The problem of air pollution in Armenia arose back in the Soviet years, when the machine-building, metalworking, non-ferrous metalworking, chemical, food and light industry branches were developing in the republic. Various enterprises were established and operated in large cities and communities of the republic.
In 1988 As a result of the earthquake and the collapse of the Soviet Union, about 200 large industrial enterprises stopped operating in the country, causing huge damage to the entire economy. Then, in the post-Soviet years, some enterprises gradually started to recover, but not in the previous volumes.
At present, the atmospheric air of the Republic of Armenia is mainly polluted with dust, the main sources of which are the climatic conditions, the mining industry and the operation of open pits, processing industry and construction. The average annual concentration of dust exceeds the permissible limit concentration (MLC) mainly in the cities of Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Hrazdan, Ararat. The high dust content in the cities of Hrazdan and Ararat is caused by the cement production on site. High levels of sulfur dioxide were previously observed in the cities of Alaverdi and Vanadzor, where mining and chemical industries operated. In recent years, the main emissions of sulfur dioxide come from the processing industry. The city of Yerevan is mainly polluted with nitrogen dioxide as a result of transport, processing industry, as well as mining industry and open pit operation.
The evaluation of the indicator was carried out for the city of Vanadzor.
Observations of dust, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide are carried out at three monitoring stations in Vanadzor city. In 2023, the average annual concentrations of indicators determined in the atmospheric air of the city of Vanadzor did not exceed the relevant STOs. During the year, the average daily concentration of dust in the city exceeded the corresponding TLC by 1.1-3.5 times (82 days). In 26% of the conducted observations, an excess of dust and sulfur dioxide was observed in 12% of the respective STCs. Compared to the previous year, the concentration of sulfur dioxide increased by 18%, the concentration of nitrogen dioxide - by 9%, and the concentration of dust decreased by 18%. 2013-2023 In the atmospheric air of the city of Vanadzor, there is a decreasing tendency of the average annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO2). During the specified period, the maximum concentration of sulfur dioxide was observed in 2013, the minimum concentration was observed in 2023, decreasing about 12 times compared to 2013. 2013-2023 The maximum concentration of dust in the atmospheric air of Vanadzor city was also observed in 2013, and the minimum concentration in 2015, after which a gradual increase in dust concentration is observed until 2018, then a gradual decrease trend is observed from 2021. Atmospheric air pollution has a great impact on both the environment and human health. Sources of pollution can be natural and anthropogenic. Pollution from natural sources is associated with natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, sand and dust storms, etc. Pollutants from anthropogenic sources are mainly the result of the use of chemicals, the burning of fuels used for industry, transportation, household needs, and the accumulation of waste. As a result of global economic growth, energy consumption is also increasing. The use of fossil fuels for energy production leads to air pollution. Replacing non-renewable energy sources (such as fuel) with renewable sources (such as solar and wind energy) can help reduce air pollution. In the modern world, a number of developed countries make a large contribution to the production of "clean energy". At the same time, emphasis is placed on the reduction of waste volumes and their reuse. In order to reduce transport emissions, the number of pedestrians and cyclists is increased, bans and restrictions are placed on the operation of non-environmentally clean cars, preference is given to electric cars and other types of cars that run on biodiesel and hydrogen fuel. Energy-efficient buildings are being built, green zones are increasing in cities. Definition of indicator The indicator describes the number of days of the year or the percentage of the total number of days of the year when the air pollution levels (at least for such harmful air substances as dust, sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2)) exceed the permissible limit concentrations (TLCs). the values. Unit of measurement Exceedances of STCs of harmful substances are measured by the number of days in a year or as a percentage of the total number of days in a year. Justification Rationale for indicator selection The indicator characterizes the state of the environment from the point of view of atmospheric air quality and the negative impact of pollutant concentrations on the population, the environment, vegetation and the general ecosystem. Links (A2)Ambient air quality in urban areas by cities, emissions and years UNECE – Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas. UNECE - Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas Context description National policy context According to the decision of the Republic of Armenia N160-N of February 2, 2006, "On establishing the norms of permissible limit concentrations (concentrations) of atmospheric air pollutants in residential areas" (adopted on February 2, 2006), sulfur dioxide, nitrogen limit permissible concentrations of dioxide, dust. Context of international politics The World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guidelines include 32 substances that pollute the ambient air. ISO 13040 "Air quality" standard or UNECE 2012 standard can be used for monitoring purposes. guidelines for national strategy development, use of air and water quality monitoring as environmental policy instruments. Targets National targets National targets have not yet been set. They are intended to be defined within the framework of approximation measures of the EU Air Directive. International targets According to the EU air directive, the separation of agglomerations, the assessment of the concentration of pollutants in them, the preparation and implementation of air quality improvement plans are required. Uncertainties Methodological uncertainties Methodological uncertainty may be due to data gaps. Data uncertainties No data uncertainties were found. Clarification of ambiguities Uncertainties with data gaps may be due to equipment malfunction. Data sources (A2)Ambient air quality in urban areas by cities, emissions and years UNECE – Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Description of A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas. UNECE - Guidelines for the Application of Environmental Indicators, Glossary of terms – A-2: Ambient air quality in urban areas Subject: Atmospheric air Update frequency: Every year Contact persons: Naira Mandalyan, Gohar Harutyunyan, Ruzanna Safaryan Responsible: "Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center" SNOC Additional information
2013-2023 There is a decreasing tendency of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) concentration in the atmospheric air of Vanadzor city. During the specified period, the maximum concentration of nitrogen dioxide was observed in 2013, the minimum concentration was observed in 2021. The average annual concentration of nitrogen dioxide in 2023 was 6 μg/m3.
As a result of anthropogenic activities, such pollutants as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere. The interaction of their high contents with water, oxygen and other chemical elements can cause precipitation in the form of acid rain.
As a result of atmospheric air pollution, the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from ultraviolet rays, is destroyed. Polluted air has a negative impact on human health. Among the most harmful substances for humans are nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulfur oxides (SOX), ground-level ozone (O3) and dust (including PM2.5 and PM10, particles with a diameter of 2.5 and 10 micrometers). The most dangerous are PM2.5 particles, which are invisible to the naked eye and can penetrate the human body and affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems.
In recent years, Armenia has taken a direction towards energy saving, energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. In this direction, they are implementing a number of reforms, including the production of solar panels, the import and operation of environmentally friendly vehicles (electric cars, electric scooters), as well as the development of projects for the use of wind energy in the future. Along with that, in 2015 The "Organic Agriculture Development" program has been launched in Armenia, as a result of which optimal use of natural resources will be ensured, preserving the environment and biodiversity, and greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced.
Concentrations of harmful substances are measured in μg in 1 m3 of air.
Towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 11.6) by 2030. committed to reducing the per capita negative impact of cities on the environment, including by paying special attention to air quality and the management of domestic and other waste.
Indicator code: A2
Tags: Dust, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, Armenia
Period: 2013-2023
DPSIR: Pressure
Type: Descriptive indicator (Class A – what happens to the environment and people).
Deadlines:
Publication date / last modified: 30/07/2024