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Downtown Abu Dhabi is one of the most polluted areas in capital

However, Al Ain City has been classified as being among the best areas, according to a study conducted by the EA. Concentration of nitrogen dioxide in the centre of Abu Dhabi reaches 270 micrograms in a cubic metre while the permissible limit is 250 micrograms. Downtown Abu Dhabi and surrounding areas register between 250-270 micrograms as compared to 200-250 micrograms in other localities.

Meanwhile, the EA has completed the second phase of its project to determine the impact of current and future development activities on the quality of ambient air in Abu Dhabi, it has been learnt.

The scope of work of the study included analysis of the emissions of gases from industries and vehicular traffic in the Emirate. Several locations have been assigned for fixed and mobile air quality monitoring stations to effectively and comprehensively monitor quality of air in major industrial and residential areas of Abu Dhabi.

The study shows that Habshan and Ruwais areas could be affected by sulphur dioxide emanating from petroleum operations. Petrochemicals plants, power generation stations and vehicles, are the main source of sulphur dioxide, noted the study. It said the third phase of the project features the launch of the central air monitoring network while the fourth stage will see the installation of a best air quality control system.

• UAE