Browsing by Author "Nimra, A."

Now showing 1 - 2 of 2
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Changes in particulate matter concentrations at different altitudinal levels with environmental dynamics
    (Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Zona, Z.; Ali, Z.; Sidra, S.; Nimra, A.; Ahmad, M.; Aziz, K.; Zainab, I.; Quratulain; Ansari, B.; Raza, S. T.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
    Ambient air quality is defined not only by the source strength but a variety of meteorological parameters as well. In the current study, ambient concentrations of PM along with temperature and relative humidity levels were monitored at seven different locations of Pakistan. A DustTrak DRX (Model 8533, TSI Inc.) was employed for twenty four hours real time monitoring of particulate matter at the selected sites. A considerable variation was observed in the 24 hour trend of particulate matter (PM) at different locations owing to variation in meteorological conditions due to different altitudes and seasons, and natural and anthropogenic sources in the vicinity. The highest average concentrations of PM2.5 (407 mu g/m(3)) were observed at highest elevation (Makra Peak, Shogran, 3089 m) while lowest averages (102 mu g/m(3)) were obtained at the seaside (Hawks Bay, Karachi, 0 m). On the other hand PMTotal fraction exhibited highest levels at site B (506 mu g/m(3)) and lowest at Site A (121 mu g/m(3)). Correlation factors were determined for PM and meteorological parameters at each location. More research needs to be conducted to have a comprehensive knowledge about the physical parameters controlling particulate dispersal at different altitudes within the country.
  • Thumbnail Image
    ItemOpen Access
    Comparative ambient and indoor particulate matter analysis of operation theatres of government and private (trust) hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan
    (Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum, 2015-06-30) Nimra, A.; Ali, Z.; Khan, M. N.; Gulshan, T.; Sidra, S.; Gardezi, J. R.; Tarar, M. R.; Saleem, M.; Nasir, Zaheer A.; Colbeck, Ian
    The link between infection and indoor air quality (IAQ) in operating theatres is well established. The level of airborne particulate matter (PM) in operating theatres in Pakistan has not yet been studied comprehensively. Monitoring of both indoor (operating theatre) and outdoor concentrations of PM in both activity and non-activity time periods was done using a DUSTTRAK Aerosol Monitor (TSI Model 8520) and DRX Aerosol Monitor (TSI Model 8533) for 24 hours. Two hospitals in Lahore were selected: Services Hospital (government – site 1) and Shalamar Hospital (private – site 2). The highest concentration of PM was observed in the orthopaedic operating theatre at site 1 during working hours with an average concentration of 757(±540), 809(±58), 824(±585), 875(±586) and 970(±581) µg/m³ of PM1 ,PM2.5, PM4, PM10and PMTotalrespectively while the average PM2.5outdoor concentration was 294 µg/m3 . The minimum average PM concentration was found in the orthopaedic operating theatre at site 2 during working hours: 18(±8), 19(±8), 20(±9), 26(±9) and 39(±9) µg/m³ for PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10 and PMTotal respectively. The use of vertical laminar air flow ventilation strategy was found to be an effective measure in reducing PM levels and it might be possible to predict the air quality of operating theatres by determining PM dust load. Factors such as ventilation system, door opening /closing rates, building age, possible sources of infiltration, number of people present in the operating area all play a role in influencing PM concentrations in operating theatres.