Determination of spatial distribution and seasonal changes of inorganic pollutants with using passive sampling in Kütahya region

Kütahya is one of the cities with high air pollution in Turkey. In this study, gaseous inorganic air pollutants; nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3) were measured at 108 sampling points covering an area of 130 km x 120 km within Kütahya, for winter and summer seasons by using passive samplers. Spatial distribution of the pollutants were investigated by a geographical information system and the pollution distribution map of the city was created. In winter season, highest SO2 concentrations were measured in the city center, and also the sampling points around the power plants. The highest SO2 concentration was 139.1 µg/m3 and average value was 69.5±28.6 µg/m3. The highest NO2 concentration 56.9 µg/m3 was obtained in the city center. The average value was 12.5±11.4 µg/m3. Contrary to NO2, O3 concentrations were found to be lower in the city center, and higher at the rural points. The highest ozone concentration was 133.8 µg/m3 and average value was 56.4±24.6 µg/m3. According to summer season results, highest NO2 concentrations were measured in the city center. The highest NO2 concentration was 21.4 µg/m3 and average value was 4.8±4.2 µg/m3. The highest ozone concentration was 176.1 µg/m3 and average value was 83.0±27.2 µg/m3. The highest values of NO2 concentrations which were observed in the city center can be associated with the lowest value of O3 concentrations at the same points. The highest SO2 concentration was observed around the Seyitömer Thermal Power Plant and this value was 111.1 µg/m3 and average concentration was 55.6±19.3 µg/m3. Keywords: Nitrogen dioxide, Sulfur dioxide, Ozone, Passive Sampling, Spatial and temporal distribution, Kütahya.