Secretary Environment Protection and Climate Change Department (EP&CCD) Ms. Silwat Saeed chaired a key meeting concerning SUPARCO’s latest findings on air quality management. During the session, SUPARCO presented an interim study titled “Source Apportionment of Atmospheric Particulate Matter for Informed Decision Making in Punjab,” which included analysis of pollutant sources, their seasonal variations, and trends.
The meeting thoroughly reviewed critical factors affecting air quality, including seasonal and species-specific contributions to PM2.5 particles. SUPARCO’s analysis notably addressed Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI) trends, emphasizing the impact of atmospheric pollutants on the environment.
Technical methodologies presented in the session included Directional Source Identification using Conditional Probability Function (CPF) and Conditional Source Probability Strength (CSPS) analysis. Furthermore, participants explored pollution sources through advanced techniques, notably Backward Trajectory and Cluster Analysis utilizing the Hybrid Single Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) model, thereby identifying principal emission sources and their geographical origins.
The session was attended by prominent officials including Director General of Environment Protection Agency Dr. Imran Hamid, Director (ML&I) Ms. Nusrat Naz, and other senior dignitaries from the relevant departments, who contributed valuable insights on the findings to facilitate informed policy decision-making aimed at improving air quality in Punjab.
