Size-Fractionated Particle Number and Mass Concentrations in Karak Governorate and Neighboring Regions in Mid-West Jordan

Particle number concentration and size distribution in Jordan (in the Middle East) is still not comprehensive. In this study, a simple aerosol portable setup was used to measure size-fractioned aerosol number and mass concentrations with different particle diameter fractions (0.01–10 µm) in different regions inside Karak city and roads connecting Amman, Madaba, Karak, and Tafila, Jordan. The mean submicron particle number concentrations (PN₁) in Karak governorate, Madaba, Tafila, and Amman were 2.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 3.7 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 4.1 × 10⁴ cm⁻³ and 5.2 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, respectively. On all roads leading to Karak governorate, the mean PN₁ was within 1.5 × 10⁴–3.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, except on Madaba-Karak Road which exhibited a lower mean concentration (6.4 × 10³ cm⁻³). In the Amman–Madaba road, the PN₁ was 4.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³. Inside the Karak governorate, mean PN₁, PM_2.5, and PM₁₀ concentrations were 1.0 × 10⁴–3.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 10–15 µg m⁻³, and 27–200 µg m⁻³, respectively. Considering local roads inside Karak city, the mean concentrations were 2.0 × 10⁴ cm⁻³, 12 µg m⁻³, and 109 µg m⁻³, respectively. This study highlights the important need to monitor and understand aerosol number and mass concentrations not only in the Karak governorate, which is affected by various environmental factors, but also in other surrounding regions. The results provide valuable insights into air quality and its potential impact on public health and the local environment. Future research is needed to focus on long-term PM levels monitoring, identifying key emission sources, and developing strategies to mitigate air pollution. Collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and local communities is essential to create effective environmental management plans and promote sustainable practices to improve air quality in the region.