Evaluation, Investigation and Comparison of Measured SOx Pollutants in Tehran with Similar Cities Around the World

In cities, air may be seriously polluted not only by transportation but also by the burning of fossil fuels (oil and gas) in heat and electric generators, companies, office buildings, and homes, and by the incineration of garbage. This vast quantity of combustion creates tons of ash, soot, and other particulates responsible for the decreasing visibility of cities like Tehran and Esfahan, along with enormous amounts of sulfur oxides (which also may come from burning coal and oil). These reactions rust iron, damage building stones, decay nylon, smear silver, and kill plants. Air pollution from cities also affects country areas for many kilometers downwind. There is always a question for municipal authorities on how much the measured values of SOx in Tehran are representing the real circumstances of the city. This research was at first targeted for evaluation of sulfur oxides and air pollutants in the urban area, then investigating and finding similar urban areas which have comparable characteristics with Tehran, and assessing whether the measured value of SOx in Tehran is consistent or not. Finally, we compare Tehran s SOx level with other developed regions like Europe, North America, and China

Keywords:

SOx , Air Quality , Urban Air Pollution , Tehran , City Characteristics