Environmental Assessment of Ambient Particulate Matter around Al-Qasim Green University

Particulate matter (PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀) have been classified as a hazardous air pollutant because it is inhaled into the res-piratory system and can cause chronic health effects. The objectives of this paper are: (i) to evaluate the concentrations of PM in the vicinity of Al-Qasim Green University and (ii) to propose a scientific basis for such studies on sustainability programs within Iraqi universities. Data were obtained between January-June 2025, using a high-volume air sampling instrument at the rate of (a) eight readings per month. Air-quality monitoring results showed that during February and April, the PM2.5 (33 μg/m³ and 33 μg/m³, respectively) and PM10 (83 μg/m³ and 81 μg/m³, respectively) levels exceeded the recommended guideline value set by the WHO. This is due to the following reasons: climate change, intensified ve-hicular movement, ongoing construction works around residential buildings with no verdant spaces to ensure quality air for breathing, and poor city planning, which collectively affect indoor air quality and compromise students’ comfort zones in terms of inhalation. The study recommends expanding green spaces (>40%), improving parking design, paving unpaved paths to reduce particulate matter, and implementing continuous air quality monitoring.