This research essay will aim to differentiate the levels of atmospheric pollution between the two cities of Sharjah and Dubai through the usage of extensive primary data collection and established secondary data. There are six key factors: a general consensus, weather conditions and visibility, air pollution indices, traffic counts, city-specific lists and governmental data.
Air Pollution within the UAE is a prevalent issue and has been for decades on end. The situation only seems to be getting worse, due to the collateral effects of urbanization. Dubai expects to host 25 million new visitors, thus the city looks to expand its urban sprawl, taking into account new construction projects, a greater population influx and higher numbers of vehicular usage (motorisation).
Worldpopulationreview.com reported that Dubai's population has been increasing at a rate of 10.3% as of late 2016, making it one of the world's fastest-growing cities. Sharjah on the other hand, a city 30km away from Dubai, also seems to be expanding, through growing industrial activity and a greater number of labour and working-class residents settling in the Emirate within a relatively small surface area.
A high frequency of factories litter Sharjah's industrial areas, and densely packed traffic of heavy vehicles going to and coming from Dubai feed into the fumes released into the atmosphere. Moreover, both cities lie close to Dubai International Airport, one of the world's busiest and most crowded airports. Lastly, Dubai possesses a greater density of vegetation per sq km due to scattered golf courses, green neighbourhoods and public parks. As for Sharjah, it is clear that a majority of the land area is occupied by residential buildings, factories and offices; with fewer parks and vegetational cover.
It is evident that a myriad of factors come into play when determining the levels of air pollution between the two cities and it is crucial to compare the various effects and impacts of air pollution on the people of each city.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Aim
3. Methodology
4. Area of Study
4.1 Area 1. Saheel Main Street, Arabian Ranches, Dubai
4.2 Area 2. Jamal Abdul Nasser Street, Majaz, Sharjah
5. Data
5.1 Data 2.1 – Traffic count (Dubai)
5.2 Data 2.2 – Traffic count (Sharjah)
5.3 Data 3.1 – Visibility Photographs
5.4 Data 4.1: Air quality index
5.5 Data 4.2
6. Conclusion
7. Evaluation
7.1 Weaknesses in this report
7.2 Strengths in this report
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This report aims to compare air quality levels between Dubai and Sharjah to determine which city experiences higher pollution, while identifying the primary causes and health impacts on their respective populations.
- Comparison of vehicular usage through traffic counts
- Analysis of air quality indices and pollutant concentrations
- Visual assessment of atmospheric visibility and landscape quality
- Survey of resident health symptoms related to air pollution
- Evaluation of industrial proximity and urban planning factors
Excerpt from the Book
Listing the major pollutants:
PM2.5- Particulate matter are tiny, fine particles suspended in the lower troposphere and consists of a mixture of solid and liquid particles able to enter small spaces, thus creating cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses, (Donaldson, K. and MacNee, W. (2019)). Their density allows them to remain low in the atmosphere and is responsible for creating a hazy appearing in the sky. As recorded by the index, Sharjah had higher levels of PM2.5 during both days. Once 98 and once 70 in Sharjah, the higher amounts are evident in the visibility photographs taken earlier, where Sharjah’s horizon appeared hazier and off white closer to the surface, in contrast to Dubai’s photographs, which had a bluer colour close to the surface.
PM10- The main difference between PM2.5 and PM10 is the size difference. PM10’s diameter range is 10 micrometres to 2.5 and PM2.5’s range is 2.5 or less. PM 10 has the potential to cause asthma, bronchitis, strokes and cardiovascular difficulties, according to Marlborough.govt.nz. (2019).
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: Provides the context of urbanization and industrial activity in Dubai and Sharjah as drivers for air pollution.
Aim: Defines the research objectives, including data gathering, hypothesis testing, and impact assessment.
Methodology: Details the primary research approach using resident questionnaires and secondary observational data collection.
Area of Study: Describes the specific urban environments in Dubai and Sharjah chosen for comparative analysis.
Data: Presents empirical findings including traffic counts, visibility photography, and air quality index comparisons.
Conclusion: Summarizes findings, confirming the hypothesis that Sharjah faces higher air pollution levels than Dubai.
Evaluation: Critically assesses the report's methodology, highlighting limitations like sample size and temporal factors, alongside its research strengths.
Keywords
Air Pollution, Dubai, Sharjah, PM2.5, PM10, Traffic Density, Urbanization, Public Health, Respiratory Illness, Carbon Footprint, Industrial Activity, Environmental Quality, Sustainability, Vehicular Emissions, Visibility Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research report?
The report investigates and compares the levels of air pollution between Dubai and Sharjah, analyzing both primary and secondary data to understand environmental and health implications.
Which key factors were used to evaluate the pollution levels?
The evaluation was based on six factors: general consensus from residents, weather and visibility, air quality indices, traffic counts, city-specific lists, and government-provided data.
What is the core hypothesis of the study?
The central hypothesis is that Dubai’s air quality is superior to that of Sharjah, a claim that the study aimed to verify through data collection.
What methodology was applied to gather primary data?
The author utilized questionnaires involving 50 residents across both cities and performed controlled traffic counts at specific observation points.
What is the main subject covered in the report's core chapters?
The core chapters focus on quantifying vehicular emissions, examining the visibility of city skylines due to particulate matter, and comparing pollution data from multiple environmental monitoring sources.
What are the primary keywords characterizing this study?
Key terms include air pollution, particulate matter (PM2.5/PM10), urban planning, vehicular emissions, and comparative urban environmental health.
How does the proximity to industrial areas affect the findings?
The study found that residents in Sharjah are generally closer to industrial activity, which correlates with higher reports of respiratory difficulties compared to residents in Dubai.
What role does the month of Ramadan play in the evaluation?
The author notes that conducting data collection during Ramadan may have altered typical traffic patterns, particularly during evening hours, which is a limiting factor discussed in the evaluation.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Zain Mulk (Autor:in), 2019, A Comparison of the Atmospheric Pollution Between The Emirate of Dubai and Sharjah, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/495189
