Presence of Pollutants in the Air of The Industrial and Urban Areas of the Municipality of Lukavac

Abstract

Economic, technological, and industrial development, along with rising energy demand in Tuzla Canton, particularly in the municipality of Lukavac has led to increased air pollution and environmental degradation, affecting water and soil quality. This paper analyzes data on air pollutants in the urban and industrial areas of Lukavac for 2018 and 2019. Data for the urban area were obtained from the Ministry of Environmental Protection of Tuzla Canton, while industrial data came from Global Ispat Coke Industry Lukavac. In 2018, sulfur dioxide levels in the urban area exceeded limit values, while PM2.5 and nitrogen oxides were particularly high during winter months due to natural and anthropogenic factors. Carbon monoxide remained within permitted levels. In 2019, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter occasionally exceeded limits, while nitrogen oxides, ozone, and carbon monoxide were below them. In the industrial zone, annual concentrations of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and particulate matter exceeded permitted values in both years, although sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides met regulatory limits. Air pollution poses serious health risks, increasing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, especially among vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and industrial workers.