Observations of the atmospheric air in Yerevan between July 29 and August 4 have revealed a concerning situation, as concentrations of dust and nitrogen dioxide repeatedly exceeded permissible limits in various parts of the city.
The situation was most critical in the Kentron administrative district: dust levels exceeded the norm throughout almost the entire week, while the nitrogen dioxide threshold was breached on July 31 and from August 2 to 4. In Arabkir, excess dust was recorded on July 29-30 and August 2, while a similar violation was noted in Nor Nork on July 30. Nitrogen dioxide levels in the air of Nor Nork were also periodically elevated on July 29-31, August 2, and August 4. Fortunately, no violations regarding dust and nitrogen dioxide were detected in the Shengavit administrative district. At all monitoring stations, sulfur dioxide content remained within the established limits, showing no dangerous deviations.
Periodic breaches in Yerevan's atmospheric air quality have long ceased to be local issues, becoming an inevitable consequence of overburdened urban infrastructure and traffic flow. The high dust levels recorded in the Kentron district throughout almost the entire week suggest that maintaining air purity in the heart of the city is becoming a nearly impossible challenge.
Interestingly, while indicators fluctuate in central areas, the stability of sulfur dioxide levels offers some reassurance; however, the accumulation of nitrogen dioxide in Nor Nork and Kentron highlights the distribution of pollution sources. Moving forward, it remains to be seen whether these indicators will continue to fluctuate or if the deterioration of air quality will become a permanent phenomenon, necessitating further oversight.
