Assessment of Dust Particles in the Air in Rajshahi City, Bangladesh

Airborne particulate matter was monitored in Rajshahi city, Bangladesh, focusing on five specific locations during 2022 and 2023. Data collection covered both the dry and wet seasons. According to Bangladesh’s Air Pollution Control guidelines, the annual average concentration of PM2.5 should remain below 35 µg/m³, and the daily average should not exceed 65 µg/m³. Additionally, the daily average for PM10 should remain below 50 µg/m³ and 150 µg/m³, respectively. However, during the study period, PM2.5 concentrations were notably higher in all selected areas during the dry season. The peak PM2.5 concentration measured was 97 µg/m³ at Talaimari in November 2023. Likewise, PM10 levels peaked at 246 µg/m³ during the same month. Both PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations exceeded the limits set by the BAPCR 2022, indicating significant air pollution in Rajshahi. The elevated levels of these particulates pose serious risks to public health. The research also noted unregulated construction activities and a reduction in water bodies within the city. Consequently, strict enforcement of BAPCR 2022 and the Environmental Conservation Rules 2023 is crucial to mitigating the issue.