ANTIQUITY IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION AT GADARA, JORDAN

Abstract

Several recent studies have pointed out that the northern parts of Jordan are exposed to high levels of ground ozone. North Jordan is a wealthy reservoir of ancient heritage including six out of the ten Decapolis Cities. It is alleged that air pollution-via acid deposition has led to the deterioration and erosion of buildings, structures, statues, and monuments. Therefore, this research is conducted to assess air quality at Gadara, the capital of the ancient Decapolis and to come up with mitigation measures that have to be adopted in order to save the ancient heritage from further deterioration. Measurements revealed that most criteria air pollutants including sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide attain corresponding national ambient air quality standards. However, ground ozone, which is believed to expedite the deterioration rate of rocks in the presence of acids as they act as a catalytic agent, exceeds the limit recommended by the World Health Organization of 50 ppb.