Study of the air pollution problem in a solid waste dumping site and adjacent area in Alexandria

Open dumping is the main method of disposal in Alexandria and is responsible for many nuisances such as evolution of heavy clouds of smoke, fly ash, irritating and noxious gases, malodors, etc. Gases and airborne and settled dust were sampled during winter season and analyzed to their constituents. High concentrations of gases and dust were encountered at stations located in dump site [I-IV] followed by those located downwind of dump site [V and XI]. High particulate concentrations were found in station VII located in industrial area and station VI exposed to traffic activities in the Agricultural highway. Other stations located upwind were not affected. Percent organic, sulfate and chloride content were found to be higher in dust collected from the dump site [I-IV] than the city site [V-XV]. Finally it was concluded that the other sites located around the dump area may be affected by dump site at different prevailing wind directions