Air pollution sharply worsened in Tashkent: experts announced the main causes

On the evening of September 18, the amount of PM2.5 and PM10 particles in the atmospheric air in Tashkent sharply increased. Experts explain this by dry weather, dust rising, temperature inversion, and weak air exchange.

 

According to the Special Commission, at automatic monitoring stations, particle concentrations began to rise after 18:00. The highest readings were recorded between 21:00 and 23:00.

 

In particular, at 22:00, the PM2.5 concentration in Tashkent averaged 74.5 µg/m³, and PM10 was 243.6 µg/m³. In some areas, the PM10 level reached 555.3 µg/m³.

 

On the night of September 19, specialists from the National Center for Environmental Monitoring and Uzhydromet conducted measurements using mobile equipment in three areas of Mirzo Ulugbek district. In the Feruza area, on Kasaba and Parkent streets, PM2.5 levels were recorded in the range of 55–65 µg/m³, and PM10 in the range of 63–77 µg/m³.

 

The measurements also examined gaseous pollutants such as nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, ammonia, hydrogen fluoride, phenol, and formaldehyde. Their maximum single concentrations did not exceed the established norms.

 

According to the experts' analysis, the prolonged dry weather created conditions for dust from soil and road surfaces to rise into the air. The temperature inversion observed at night and the weak air exchange led to the accumulation of dust particles in the air layer near the ground.

 

Also, the CAMS model showed that dust masses with high PM10 levels were observed in the western and northwestern regions of Uzbekistan. According to HYSPLIT model calculations, air flows entered Tashkent at various altitudes from the north, northeast, west, and northwest directions.

 

After 23:00, PM2.5 and PM10 levels began to decrease. By 04:00 on September 19, across the city, PM2.5 had decreased to 22.4 µg/m³, and PM10 to 61.9 µg/m³.

 

Experts assessed the situation observed on the night of September 18 and the morning of September 19 as a short-term dust episode.

 

According to forecasts, from 21:00 on September 19 to 04:00 on September 20, air quality in Tashkent will temporarily deteriorate, and AQI may reach 101–150 — a level harmful to sensitive groups. In the morning, air quality is expected to return to a "moderate" level.

 

Currently, the air quality in Tashkent's atmosphere is being continuously monitored by the Special Commission.