Evaluation of the regional air quality effects of Istanbul Cebecİ quarry and crushing-sifting facilities in terms of PM10 and SO2 concentrations

Abstract

This paper aims to determine the air quality effects of 15 quarries with 108,000 tons per day capacity located in İstanbul Cebeci region. South, east and west site of the quarries are surrounded by settlement areas and residential premises that approximately population of 485,000 people. Due to the high capacity of the facilities and there are large settlements nearby, it is important to determine their air quality effects on the region. For this purpose, PM10 and SO2 measurements were made at a representative point and the results were evaluated between the dates of 27th July and 22nd October 2012; and 1st April and 16th July 2013. According to results, in terms of SO2 there was no determined effect on air quality. On the other hand, in terms of PM10 parameter, the results indicated that the measured levels are 3-5 times higher than the other points in Istanbul at the same timespan. During the 112 days of measurements, PM10 parameters have exceeded the European Union threshold value of 50 μg/m3 for 106 days, and exceeded the Air Quality Evaluation and Management Regulation’s 2012 Turkey threshold value of 180 μg/m3 for 57 days. During the 76 days of measurements, PM10 pollution parameters have been exceeded the European Union threshold value of 50 μg/m3 for 74 days, and exceeded the Air Quality Evaluation and Management Regulation’s 2013 Turkey threshold value of 140 μg/m3 for 60 days. These results indicate us, unsupervised operation of the facilities negatively effect on the region air quality and the health state of the people live in the region. ©, 2014, SGEM2014.