Istanbul air pollution increases by 3 percent

A study conducted by Istanbul Technical University (ITU) reveals that particulate matter (PM10) air pollution in Istanbul increased by 3 percent in September compared to the same period last year. Professor Dr. Hüseyin Toros analyzed data from 24 air quality monitoring stations operated by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality.

The average PM10 concentration was recorded at 29.33 micrograms per cubic meter, up from 28.38 micrograms in the previous year. The highest pollution levels were detected at the Sultangazi 3 station (61.73 micrograms), followed by Kağıthane 1 and Sultangazi 2. Conversely, the lowest levels were found at the Kandilli 1 station (12.96 micrograms).

While pollution decreased in 15 stations, it rose in 9 others. The most significant increases occurred in Çatladıkapı and Sultangazi 2, while Beylikdüzü saw the largest decrease. Experts noted that air quality is influenced by meteorological conditions, such as wind speed and direction, as well as human activities including traffic, industry, and heating.