A Study on Air Pollution Levels in Kabul City, Afghanistan

Abstract

This study examines the air pollutant concentration levels, emission, sources, and variability of air pollutants in Kabul City, Afghanistan, through a comprehensive two-year air quality assessment (2022–2023). Data were collected using stationary monitoring devices operated by the National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) at the Darul-Aman urban district, with seasonal analysis supported by the Air Quality Laboratory (AQL). Results revealed pronounced seasonal trends: ozone (O₃) eight-hour averages consistently exceeded 100 μg/m³ during winter months (January–March and December) in both years, reflecting increased precursor emissions and stagnant atmospheric conditions. Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exhibited bimodal peaks, with elevated concentrations in January–March and July 2022, followed by a shift to July–August in 2023, suggesting changing traffic or industrial emission patterns. Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) levels were highest in January and December, correlating with heightened fossil fuel combustion for heating. Carbon monoxide (CO) onehour averages persistently breached national standards, underscoring chronic exposure risks. Particulate matter analysis showed that PM₁₀ 24-hour concentrations in 2022 complied with standards except in winter months (January–February and December), but 2023 saw widespread exceedances (all months except April), indicating escalating pollution. Similarly, PM₂.₅ 24-hour averages in 2022 were substandard only in winter, whereas 2023 violations spanned most months (excluding April–May), implicating growing anthropogenic influences. The Air Quality Index (AQI) transitioned from "good" to "satisfactory" (2022) to predominantly "moderate" (2023) for PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅, signaling accelerating air quality degradation. These trends highlight the interplay of seasonal emissions, meteorological factors, and rising pollution sources. The findings necessitate urgent, seasonally tailored mitigation strategies—such as winter fuel restrictions and year-round traffic controls—to curb Kabul’s deteriorating air quality and associated public health burdens.