High concentration of air pollution in Sarajevo, Zenica and Tuzla

Concentrations of pollutants in the air are significantly elevated, especially in basin areas, population and industrial centers, according to data from the Federal Hydrometeorological Institute, reports the BiH news agency Patria.

In Zenica, according to measurements at 3 PM, sulfur dioxide values ranged from 320 to 460 µg/m3 at stations in the city center. Floating particle (PM10) values range from 190 to 290 µg/m3.

In Tuzla at 3 PM, sulfur dioxide values measured at stations in the city center ranged from 310 to 410 µg/m3. Floating particle (PM 2.5) values in the city center were around 400 µg/m3.

In Sarajevo, extremely high concentrations of floating particles (PM10) were recorded - 300 µg/m3.
High, but slightly lower than in the aforementioned cities, are the concentrations of sulfur dioxide and particles in Živinice, Lukavac and Jajce.

Canton governments, or municipalities, will act in accordance with the Rulebooks on Measures for Reducing Excessive Pollution and will declare special states (readiness or alarm) if the conditions defined by these documents are met. The conditions for declaring an Alarm state have not yet been met in any of the mentioned cities.
The expected development of the meteorological situation in our country in the next two days favors stagnation or a slight increase in concentrations compared to today's values.

On Sunday, January 11, in the afternoon, a destabilization of the atmosphere is expected, accompanied by somewhat stronger winds and precipitation, which will lead to a reduction in pollution. The main reasons for increased pollution are:

1. Geographical conditions for the formation of an atmospheric inversion layer as a medium for the accumulation of pollutants;
2. Industry and energy (primarily thermal power plants, coking plants, steel mills);
3. Households (coal heating);
4. Traffic (poor traffic infrastructure, high emissions from older vehicles)