Application of indices for air quality management in Kuwait

Abstract

The objective of the present work is to adapt an earlier uniform ambient air quality index structure to fit the unique local environmental conditions prevailing in Kuwait. The new index is based on linear segmented functions for calculating subindices and a maximum operator function for calculating the overall index. It incorporates five regularly monitored air pollutants (total suspended particulates, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and ozone), and their corresponding descriptive categories. Due to the very special nature of the natural arid environment in the region and the frequent occurrence of dust storms, total suspended particulates was found to be responsible for the highest values of the ambient air quality index. To overcome this problem in applying the index, a statement should be attached to indicate the “critical air pollutant” causing the index to exceed the permissible standard and the natural origin of the pollutant in the case of dust storms. In general, the index developed was able to reflect the day-to-day variations in ambient air quality in a reasonable fashion. It also reduced the volume of reported data for better dissemination, while retaining the meaning of the information to be communicated.