@2024 Afarand., IRAN

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ISSN: 2538-4384    Geographical Researches 2020;35(2):155-165

Background

Previous Studies
Air pollution is one of the most important factors influencing human life [Arnesano et al., 2016]. It is the fourth-factor threatening human life in the world [WHO, 2017]. The athletes absorb more pollutants because of their higher activity, which leads to early fatigue [Mohaghegh & Hajian, 2013]. According to the recorded data, the percentage of people with respiratory problems increases up to 60% in severely polluted days [Ghanbari & Azizi, 2007]. Bahmanpour et al. (2013) show no stable and regular pattern in distributing the pollutants in Tehran, and the eastern part of the city is not in an optimal condition [Rohani et al., 2017]. The sports sites' air pollution risk assessment in Tehran shows a high risk of pollution [Nameni et al., 2019].
Aim(s)
This study aimed to assess the environmental risk of Tehran's sports sites in terms of Carbon Monoxide pollution.
Research type
The research type is not mentioned.
Research society, place and time
The current research is carried out in the outdoor sports sites in northeast of Tehran (regions 4, 7, 8, and 13) from 2018, April to 2019, April
Sampling method and number
The needed data gathered from five active stations in the studied area.
Used devices&materials
There are no devices and materials mentioned.
Findings by Text
Carbon Monoxide hourly concentration The hourly Carbon Monoxide in assessment stations is 2.39 in Aqdasiyeh station, 2.11 in Piroozi station, 2.30 in Drous station, and 2.13 in Setad Bohran 2.16 in Golbarg station. Chart 1 shows the hourly concentration of Carbon Monoxide in the studied stations in different seasons of 2018.AQI and PSI indicators assessment AQI and PSI are two international reference indicators to assess air pollution by measuring all air pollutants. The number of polluted days (PSI>100) in each station is shown in Chart. This Chart assesses the air quality in the studied stations using the air pollutants indicators and shows Piroozi station has the least air quality (53.42% polluted days in a year), while Aqdasiyeh has the highest air quality (15.61% polluted days in a year). Aqdasiyeh has had the most number of days with fresh air (77days), and Piroozi has had the least days with fresh air (7 days). Although the "hazardous" air quality grade is recorded for none of the stations, "unhealthy" and "unhealthy for sensitive groups" account for 30% of the days in 2018. As it is shown in Chart 3, the average daily amount of Carbon Monoxide is far less than the national standard (7ppm). The map of Carbon Monoxide pollutant distribution and concentration in the studied area is drawn in Figure1. The map in Figure 2 was, eventually, prepared by overlaying the sports sites location layer and Carbon Monoxide distribution layer. Environmental risk assessment in the sports sites in the studied area The environmental risk of Carbon Monoxide in the sports sites was assessed using William Fine method guideline. Two different scenarios were proposed to assess the environmental risk of the emission of air pollutants in the studied area and their impact on the sports sites, according to Table 5. Risk level determination (consequences, exposure, and probability) for Carbon Monoxide according to the number of days without pollution; Risk level determination (consequences, exposure, and probability) for all pollutants using AQI/PSI indicators and according to 30% polluted days in the year measuring the rising amount of Carboxyhemoglobin in the blood in exchange for the increase of the amount of 〖VO〗_2max in the equation of y=0.6575x+1.8355. Finally, this factor was evaluated using William Fine method as below: Risk probability × risk consequences × exposure To sum up, Carbon Monoxide's risk is low in scenario A, and the hazard should be controlled, but the risk grade in scenario B is moderate. A summary of the managerial practices compatible with the situation is shown in Table 6. According to the results and findings, it can be concluded that 12 sports sites out of 48 studied sites are located in the most polluted areas. Figure 3 shows the number of sports sites in each air pollution grade and shows the risk level.
Main comparison to the similar studies
The result of the current study is consistent with Rohani et al. (2002) and Brunekreef & Holtage (2002) in terms of the methodology and concluded results. Nevertheless, it is not consistent with the results of Bahmanpour et al. (2013) regarding the air pollution emission in Tehran. The current research results do not approve Nameni et al.'s (2019) results regarding the environmental risk of Carbon Monoxide.
Suggestions
There are some suggestions to solve the problem such as finding better timing for doing exercise, choose more compatible sports in time of high air pollution, designing the sports sites with moving roofs that cover the outdoor spaces in time of high air pollution, the use of air purifiers and air conditioners in sports sites, and raising awareness of the public about the air pollution in these sites. It helps the athletes to choose the sports sites more carefully.
Limitations
There is no limitation reported.
Conclusions
Almost 12 sports sites in the studied area are directly exposed to air pollutants, and as the athletes are more prone to severe air pollution damages, some managerial practices are needed to improve such land uses quality.
Acknowledgments
The authors thank Ms. Atousa Halajian for their help in drawing the maps.
Conflict of interest
None.
Ethical Permissions
None.
Funding Sources
The current research is carried out using personal funds.

TABLES and CHARTS

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