An episode-based assessment for the adverse effects of air mass trajectories on PM2.5 levels in Astana and Almaty, Kazakhstan
Mukhtarov R. Ibragimova O.P. Omarova A. Tursumbayeva M. Tursun K. Muratuly A. Karaca F. Baimatova N.
May 2023Elsevier B.V.
Urban Climate
2023#49
PM2.5 pollution is a severe problem in most cities in Kazakhstan and is a leading cause of premature deaths globally. This study examines the temporal variation of PM2.5 levels and the effect of air mass transportation dynamics on episodic air pollution in Kazakhstans two largest cities. In 2021 annual PM2.5 concentrations in Astana (22.5 μg m−3) and Almaty (35.3 μg m−3) exceeded the annual WHO limit by 4.5 and 7.1 times, respectively. The daily limits surpassed 151 days in Astana and 217 days in Almaty. PM2.5 levels were highest in winter averaging 35.3 μg m−3 (Astana) and 76.0 μg m−3 (Almaty) over the heating season, with coal combustion as a main contributor. The HYSPLIT model was used to assess the impact of air mass trajectories on pollution episodes and clean air events. Cluster and concentration-weighted trajectory analyses showed that air pollution episodes in both cities were associated with the anticyclone-blocking effect. While both cities were exposed to the influence of long-range transported pollutants, Astana was more frequently impacted by distant sources. Given the transboundary nature of air pollution in both cities and the complex relationship between meteorology and emission sources, a regional integrated air quality improvement strategy is needed.
Air mass trajectories , Air pollution , Almaty , Astana , Kazakhstan , PM2.5
Text of the article Перейти на текст статьи
Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Department of Analytical, Colloid Chemistry and Technology of Rare Elements, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050012, Kazakhstan
Department of Meteorology and Hydrology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, 050040, Kazakhstan
School of Engineering and Digital Science, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster, Nazarbayev University, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Center of Physical Chemical Methods of Research and Analysis
Department of Analytical
Department of Meteorology and Hydrology
School of Engineering and Digital Science
The Environment & Resource Efficiency Cluster
10 лет помогаем публиковать статьи Международный издатель
Книга Публикация научной статьи Волощук 2026 Book Publication of a scientific article 2026