Chief Editor
for information and procedures

Database
of national and
international projects

YRE room
to find partners
to international cooperation

Events
Awards, missions

Library
of YRE articles and
documentaton

Contacts
in 17 countries

Partners




back

This air is ours
From Turkey, April 2003

Air pollution till five years ago was one of Istanbul's main environmental problems. As coal was the main source of heating, in winter the concentration ratio of sulphur dioxide in the air exceeded 1000 milligrams per cubic meters of air at certain times of the day. In 1995 coal consumed in Istanbul exceeded 10 million tons. On the other hand during the same year a total of 681 million cubic meters of natural gas was used.

Coal mined in the vicinity of Istanbul which had a calorific value of 12.000-13.000 kj/kilogram and contained 3 per cent sulphur has been banned. Coal quality supplied now must have a minimum calorific value of 17.000 kj/kilogram and a maximum sulphur content of 1 per cent.

Air Pollution Measurement Works.

Since1996, air pollution measurements are made in the city. In 20 districts of Istanbul, 2 mobile air measurement vehicles provide data and predict levels of pollution for the following day. This system helps keeping the air pollution under control continuously.

Coal Control

In a series of new applications the use of quality coal has been realized. According to researchers the most important factor in Istanbul's air pollution has been shown conclusively to be use of poor quality of coal.

At 8 checkpoints, 154 workers made checks around the clock on coal being brought into the city. Coal which did not measure up to the legal requirements was impounded and entrance to the city refused. As a result, better quality coals were used by the people of Istanbul.

Coal Analysis Laboratory:

A serious of new laws applicable to producers and coal sellers were brought about, in order to establish a mechanism to control coal quality. It became a condition that all coal entering the city was to be processed at purification and enrichment plants. Use and sale of smuggled coal has been made punishable by fines. Producer, seller and consumer are all subject to control.

Another important point is the packaging of coal. As a result, coal no longer became an investment made at the beginning of winter. The difficulties of carrying and storing tons of coal also disappeared with the introduction of plastic packaging.

Quality Fuel Use:

The use of fuel no 5 has been forbidden in the hotels, offices and residential areas for the enrichment of air quality. The use of special heating fuel that contains 1.5% sulfur has been imposed in the central heating systems.


Written by:
Marmara Private High School YRE