Report/ Air and acoustic pollution in Tirana exceeds standards

Various areas of the capital continue to face air and noise pollution that exceed the norms set by the European Union. The pollution comes mainly from construction and car traffic and fluctuates depending on meteorological conditions and the seasons.

According to a report by the Institute for Habitat Development "Co-Plan", conducted at 13 monitoring points in the capital, air quality varies in different periods, with a worsening trend. The monitoring was carried out during the period August-December 2024, including the summer, autumn and early winter seasons.

During monitoring in the small ring road of Tirana, several stations have recorded air pollution exceeding the established standard of 350 parts per million (ppm).

In August, the highest level of pollution was observed in the boulevard area and near the “Mihal Grameno” school. Meanwhile, in the city center, at the Pyramid and the Madrasa area, pollution values ​​were lower.

In the second round of monitoring, a significant increase in pollution was observed compared to August.

"The most pronounced increase was observed in the 'New Market' area with a value of 610 ppm and 'Black Bird' with 546 ppm," the report states.

At the Piramide and “Selman Stërmasi” stadium stations, the pollution level remained unchanged and below the established standard. This change in the measurement results is related to meteorological conditions that have affected the distribution of pollutants, as well as intensified urban activities, including the increase in vehicles and the increase in population movement.

In the third and fourth measurements, air pollution is distributed to other parts of the city. Areas such as the New Bazaar and the 21 December intersection are below the permitted standard, having better air conditions, while areas such as Medreseja and Zogu i Zi have recorded pollution levels that exceed the standard.

"Pollution at some stations has reached high levels and exceeded the standard. The stations 'Shkolla M. Grameno' (441 ppm) and 'Stadium Dinamo' (475 ppm) reported high pollution, suggesting a deterioration in air quality compared to previous days," the report said.

Other stations, such as TR4 'Pazari i Ri' (379 ppm) and TR6 'Krqezim i 21 Djetorit' (422 ppm), remain close to the permitted limit.

Pollution from dust, fuel combustion and industrial processes
According to the report, in the 13 monitored stations, there were exceedances of standards for PM 2.5 and PM 10 particles, which come mainly from dust, fuel combustion and industrial processes.

In the first round of monitoring, 12 out of 13 stations recorded values ​​above the acceptable limit.

“The exception was the station 'Shkolla M. Grameno', which remained below the limit (11 µg/m³), but was very close to it. The highest concentrations were recorded at 'Rrugë e Kavajës' (22 µg/m³) and 'Pazari i Ri' (20 µg/m³), reflecting the great impact of heavy traffic and intensive urban activities in these areas.”

For PM 10 particles, 11 out of 13 stations exceeded the limit, releasing dust particles into the air.

"Only 'M. Grameno School' and 'Dinamo Stadium' remained within the permitted limit, while the highest pollution was recorded in 'Zogu I Boulevard' (26.8 µg/m³) and 'Bardhyl Street' (27 µg/m³)," the report states, while emphasizing the impact of vehicle traffic and construction activities in these areas.

Overall, across all measurement rounds, an average of 10-12 stations have recorded high PM 2.5 pollution, especially in areas with heavy traffic and dense urban activities, such as Kavaja Road, Zogu i Zi and Pazari i Ri.

While for PM₁₀ particles, there were regular exceedances at 10–11 stations, "with higher pollution in "Zogu i Zi" and "Krqëzim i 21 Djetorit," areas known for high traffic flow and intensive construction."

Regarding the measurement of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the air, it is noted that on average 10-12 stations each day have recorded levels above the standard.

“The data shows that pollution has been particularly high in areas with heavy traffic and intense urban activities, including “21 December Crossroads,” “New Market,” and “Black Bird,” which continue to record the highest pollution concentrations,” the report says.

The most alarming levels were measured at the December 21 intersection, which is ranked as the most polluted area.

Regarding noise pollution, the report shows that the noisiest areas are the New Bazaar, the 21 December intersection, Kavaja Street, and Italia Square. In contrast, Zogu i Zi has consistently recorded the lowest noise levels (around 56-58 dB), appearing as a quieter and more suitable area for living.

The main causes of noise pollution are heavy traffic and the presence of commercial activities and services in these areas.

The experts who drafted the report suggest that the Municipality of Tirana draft a local action plan to improve air quality, by reducing emissions from the transport and construction sectors.

Also, increasing green areas, planting native vegetation, and stimulating green facades or vertical greenery are some of the ways to reduce air and noise pollution./ Citizens.al /