Air Quality Assessment in Konya City Center during First Half of 2020 Year

Abstract: In regions where the industry is very high developed, provincial centers where traffic is heavy and settlements where winter is cold, low-quality fossil fuel consumption affects quality of life especially in people with respiratory diseases. The topographic structure and climatic features of a region are as effective as emission sources in the formation of air pollution. Especially in the winter months, there is no increase in the emission levels as the temperature decreases. However, the negativity caused by meteorological conditions causes lower than expected levels of air quality. Using the data of the existing air quality monitoring station in the Konya city center, it is seen that the air quality increases and then returns to normal levels during the period when curfew is restricted for measures taken due to the covid-19 outbreak. The restrictions that cause the reduction of vehicle exhaust emissions, which are important factors in the formation of some air pollutants, are thought to be effective in improving the air quality. This should not be neglected; as meteorological conditions are effective on the days when air pollution occurs. For this reason, the changes in the air quality should be examined in more detail. It is thought that the reduction in HC, NOx and CO emissions, which can be evaluated as exhaust emissions, will be an effective factor due to the restrictions. In parallel with the decrease in air pollution, the increase in O3 values increased by the sun rays in the atmosphere with the formation of O3 in the clean air. In addition, atmospheric ozone reduces NOx, CO and HC compounds from the air pollutants by oxidizing them with the reactions it creates. It is estimated that the pollutants present in the air before the restriction will cause a decrease in the ozone values, and the increase in the air quality will cause an increase in the ozone values.