Comparing air quality pre, during and post-FIFA World Cup 2022 in Doha, Qatar.

Abstract

Background: Air pollution is a pressing global environmental issue that significantly affects public health and the quality of life. Mega events, such as the FIFA World Cup, can have substantial impacts on air quality due to increased industrial activities, transportation, and urban development. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 during three different phases of the FIFA World Cup in Doha and Dammam, aiming to assess the temporal variations and implications for air quality management.

Methods: The study collected air quality data during the pre-event, during event, and post-event periods to analyse the pollution levels. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel version 20.0.

Results: Results of the statistical comparison based on the comparison of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Doha and Dammam during three different phases-Pre, During, and Post FIFA World Cup shows that in Doha, the median PM10 concentration increased from 48.39 μg/m³ during the pre-phase to 53.681 μg/m³ during the “during phase”, then significantly increased to 491.477 μg/m³ in the post phase. Similarly, for PM2.5, Doha showed a slight increase from 37.100 μg/m³ in the “pre-phase” to 39.933 μg/m³ during the “during phase”, followed by a significant increase to 1203.478μg/m³ in the “post phase”. Comparatively, in Dammam, PM10 concentrations increasing from 57.673 μg/m³ (Pre) to 65.069μg/m³ (During) and then decreasing to 57.755 μg/m³ (Post). PM2.5 concentrations followed a slight increasing pattern, with values of 57.673μg/m³ (Pre), 65.069 μg/m³ (During), and increase to 77.164μg/m³ (Post). The study highlights the importance of robust air quality management policies and emphasizes the need for post-event cleanup efforts. These findings contribute to the understanding of air pollution dynamics during mega events and provide guidance for future air quality research and policy development.

Conclusion: The study highlights the importance of robust air quality management policies and emphasizes the need for post-event cleanup efforts. These findings contribute to the understanding of air pollution dynamics during mega events and provide guidance for future air quality research and policy development.