Air Pollution Analysis in the Republic of North Macedonia

Year 2021, Volume: 16 Issue: 3, 91 - 98, 30.09.2021

Asan Idrizi

Abstract

Abstract
Purpose of the paper. - The Republic of North Macedonia for many years is among countries with high pollution rates of the atmosphere. Based on that fact, the purpose of this paper is to ascertain which are the polluting substances, why is this concerning, what are the consequences of the pollution and what actions have to be taken to improve this situation.
Methodology of research. - Our research is based on data analysis collected from Automatic Monitoring System for air pollutants, that function within the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning. Initially, we have found the average of monthly and annual values and compared them to the limited values allowed per year. We have also analysed how these values have changed during winter and summer seasons, comparing with the level of pollution that was present at the time the Jugokrom Ferroalloys plant was working.
Results. - The results show that since 2012 we have been constantly polluted with PM10 and PM2.5 particles on levels many times higher than allowed. Whereas, in times when the plant has not worked we have had a decrease in the level of pollution for several times.
Conclusions. - We can conclude that the environmental pollution is strongly impacted by the use of different types of fuel combustion during which PM10 and PM2.5 particles are released, which according to the WHO are classified among the first group of carcinogenic particles. This has led to increased diseases and cancer mortality.

Keywords

air pollution,, combustion fuels,, PM10 and PM2.5 particles,, average values,, pollution monitoring.

References

• Reference1 https://www.numbeo.com/pollution/rankings.jsp
• Reference2 http://off.net.mk/vesti/makedonija/tetovo-i-oficijalno-e-najzagadeniot-grad-vo-evropa
• Reference3 Data from the study of master thesis: I. Asan (2007)