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AIR POLLUTION AND ITS ANALYSIS IN NAVOI CITY DURING 2020–2021
Toshturdiyev Nurbek Nurali ugli
National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek
Faculty of Physics, Department of Hydrometeorology
3
rd
year student
Phone: +998 88 910 42 46
Email:
nurbektoshturdiyev86@gmail.com
Abstract:
This scientific article presents information on air pollution and its analysis in Navoi
city based on observations conducted in 2020–2021. It also includes data on the average values
of meteorological parameters recorded during the observation years and analyzes their impact on
air pollution levels.
Keywords:
Navoi city, atmosphere, air pollutants, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, carbon
monoxide, precipitation, wind, fog.
In today’s globalized world, the scope of environmental issues associated with human
development is expanding rapidly. While industrialization, urbanization, and technological
advancements contribute to socio-economic prosperity, they also give rise to acute
environmental problems, particularly atmospheric air pollution. From this perspective, studying
and evaluating air quality indicators in highly industrialized regions, including Navoi city, has
become a pressing scientific priority.
Navoi city is not only a major industrial center in Uzbekistan, but also one of the largest in
Central Asia. The mining-metallurgical, chemical, construction materials, and energy industries
located here play a significant role in the region’s economic development. However, this
progress comes at a considerable environmental cost — thousands of tons of industrial emissions
are released into the atmosphere annually, leading to an increase in air pollution levels.
This article provides a scientific analysis of the state of air pollution in Navoi city during 2020–
2021, identifying the main sources of pollutants, their composition, and their harmful
consequences. The objective is to assess changes in air quality based on statistical and
environmental monitoring data, identify existing ecological risks, and develop recommendations
to eliminate them. These analyses are crucial for protecting the air, maintaining environmental
sustainability, and ensuring the ecological health of the population.As highlighted in our
previous studies, Navoi has a sharply continental climate with very low levels of precipitation,
and winds vary in strength and direction. These meteorological parameters can contribute to the
stagnation and spread of air pollutants for prolonged periods. Below are the average annual
values of the meteorological parameters observed in Navoi city for the years 2020 and 2021.
Table 1.
Meteorological parameters observed in 2020–2021
Average Annual Values
Long-Term
Indicators
Year 2020
Year 2021
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795
Number of days with
precipitation
65
42
37
Average wind speed (m/s)
2,3
3,2
3,0
Frequency of wind speed
0–1 m/s, %
44,3
46,9
15,3
Frequency of fog in cold
months (%)
7,1
3
1
As can be seen from the table data, the recorded values during the observation years were
significantly lower compared to the long-term average values. The amount of precipitation has
shown a decreasing trend year by year. This contributes to the longer persistence of air pollutants
and particulate matter in the region. For a more in-depth analysis, it is necessary to examine the
monthly distribution of meteorological parameters recorded during these years.
Table 2.
Meteorological characteristics of the city for the year 2020.
№
Meteorological
Parameters
Months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
1. Number of days
with precipitation
7
8
3
5
6
1
0
0
1
0
1
7
2. Frequency of
foggy days (%)
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
1
3. Wind speed 0–1
m/s
17 15 15 12 13 7
18 14 18 17 14 12
4. Percentage of
calm
(windless)
days (%)
32
13
10
4
18
8
10
4
23
9
16
7
20
8
26
10
36
16
28
11
35
11
68
27
Table 3.
Meteorological characteristics of the city for the year 2021.
№
Meteorological
Parameters
Months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10 11 12
1. Number of days
with precipitation
6
6
12 1
3
1
0
0
0
4
1
3
2. Frequency of
foggy days (%)
0
0
1
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
3. Wind speed 0–1
m/s
19 21 23 21 26 25 15 24 19 19 21 17
4. Percentage of
calm
(windless)
days (%)
29
11
24
10
12
5
10
4
20
8
19
9
14
6
20
8
15
6
23
9
21
9
35
14
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Figure 1. Monthly distribution of days with precipitation in Navoi city during 2020–2021.
According to the data and the graph, the number of days with recorded precipitation in 2021 was
lower compared to 2020. Only in March and October was the opposite trend observed. As
mentioned above, the amount of precipitation also has an impact on air pollution levels in the
atmosphere.
Figure 2. Monthly distribution of wind speed in Navoi city during 2020-2021.
One of the meteorological factors affecting air pollution is wind. Wind speed and direction have
a significant impact on the dispersion of pollutants and contamination levels in urban areas.
Comparing wind speed variations in Navoi city during 2020-2021, the wind speeds recorded in
2021 were higher than those in 2020. This, in turn, greatly influences the spread of dust particles
in the air.
Air pollution is characterized by the concentration of pollutants and dust particles present in the
atmosphere. The largest contributors to air pollution include dust particles, sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen oxides, ammonia, and other gases. Below are the indicators of air pollution in Navoi
city for the years 2020-2021:
Table 3.
Characteristics of Air Pollution in the Territory of Navoi City (in mg/m³)
№
Pollutant Gases
Average
Values
(mg/m³)
Maximum Values
(mg/m³)
Number
of
Observations
2020
2021
2020
2021
2020
2021
01 Dust
0,10
0,10
0,52
1,1
897
913
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02 Sulfur dioxide
0,005
0,007
0,030
0,022
2572
1828
05 Nitrogen dioxide
1
1
3.5
5
897
913
06 Nitric oxide
0,05
0,05
0,11
0,12
2572
1828
07 Ozone
0,04
0,03
0,11
0,09
897
913
10 Phenol
0,011
0,010
0,023
0,027
288
286
19 Ammonia
0,002
0,001
0,006
0,009
879
913
Results of atmospheric monitoring conducted during 2020–2021 indicate that the air quality in
Navoi city varied from year to year. Based on data collected at monitoring stations, the
concentrations of main pollutant components were assessed: particulate matter (PM), sulfur
dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NO and NO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and other gases.
By the end of 2021, the following main changes were observed:
Particulate Matter (PM): In 2021, the concentration of particulate matter significantly increased
compared to 2020. This rise is mainly associated with the activities of thermal power plants,
increased vehicular traffic, and the uncontrolled release of industrial emissions. High
concentrations of particulate matter in the atmosphere pose risks not only environmentally but
also to public health.
Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂): The amount of this gas in 2021 exceeded average norms. This indicator is
directly related to the operations of the Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Complex and other
industrial enterprises, particularly the combustion of coal and other sulfur-containing fuels. SO₂
is an irritant to the respiratory tract, and high atmospheric levels can exacerbate respiratory
diseases.
Nitrogen Oxides (NOₓ): Nitrogen oxide concentrations showed an upward trend reaching peak
values in 2021. This increase is mainly explained by the rise in vehicle numbers, poor fuel
quality, and high traffic density. Nitrogen oxides are key contributors to the formation of
photochemical smog in the atmosphere.
Other Gases (Carbon Monoxide (CO), Methane (CH₄), Ozone (O₃), etc.): According to
monitoring data, concentrations of these gases remained nearly stable between 2020 and 2021.
Only their peak values showed some increase in 2021. This stability indicates that their sources
remained relatively constant, mainly associated with household emissions, small enterprises, and
natural factors.
The observed changes may be influenced by the following factors:
-
Increase in industrial production volume, especially in mining and metallurgy sectors;
-
Growth in automobile transport, particularly older vehicles operating without ecological
control;
-
Insufficient filtration in heating systems;
-
Dust accumulation from open areas and roads around the city.
These results are of significant scientific and practical importance for regular atmospheric
monitoring, early detection of ecological hazards, and implementation of mitigation measures.
In conclusion, analyses of atmospheric air quality in Navoi city during 2020–2021 demonstrate
relative changes in concentrations of certain harmful gases. Specifically, particulate matter,
sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides increased in 2021 compared to the previous year. These
changes are directly related to industrial activities, increased vehicle traffic, and weak
environmental control. Concentrations of other pollutants such as carbon monoxide and methane
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remained largely unchanged, indicating stable emission sources. Nonetheless, the increase in
concentrations of some gases poses ecological risks. Such atmospheric conditions in the city may
negatively affect human health in the long term, particularly impacting respiratory and
cardiovascular systems. Therefore, based on these data, it is necessary for relevant state
authorities and industrial enterprises to strengthen environmental measures, improve monitoring
systems, and implement practical actions to reduce pollution sources.
References:
1.
Navoi City Atmospheric Pollution Reports for 2020-2021. Navoi Regional
Hydrometeorology Department.
2.
State Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection of the Republic of
Uzbekistan. National Reports on the State of the Environment and its Protection in the Republic
of Uzbekistan for 2020–2021. – Tashkent: Ecology Committee Publishing, 2022.
3.
Hydrometeorology Service Center (Uzhydromet). Annual Statistical Bulletins on
Atmospheric Air Monitoring (2020–2021). – Tashkent, 2022.
4.
Karimov O., Abdurahmonov M. “Ekologiya va atrof-muhit muhofazasi asoslari”. –
Toshkent: O‘qituvchi, 2020. – 210 b.
5.
Salomov I., Tursunov S. “Atmosfera havosining ifloslanishi va inson salomatligiga
ta’siri”. // “O‘zMU Ilmiy axborotnomasi”, 2021, №3 (91). – B. 112–117
6.
World Health Organization (WHO). “Ambient air pollution: Health impacts and
recommended limits” – Geneva, WHO Publications, 2021.
