Air Pollution in Keşan (Edirne)

Air pollution refers to a phenomenon in which pollutants that are present in various forms in the atmosphere have reached a level that harms humans and other living beings. Human beings are the main reason for this pollution. Human activities form the main source of pollutants (e.g. traffic, industry, heating systems). Natural environment factors also have an influence on pollution, either positively or negatively. Air pollution is one of the top ten risk factors against health throughout the world, which makes it an important problem. Air quality has reached a threatening level in Turkey, too. According to the measurements conducted by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and taken as basis in the present study, the most polluted air in Turkey is in the city center of Keşan. This study aimed at analyzing the air pollution in Keşan city in geographical terms. In this way, the relationship between air pollution and natural and human geography factors in Keşan city was tried to be explored, and the causes and results of pollution were discussed. The results of this research, which aimed to discuss the findings concerning the sources of air pollution in Keşan city as well as the reduction and control of pollution, are important as they provide geographic information to the people, institutions, and organizations working on these issues. The air pollution measurement data (2013-2015) obtained by Edirne Provincial Directorate of Environment and Forest were used in this study. The study was conducted based on 1:25,000 topographic maps. The findings indicated that SO₂ (sulfur dioxide) rate (2746 ug/m³) is much above the standard limit value, and the main pollutant of air is this gas stemming from the heating systems in which poor quality fuel is used. It was also found that the city has climatic and especially topographic conditions leading to air pollution. The main factor causing this situation is the position of Keşan city. It is located in an area that is lower compared to its surrounding and whose depth is lower than its width. It is closed to the prevailing wind direction. It was determined that air pollution covers a big part of the year as the heating period is from October to May. Hence, natural gas use must start in Keşan city as soon as possible. In addition, the use of poor quality coal must be banned, and all the coal entering the district must be checked. Moreover, Keşan Municipality’s practices aimed at preventing air pollution must be maintained. Appropriate air pollution management plans and action strategies must be developed so that all the factors leading to or increasing air pollution in Keşan city can be eliminated. Furthermore, activities aimed at raising the consciousness of the society must be accelerated.