SO2 Levels at Forested Mountains around Izmir, Turkey and their Possible Sources.

Daily average SO₂ concentrations were measured during August 1999–September 2000 period in the mountains around Izmir. Sampling devices to collect integrated daily SO₂ samples were located at four different sites. These sites were Yamanlar Mountain in the north, Tekketepe height of Karabelen Mountain in the south, and two mountain villages (Kiziluzum and Bespinar) located east of Izmir. Samples were analyzed by using standard methods. Maximum daily SO₂ concentrations up to 433 μg m^-3 were found with the average values ranging between 75–135 μg m^-3 per day at the four mountain stations. Annual mean values were above the threshold levels acceptable for the health of trees. It is concluded that such high SO₂ pollution might have caused the noted decline in the forests. In order to decide the sources of such high levels of pollution on the forested mountains, trajectory analyses were carried out. Results obtained at Tekketepe station are given in this article and they point to the fractional contributions of dense industrial areas around Izmir, to the forested heights of Tekketepe. Local topography and location of industrial zones around the city are seen to have a strong effect on the deteriorated air quality over the mountains. The annual and seasonal averages and ten maximum daily measurements at the Tekketepe sampling site indicate that the highest contribution to the deterioration of air quality is associated with the northerly wind sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]