Air Quality in the Area Surrounding the Libyan Iron and Steel Company in Misrata City, Northwestern Libya

Abstract

Some industrial facilities in the city of Misrata emit gaseous and particulate pollutants that may adversely affect human health and the environment, as is the case at the Libyan Iron and Steel Company (LISCO). In this study, the ambient air quality in the area surrounding the Libyan Iron and Steel Company in Misrata was monitored and assessed over a full year, covering all four seasons. The results indicated that sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), ammonia (NH₃), and chlorine (Cl₂) were not detected in the study area. This is a positive finding that can be utilized in directing the priorities of future environmental studies and activities. The findings also showed that nitrogen oxide concentrations were elevated at certain times and at some monitoring locations both inside and outside the company's perimeter. In general, the measured concentrations suggested that conditions were relatively safe, owing to the open nature of the area, which facilitates air movement and reduces pollutant accumulation. At the same time, this limits the presence of toxic secondary pollutants associated with nitrogen oxides, such as ground-level ozone. The results further revealed that particulate pollutants, including dust and respirable particulate matter, constitute the most significant environmental concern in the study area. High dust concentrations were generally recorded in the ambient air of the region, and a noticeable increase in respirable particulate matter concentrations was also observed.