Dispersion model on PM2.5 fugitive dust and trace metals levels in Kuwait Governorates

Frequent dust storms and recent environmental changes were found to affect the human health especially in residents of arid countries. Investigations on the PM2.5 fugitive dust in six Kuwait Governorate areas using dispersion Gaussian plume modeling revealed significant relationship between low rate of pollutant emission, low wind velocity, and stable weather conditions' matrix causing high rate of dust deposition in summer than in winter. The rate of dust deposition and trace metals levels in PM2.5 were in the sequence of G-VI > G-I > G-II > G-V > G-III > G-IV. Trace metals were observed in the sequence of Al > Fe > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd irrespective of the Governorate areas and the two seasons. The high rate of dust deposition and trace metals in PM2.5 was reflected by the vast open area, wind velocity, and rapid industrialization besides natural and anthropogenic sources. A combination of air dispersion modeling and nephalometric and gravimetric studies of this kind not only determines the seasonal qualitative and quantitative analyses on the PM2.5 dust deposition besides trace metals apportionment in six Kuwait Governorate areas, but also characterizes air pollution factors that could be used by environmentalist to deduce preventive measures.