Temporary change of air pollution in Kayseri and its relationship with geographical conditions

With the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, urbanization, the use of fossil fuels and the increase in the number of motor vehicles all over the world; This caused an increase in the concentration of pollutants such as methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2), which reduced the quality of the inhaled air. In this study, the effects of air pollution in the city of Kayseri, its temporal variation and its relationship with geographical conditions were evaluated. Within the scope of the research, Hürriyet, Organized Industrial Zone (OIZ) and Traffic air quality measurement stations in Kocasinan and Melikgazi districts; Using the data covering the years 2008-2021, in the city; It is aimed to evaluate the temporal (months and years) change of air pollution and the factors affecting this change. For this purpose; monthly average sulfur dioxide (SO2) and particulate matter (PM10) data of 3 stations in the city were analyzed. In addition, meteorological parameters belonging to the 7th Regional Meteorology Directorate of Kayseri and atmospheric pollutants were associated. Mann-Kendall, one of the non-parametric tests, was used to determine the presence and magnitude of the trend in the time series. In the research area, SO2 and PM10 values are highest at Hürriyet station and lowest at OSB station. It is thought that this situation is caused by the settlement and the denser traffic at the Hürriyet station. Depending on the annual average temperature and winter temperatures in Kayseri, fossil fuel consumption due to heating increases in a part of the year. PM10 and SO2 levels decreased in the research area between 2008-2021 due to the increase in natural gas use, legal regulations and increase in winter temperatures. However, the averages are still above the WHO limits. In order to minimize air pollution, it is necessary to expand the use of natural gas, to make necessary legal arrangements and to raise awareness of the society.