Atmospheric Particles in Kermanshah, Iran

Abstract: No measurements of airborne particles have been done in Iran previously. Starting characterization of aerosol particles in a completely new geographical area, a suitable and important measurement parameter is the aerosol particle number size distribution. This can be used to indirectly infer climate- and health effects of the particles. These measurements are often accomplished with the help of an SMPS (Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer) instrument. A collaboration between Lund University and Razi University located in the large town Kermanshah in Iran was initiated. A previously used SMPS system in the Lund University laboratory was set up. Students at Razi University were trained to construct an SMPS system of their own to be used in Kermanshan by mimicking the Lund SMPS instrument. Measurements in Kermanshah were performed with a PSAP (Particle soot absorption photometer) at an urban background environment and at street level. This instrument determines the black carbon particle concentration through the light absorbing properties. In this way it can help determine part of the chemical constituent in particles, which are detrimental for human health through inhalation in the respiratory tract. The black carbon mass concentrations at street level were 0.1 and 0.6 ug/m^3 during a three hour measurement period during two different days in February 2017. In the urban background environment the concentrations were close to zero during three different days in November 2016. The reason for the distinctly different measurement values in February at street level could not be concluded based on the short time period of measurement.