3) permissible limits. The wind direction in Al-Dora oil refinery areas is W/NW and led to an increase in pollutants towards A4(Mohammed Al-Qassim Highway), A7 (Dijlah University Street), and A8(Al-Yossifia-Dora Highway) regions compared to other locations. Furthermore, the measured values of TSP and air quality index AQI were high, ranging from “hazardous” to “very unhealthy”, exceeding indexed normal ranges which indicate that the air is unhealthy for human habitation.