Assessment of air pollution in terms particulate matter (PM) in urban areas in Prishtina

Abstract

Air pollution is one the most significant problems in the present days. Exposure to particulate matter (PM)
has been associated with a wide range of effects on health, but effects on mortality are arguably the most
important, and are also most amenable to global assessment. Degradation of the atmospheric environment is
intensified during the last years in the major cities of Kosovo. The main current air pollution sources in
Kosovo are: KEC that includes thermal power plants (Kosova A and Kosova B) and lignite mines in Obiliq,
Industrial complex in Mitrovicë, Ferronikeli in Gllogovc, Cement factory - SharrCem in Hani i Elezit, etc.
The purpose of our work was the study of air pollution over Prishtina (Kosovo) region, to present the
environment pollution from particulate matter and air pollution sources. Particulate matter (PM10 PM 2.5) is a
type of air pollution that is generated by a variety of human activities, can travel long distances in the
atmosphere and causes a wide range of diseases and a significant reduction of life expectancy in most of the
population of Europe. These particles originate from a variety of sources, such as power plants, industrial
processes, diesel trucks, and they are formed in the atmosphere by transformation of gaseous emissions.
Measurement campaigns were carried out in several area, at two different points, and four different periods in
urban centre of Prishtina, during the year 2010-2011.