Assessing the Status of Air Pollution in the selected Cities of Pakistan

This study was conducted to assess air quality status in the selected cities of Pakistan through Air Quality Index (AQI) and Multi Pollutant Index (MPI) and their correlation. Secondary data on air pollutants’ concentrations for the year 2021 were used from the literature. For this investigation, major air pollutants including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter were used and compared with Punjab Environmental Quality Standards. Air quality indices, Multi Pollutant Index (MPI) and the Air Quality Index (AQI) were used in the study. Overall condition of the air pollutants in the particular location was described using the Air Quality Index. For this formula, the average concentration of each pollutant across a range of time periods was first calculated. The concentration of each pollutant was then divided by the relevant standard value, which was then cumulatively averaged and represented as a percentage. Results showed that Lahore and Karachi are two of the cities with unhealthy to hazardous AQI values and poor air quality according to MPI values. Air quality is deteriorating in industrial and traffic-congested cities where pollution levels significantly exceeded the threshold values. Using the linear regression, the results confirmed the strong association between the AQI and MPI. There is a need for immediate action to be taken to lower pollutants’ concentrations and improve air quality in urban areas.