Ida Ismail
Air quality and noise pollution remain among the most serious environmental challenges in Tirana. Monitoring data conducted by the organization Co-PLAN, indicate a problematic environmental performance not only in the capital, but also in 5 other cities.
The report on air quality and noise pollution presents the main findings of the monitoring carried out at 13 urban stations and at around 300 measurement points in Tirana. The monitoring aims to analyze the concentrations of the main atmospheric pollutants PM₂.₅, PM₁₀, NO₂ and CO₂, as well as noise levels, to identify their sources and the impact on public health and the urban environment.
According to the report, air and noise pollution are closely linked to urban activity. Heavy traffic, construction activities and other urban sources contribute to the increase in fine particles and harmful gases in the atmosphere, while these same factors also affect the increase in noise levels in the city.
Co-PLAN Executive Director, Anila Bejko, emphasizes that for the first time, the monitoring report, in addition to Tirana, has been extended to several other cities.
"Air quality reporting is broader. In addition to Tirana, it also includes Shkodra, Durrës, Korça, Elbasan and Fier. Monitoring also includes water quality in several water bodies distributed throughout Albania," she says.
Bejko highlights that monitoring data in Tirana show a worrying situation for several pollutants: According to the report, 66.7% of monitoring points exceed the reference value for nitrogen dioxide (NO₂). This pollutant is directly related to vehicle emissions and combustion processes in urban areas. Likewise, 98.3% of monitoring points result above the reference level for carbon dioxide (CO₂), an indicator of the high intensity of urban activity and traffic in the capital.
In contrast to these results, fine particles are less problematic in current measurements. Only 1.3% of points exceed the standard for PM₂.₅, while for PM₁₀ no exceedances have been recorded from the 300 monitored points. Experts explain that particles are greatly influenced by meteorological conditions and the presence of urban dust.
Co-PLAN territorial governance expert Kejt Dhrami emphasizes the wide scope of monitoring in the capital.
"Around 300 monitoring points have been established in Tirana, which give us a more detailed picture of the pollution situation in the city. The monitoring results show that NO₂, from 40 µg/m³ which is the standard, in some cases has reached up to around 200 µg/m³.
The expert emphasized that air pollution is problematic in almost all cities monitored.
The monitoring was carried out using specialized equipment. Aeroqual S500 and IQAir devices were used for air quality, while the Testo 815 device was used to measure noise pollution.
The results show that noise pollution is as problematic as air pollution. According to environmental expert Greta Shehu, most monitoring points exceed the recommended limits for urban noise.
"Monitoring at 300 points shows a significant excess of noise during the day and night. During the day, about 235 points, approximately 78% exceed the 55 dB (decibel) limit. Noise pollution is widespread mainly in urban areas."
Even state institutions acknowledge the great environmental challenge. Deputy Minister of Environment, Gent Gazheli, emphasizes that improving air quality is a national priority: "Improving air quality is an essential part of our commitments. The environment is one of the most difficult challenges that Albania faces on its path to the European Union."
Experts recommend creating and strengthening a network of permanent monitoring stations, which can analyze long-term pollution trends and critical episodes.
According to environmental specialists, expanding urban green spaces and better traffic management are among the measures that can improve air quality. Green spaces help reduce airborne particles, improve urban ventilation, and contribute to the absorption of carbon dioxide.
The report’s findings show that air pollution and noise are now a daily part of urban life in Tirana. As the city continues to grow and traffic remains intense, the challenge of balancing urban development with environmental and public health protection remains one of the most important public policy issues in the years to come.acqj.al
