Comparative Analysis of Outdoor Particulate Matter Concentrations in Ulaanbaatar Using Direct Measurements and Fixed Monitoring Station Data
- VernacularTitle:Улаанбаатар хотын гадна орчны тоосонцрын агууламжийг шууд болон суурин харуулын цэгийн үзүүлэлттэй харьцуулан судалсан нь
- Author:
Ulziikhutag B
1
;
Enkhjargal G
1
;
Buyantushig B
1
;
Nyamsuren B
2
;
Shatar Sh
2
;
Gantuya D
2
;
Myagmarchuluun S
1
;
Gregory Gray
3
;
Junfeng Zhang
4
;
Ulziimaa D
5
;
Damdindorj B
5
;
Davaalkham D
6
Author Information
1. Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, MNUMS
2. Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics
3. University of Texas Medical Branch, USA
4. Duke University, USA
5. MNUMS
6. School of Public Health, MNUMS
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Air pollution, Low-cost sensor, PM2.5
- From:
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences
2025;89(5):112-117
- CountryMongolia
- Language:Mongolian
-
Abstract:
Backgroun:Air pollution is a major global public health concern that poses serious risks to human health regardless of
a country’s level of economic or technological development. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021),
nine out of ten people worldwide breathe polluted air, and air pollution is responsible for the deaths of approximately
800 people every hour and 13 people every minute. Prolonged exposure to polluted air has been linked to a wide range
of chronic illnesses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung and bronchial cancers, asthma, and
stroke. In Mongolia, air pollution reaches its highest levels during the winter months, particularly in Ulaanbaatar, where
the majority of the country’s population resides. A study conducted by Enkhjargal G. (2012) reported that the concentrations
of PM10 and PM2.5 in Ulaanbaatar were 7–8 times higher than the WHO recommended guidelines. In response
to such challenges, many countries have increasingly adopted low-cost, direct measurement devices such as PurpleAir
to monitor air quality. These devices are valued for their accessibility, network connectivity, and potential role in smart
city pollution management systems. Despite their global application, there remains a lack of research in Mongolia on the
use of PurpleAir sensors to measure PM2.5 concentrations and compare the results with official monitoring station data.
Addressing this gap is essential for improving local air quality monitoring capacity and informing effective public health
and environmental policies.
Aim:Determination of PM2.5 particulate matter pollution in the outdoor environment of Ulaanbaatar city using a direct
measurement device (Purple Air).
Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study design was employed. Direct measurement devices (Purple Air) were
installed in selected districts of central Ulaanbaatar between December 2024 and February 2025, measuring PM2.5 concentrations
at two-minute intervals over 24-hour periods. All data were statistically processed and analyzed using the
SPSS-26 software package.
Results:The average concentration of PM2.5 particles in the air of Ulaanbaatar city in winter is 66.68 μg/m3. Compared
to the districts, the highest concentration was determined in SKHD (118.58±90.22 μg/m3), while the lowest concentration
was determined in KHUD (42.37±43.51 μg/m3). Compared to the days of the week, the highest concentrations were measured
on Monday (76.68±71.98 μg/m³), Saturday (77.50±71.63 μg/m³), and Sunday (80.34±74.45 μg/m³). The highest
concentration of PM2.5 particles occurred from 6 pm to 1 am, and the lowest concentration was measured during the day
(between 2 pm and 4 pm). The highest concentration of PM2.5 was measured in December (74.22±73.45 μg/m3), while
the lowest concentration was measured in February (50.25±57.44 μg/m3).
Conclusion:The concentration of PM2.5 in the air of Ulaanbaatar city is 1.7 times higher than the general standard and
technical requirements of Mongolia in winter, and the highest concentration is in the SKHD. The highest concentration of
PM2.5 occurs more often in December and at night than in the winter months.
- Full text:2025121010585939695Улаанбаатар хотын гадна орчны тоосонцрын агууламжийг шууд болон суурин харуулын.pdf
