Abstract
This work has been devoted to study TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 in the atmosphere of Makkah and Mina valley during Ramadan and Hajj periods, 1424 and 1425 H. On the occasion of Hajj, about 2.5 million persons gather in Makkah and move to Mina valley (4 km(2)), 7 km outside east of Makkah. Pilgrims spend 3 nights in the valley. Congested traffic and the high rates of emissions in such a valley of small area coupled with severe weather conditions, make the area ideal for the accumulation of air pollutants. The present investigation shows that the diurnal cycle of PM10 in air coincides with the pattern of traffic movements. Particulate matters (PM10) daily concentrations in the atmosphere of Mina valley ranged between 191 - 262 mu g/m(3) during the presence of pilgrims in Mina compared to the European standard of 50 mu g/m(3). These concentrations represent 34% - 40% of TSP. Moreover, TSP concentrations reached 665 mu g/m(3) in Makkah atmosphere during the last ten days of Ramadan compared to the Saudi standard of 340 mu g/m(3). Chemical analysis of PM10 indicated high levels of sulphates, ammonium, nitrates and chlorides. For example, the concentrations of nitrates and sulphates of PM10 were about 4.9% and 6.1% respectively, compared to 2.1% of nitrates and 2.7% of sulphates in TSP. Health dangers that might be encountered by pilgrims due to these pollutants were estimated. It is recommended to set a well planned air quality management program to protect the air of Makkah