AIR AND WATER QUALITY MONITORING NETWORK
5.1 WATER QUALITY MONITORING OF NATIONAL AQUATIC RESOURCES The Central Pollution Control Board in collaboration with State Pollution Control Boards is operating the Water Quality Monitoring network comprising of 784 stations in 26 States and 5 Union Territories spread over the country for monitoring of aquatic resources. The monitoring is undertaken on monthly/ quarterly basis in surface waters and half yearly basis in case of groundwater. The monitoring network covers 168 Rivers, 53 Lakes, 5 Tanks, 2 Ponds, 3 Creeks, 3 Canals, 12 Drains and 181 groundwater Wells.
The monitoring results obtained during year 2003 indicate that organic pollution continues to be the predominant form of pollution of aquatic resources. The organic pollution measured in terms of bio-chemical oxygen demand (BOD) & coliform count gives the indication of extent of water quality degradation in different parts of country. It is observed 67% of the observations, out of nearly 3000 observations are having BOD less than 3 mg/l, 18% between 3-6 mg/l & 15% above 6 mg/l. Similarly Total & Faecal coliform, which indicate presence of pathogens in water, are also of major concern. About 45% observations are having Total coliform and 58% observations are having Faecal Coliform less than 500 MPN /100 ml. The trends of % of observations obtained during year 1994 to 2003 in different levels of pollution with respect to BOD & Total coliform and Faecal Coliform are presented ahead, indicating different ranges of BOD and Coliform organisms. It is clear from the data that there is a increasing trend in percentage of observations having BOD below 3 mg/l. This indicates that there is a gradual improvement in water quality with respect to organic pollution. Fig. 5.2 Water Quality Status & Trend from Year 1994 to 2003
BOD: Biochemical Oxygen Demand; TC: Total Coliform; FC: Faecal Coliform 5.2 WATER QUALITY STATUS OF RIVER GANGA The water quality of River Ganga is being monitored on monthly basis from u/s Allahabad up to Tarighat i.e. Ganga after confluence with River Gomti. With reference to designated best use (DBU) classification, the entire stretch of river Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad has been designated in category B of designated best use criteria, which implies that water quality should be fit for uses like bathing, swimming, water contact sports etc. The status of water quality as observed in different phases of monitoring is as below: * The values of DO has improved in year 2003 as compared to 2001 almost in all seasons and at all locations (Fig. 5.3). B.O.D. values have reduced in year 2003 as compared to 2001, barring few locations in Varanasi, where the B.O.D. values have shown increase particularly in winter (Fig. 5.4). Thus, it can be derived that water quality in river Ganga has shown improvement over past two years in general. * The Coliforms does not confirm to designated best use class B. * The water quality was observed poor in terms of BOD (4.5 mg/l) at Sangam in Allahabad and Dashashwamedh ghat (Varanasi).
Sampling at river Ganga was undertaken from Laxmanjhula, Rishikesh (Uttaranchal) to Tarighat (Ghazipur) during the month of November, 2003, at 16 locations. The observed range of DO was 5.9-9.8 mg/l (Fig. 5.5), BOD ranged from <1- 6.8 mg/l (Fig. 5.6) and the range of Total Coliform was 400-500000 MPN/100ml (Fig. 5.7). The data are presented in Table 5.1. Various pesticides were also analysed and their concentration at different locations are presented in Fig 5.8.
Table 5.1 Water Quality of River Ganga during Nov. 2003
5.3 WATER QUALITY STATUS OF RIVER YAMUNA IN DELHI River Yamuna is regularly being monitored by Central Pollution Control Board for assessment of water quality from its origin at Yamunotri to its confluence with Ganga River at Allahabad under National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) sponsored project and under National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWQMP). There are 19 sampling locations at 1376 km long Yamuna river stretch. The locations and frequency of monitoring is presented in Table 5.2. Table 5.2 Locations and Frequency of Monitoring of River Yamuna
Based on the water quality characteristics, 1376 km long Yamuna river stretch can be segregated into five stretches i.e. Himalayan stretch, Upper stretch, Delhi stretch, Mixed stretch and Diluted stretch. The water quality characteristics of these stretches are depicted in Table 5.3. Table 5.3 Water Quality Characteristics of Various Stretches of River Yamuna
The water quality characteristics reflect that Head to the end of upper stretch the Yamuna river is comparatively clean or less polluted than the middle portion. The Delhi stretch is severely polluted followed by mixed stretch of river Yamuna. The water quality of entire river stretch in terms of Total Coliform, which is an indicator of pathogenic bacteria is generally not confirming with the designated best use criteria. After Delhi, Agra is next urban center that contribute significant amount of pollution to the river. During year 2003, the Bio-chemical Oxygen Demand at Agra downstream varied between 4 to 43 mg/l with annual average of 20 mg/l, whereas, Total Coliform ranged between 2.1 x 106 to 1.7 x 108 Nos./100 ml with annual average 3.32 x 107 Nos./100 ml. The main reason of the pollution in the river is not only discharges of wastewater from domestic and industrial sources, but also over extraction of available fresh water from the river for various human activities. Pollution Load Contribution to River Yamuna and Agra/Gurgaon Canals in Delhi Stretch In Delhi, the wastewater generated from domestic and industrial sources finds its way into the receiving water bodies i.e. Yamuna river, Agra & Gurgaon Canal. Through 21 major drains out of these 21 drains, 19 joins river and remain two, which are less significant join canal. These drains contribute significant organic pollution load (BOD load) into the Yamuna river. This high BOD load depletes Dissolve Oxygen significantly and causes anaerobic condition in the river, which is generally reflected by masses of gaseous sludge rising from the bottom and floating at the water surface with strong disagreeable odour. The Central Pollution Control Board, as the follow up of the Hon’ble Supreme Court direction is regularly monitoring these 21 drains on monthly basis since August, 1999. During the year 2003, the total discharge calculated on the basis of annual average discharge from these drain is about 45.11 m3/sec. (Table 5.4), which contributes 251.45 tonnes of BOD load per day. As depicted in Fig. 5.9, there is reduction of BOD load contribution of drains to river Yamuna to about 35% during the period between year 2000 to 2003.
Table 5.4 Pollution Load discharged by Drains to river Yamuna and Canals in NCT - Delhi
5.4 BIO-MONITORING AND BIOMAPPING OF AQUATIC RESOURCES The north-eastern State of Assam is generously endowed with several water resources which have to be sustained with respect to water quality. The project on "Bio-mapping of some important perennial rivers of Assam" has been initiated since April 2003. The following important rivers have been selected for the study: * Brahmaputra River A total of 46 river stretches have been assessed for bio-mapping of 14 Rivers and Tributaries in Assam State. Seven river stretches have been indicated in the Map (Fig 5.10), by the Clean Water Quality of Class "A" with Blue colour. Nine river stretches are slightly polluted of Class "B" and indicated by Light Blue colour. Maximum number of 20 river stretches were indicated as Moderately Polluted in Class "C" water quality shown by Green colour.
There are only four river stretches as indicated by orange colour for highly polluted water quality of Class "D". None of the water bodies were severely polluted as indicated by Red colour for Class "E" of Biological Water Quality (Table 5.5). Table 5.5 Bio-monitoring of some important Perennial Rivers of Assam
BWQC: Biological Water Quality Criteria Project Bio-mapping of rivers of Meghalaya State has been undertaken in Garo Hills District of Meghalaya State in collaboration with Meghalaya State Pollution Control Board, Shillong, Meghalaya. The PARIVESH Newsletter has been finalized on `Bio-mapping of Rivers – A case study in Meghalaya State. Bio-monitoring of water quality was undertaken at following wetlands in wildlife habitats: - Arunachal Pradesh 5.5 GROUNDWATER QUALITY MONITORING IN SELECTED CITIES Groundwater monitoring in four cities - Kanpur, Lucknow, Ghaziabad and Faridabad - was carried out for pre- and post-monsoon seasons. The findings of the study are as follows: -
Groundwater in all the four cities has high conductivity values. Chromium Contamination in Groundwater of Kanpur city Groundwater quality in Kanpur is in significantly bad state, especially in terms of chromium. The pollution is observed to concentrate in some localized areas. One such area is Noraiakheda (Panki), where the state of pollution is serious. For detailed investigation of groundwater four piezometers (depth 50-120m) were drilled in different parts of the study area to facilitate vertical groundwater quality profiling in terms of chromium. Distribution of chromium on groundwater of Panki, Kanpur is presented in Fig 5.12. Groundwater Pollution Modeling software (Visual Modflow) has also been procured for tracking the flow of chromium and to study its interrelation with the hydrological regime. The study is poised to suggest suitable control strategies to decide on the measures for checking groundwater pollution.
5.6 NATIONAL AIR QUALITY MONITORING PROGRAMME (NAMP) The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) in collaboration with the State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) has established a National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAMP) network, comprising 295 stations in 92 cities/towns, under the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 to collect, compile and disseminate information on air quality. The ambient air quality is monitored by CPCB, SPCBs, Pollution Control Committees, some Universities and Institutes. The data, thus generated, are transmitted to CPCB for scrutinization, analysis, compilation and publication as a consolidated report. CPCB has identified list of polluted cities in India based on ambient air quality data obtained under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) for the period 1995 to 2001. Polluted cities have been identified by calculating an Exceedence Factor. In these cities National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) are violated (Table 5.6). The Levels of sulphur dioxide are within National Ambient Air Quality Standards at most of the monitored places in the country. A decreasing trend has been observed in many cities, which may be due to various measures taken such as reduction of sulphur in diesel etc. Levels of Nitrogen dioxide are also within National Ambient Air Quality Standards in most of the monitored cities. Levels of Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter and Suspended Particulate Matter exceed National Ambient Air Quality Standards in many monitored cities. Non-attainment cities have been identified, where ambient air quality standards are violated. Action Plans for control of air pollution have been formulated for the cities. Table 5.6 List of Non-Attainment Cities in India
The air quality of different cities/towns has been compared with the respective NAAQS. The air quality has been categorized into four broad categories based on an Exceedence Factor (the ratio of annual mean concentration of a pollutant with that of a respective standard). The Exceedence Factor (EF) is calculated as follows: Observed annual mean concentration of criteria pollutant Exceedence Factor = ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Annual standard for the respective pollutant and area class The four air quality categories are: Critical pollution
(C) : when EF is more than 1.5; It is obvious from the above categorization, that the locations in either of the first two categories are actually violating the standards, although, with varying magnitude. Those, falling in the third category are meeting the standards as of now but likely to violate the standards in future, if pollution continues to increase and is not controlled. However, the locations in Low pollution category have a rather pristine air quality and such areas are to be maintained at low pollution level by way of adopting preventive and control measures of air pollution. The ambient air quality monitoring was carried out at 201 monitoring stations during 2002. The adequate data was received from 179 monitoring locations, out of which 102 are in residential areas, 76 are in industrial areas and one in sensitive area. At 32 locations (17 residential and 15 industrial), the air quality data are insufficient (< 50 monitoring days in the year) with respect to gaseous pollutants and at 44 locations (27 residential, 16 industrial and one sensitive) the data are insufficient with respect to SPM (Table 5.7). Such data has not been considered for air quality assessment. Table 5.7 Details of Monitoring Stations where Ambient Air Quality Monitoring was Carried out during 2002
The ambient air quality status of various cities/towns is given in Table 5.8. Table 5.8 Ambient air quality status of various cities/towns during 2002
Note : ‘-‘ - Data Not Available/Inadequate Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) Fig. 5.13 depicts the annual mean concentration of SO2 vis-à-vis number of monitoring stations. It is observed that all the locations conformed to the respective standards.
Table 5.9 shows top ten locations in terms of annual average concentration of sulphur dioxide in residential and industrial areas. The annual mean concentration of Sulphur dioxide were within the ambient air quality standards at all the locations. Number of stations in different ranges of percent violation of NAAQS (24-hourly avg.) is depicted in Fig. 5.14. During 2002, The 24-hourly values reported were within the standards at all the locations in residential areas. Number of monitoring stations with low and moderate levels of sulphur dioxide during 2002 are depicted in Fig. 5.15. Table 5.9 Ten locations having highest concentration of Sulphur Dioxide during year 2002
Oxides of Nitrogen (as NO2) The annual mean concentration of Nitrogen dioxide vis-à-vis number of monitoring stations is presented in Fig. 5.16. It is observed that NAAQS (Annual Average) of nitrogen dioxide was exceeded at one sensitive location, three industrial locations and five residential locations. The annual standards of Industrial and Residential areas exceeded in Howrah, Kolkata, Pune and Jamshedpur. Table 5.10 shows top ten locations in terms of annual average concentration of nitrogen dioxide in residential and industrial areas.
Table
5.10 Ten Locations having Highest Concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide
* Locations where annual mean concentration of NO2 exceeded the respectivestandards of 80 µg/m3 for Industrial areas and 60 µg/m3 for Residential areas.
Number of stations in different ranges of percent violation of NAAQS (24-hourly avg.) of NO2 is depicted in Fig. 5.17. The number of locations where either annual average or 24-hourly concentration exceeded the standards of NO2 are listed in Table 5.11. During 2002, three industrial and ten residential locations violated the 24-hourly standards of NO2 for more than 2% of the times.
Table 5.11 Locations where either annual mean or 24-hourly Nitrogen Dioxide concentration violated respective standards
Number of monitoring stations with low, moderate and high levels of nitrogen dioxide during 2002 are depicted in Figure 5.18 The number of locations where either annual average or 24-hourly concentration exceeded the standards of NO2 are listed in Table 2.5. During 2002, three industrial and ten residential locations violated the 24-hourly standards of NO2 for more than 2% of the times.. In residential area, NO2 is reported to be high at one sensitive location, three industrial locations and five residential locations in the country. It is observed that NO2 violation is mainly in the State of West Bengal (Kolkata and Howrah), Maharashtra (Pune) and Jharkhand (Jamshedpur).
Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)
The annual mean concentration of SPM vis-à-vis number of monitoring stations in industrial areas and residential areas is presented in Fig. 5.19 and 5.20 respectively. It is observed that at NAAQS (Annual average) of SPM was exceeded at 11 industrial and 64 residential locations.
The annual mean concentration of SPM exceeded the standard for industrial area at 11 locations in the State of Rajasthan (2), Delhi (2), Maharastra (1), Haryana (2), Uttar Pradesh (3) and Chandigarh (1). The annual men concentration of SPM exceeded the standard for residential areas in 64 locations spread over the States of Andhra Pradesh (3), Assam (1), Bihar (2), Chhattisgarh (4), Chandigarh (1), Delhi (6), Gujarat (2), Goa (1), Himachal Pradesh (3), Haryana (1), Jharkhand (1), Karnataka (1), Maharastra (10), Orissa (2), Punjab (1), Rajasthan (11), Tamil Nadu (1), Uttaranchal (1), Uttar Pradesh (9) and West Bengal (3). Table 5.12 depicts ten industrial and residential locations having highest concentration of SPM. Number of stations in different ranges of percent violation of NAAQS (24-hourly average) of SPM is depicted in Figure 5.21. Table 5.13 provides the number of stations where either annual average concentration or 24-hourly cconcentration exceeded the respective standards. During year 2002, 27 industrial and 72 residential locations violated the NAAQS for SPM. Table 5.12 Ten locations having highest concentration of SPM during year 2002
* - Locations where annual mean concentration of SPM exceeded the respective standards of 360 µg/m3 for Industrial and 140 µg/m3 for Residential areas.
Table 5.13 Locations where either Annual Mean or 24-hourly Suspended Particulate Matter concentration violated respective standards
Number of monitoring stations with low, moderate, high and critical levels of SPM during year 2002 are depicted in Fig 5.22. SPM levels were critical at 46 Residential locations. SPM levels were high at 18 locations in residential area and 11 locations in industrial area.
Summary and Conclusion Air Pollution problem is widespread in 59 cities, where at least one criteria pollutant exceeded either annual or 24-hourly standards at any of the monitoring locations. Table 5.14 shows the number of stations violating annual standards and 24-Hourly standards during the year 2002. It is quite evident that SPM is the major problem in the residential areas of most of the cities/towns. Table 5.14 Number of stations violating Annual average and 24-hourly standards
High level of SPM is the most prevalent form of air pollution. Motor vehicle is a major and most important source of pollution in almost all the mega cities. High domestic use of coal or biomass fuel is a serious problem resulting in high human exposures to SPM and SO2. One of the reason for low levels of pollution in Chennai is that it is a coastal city and excellent ventilation effects due to sea and land breezes reduces pollution levels. There has been a change in domestic fuel used from coal to LPG. Also various measures have been taken such as reduction of sulphur in diesel that may have contributed to low levels of SO2. The current capabilities of the monitoring agencies to monitor, or to collect information on the sources and emissions are inadequate. Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen the monitoring and source inventory programme. It should be noted that the data are lacking for quite a few stations due to various reasons such as non-operation of monitoring stations due to paucity of funds, lack of equipment, lack of infrastructure and inadequate man-power. Recommendations There is an immediate need to improve and upgrade the existing monitoring network. Following measures would greatly enhance the quality and reliability of data and monitoring activities as such: -
Old air quality monitoring equipment needs replacement. 5.7 RSPM LEVELS IN URBAN CENTRES The RSPM monitoring have been undertaken during the year 2002. The target sampling of 24 hours in a day was affected at many locations due to power failures etc., therefore, the values monitored for 16 hours and more are considered as representative values for assessing the ambient air quality for a day. The target monitoring frequency twice a week, 104 days in a year could not be met at some of the locations, in such cases 40 and more days of monitoring in a year is considered adequate for the purpose of data inferences. The outliers in form of extraordinary high/low values from the data were removed. Large numbers of personnel and equipments are involved in the sampling, chemical analyses, data reporting etc. It increases the probability of variation and personnel biases reflecting in the data, hence it is pertinent to mention that these data be treated as indicative rather than absolute. The RSPM levels in residential areas of various cities/towns are depicted in Fig 5.23. RSPM levels exceeded the NAAQS (annual average) in residential areas of Raipur, Kanpur, Solapur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Alwar, Varanasi, Pune, Vapi, Delhi, Indore, Korba, Surat, Ankaleshwar, Guwahati, Satna, Nagda, Vadodara, Thiruvananthapuram, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Howrah, Bhilai, Jaipur, Bhopal, Kota, Rayagada, Rourkela, Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, Kottayam, Gajraula, Bangalore, Udaipur, Nagpur, Parwanoo, Patna, Angul, Nashik, Madurai and Mumbai. The RSPM levels in industrial areas of various cities and towns are depicted in Fig 5.24. RSPM levels exceeded the NAAQS (annual average) in industrial areas of Vadodara, Indore, Raipur, Vapi, Kanpur, Ahmedabad, Ludhiana, Satna, Noida, Solapur, Delhi, Surat, Kolkata, Anpara, Thiruvanthapuram, Bhilai, Jodhpur, Ankaleshwar, Jaipur and Howrah. Non-attainment Areas It was observed that NAAQS (Annual average) was not exceeded in cities with low and moderate levels of RSPM, however it was exceeded in cities with high and critical levels of RSPM. Critical levels of RSPM were observed in residential areas of Visakhapatnam, Guwahati, Bhilai, Raipur, Korba, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Ankaleshwar, Surat, Vadodara, Vapi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bhopal, Indore, Nagda, Satna, Nagpur, Pune, Solapur, Rayagada, Rourkela, Alwar, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, Madurai, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Howrah and Kolkata. High levels of RSPM were observed in residential areas of Hyderabad, Patna, Parwanoo, Bangalore, Kottayam, Jabalpur, Mumbai, Nashik, Shillong, Angul, Udaipur and Gajraula. Critical levels of RSPM were observed in industrial areas of Raipur, Delhi, Ahemdabad, Vadodara, Vapi, Indore, Satna, Ludhiana, and Kanpur. High levels of RSPM were observed in industrial areas of Bhilai, Ankaleshwar, Surat, Kochi, Thiruvanthapuram, Solapur, Alwar, Jaipur, Noida, Jodhpur, Anpara, Howrah and Kolkata. Moderate levels of RSPM were observed in residential areas of Kochi, Chennai, Coimbatore, Salem and Tuticorin. Low levels were observed in residential areas of Kozhikode. Moderate levels were also observed in industrial areas of Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Mysore, Kottayam, Bhopal, Nagda, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Angul, Rayagada, Talcher, Kota, Udaipur, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gajraula, and Haldia. Low levels of RSPM were observed in industrial areas of Kozhikode, Palakkad, Nashik, Madurai and Tuticorin. Percentage of cities with low, moderate, high and critical levels of RSPM in residential and industrial areas of various cities/towns in the country are depicted in Fig. 5.25 and 5.26 respectively. Percentage violation of NAAQS (24-hourly average) of RSPM was determined for various monitoring stations. In industrial areas, NAAQS (24-hourly avg.) of RSPM was not violated at Nacharam, Hyderabad, Graphite India, Amoco Batteries, Bangalore, KR Circle, KSPCB Building, Mysore, Mavoor/Nallalam, Kozhikode, Kanjikode, Palakkad, Thane (West), VIP Industrial Area, Nashik, MIDC Office, Nagpur, TTPS Colony, Talcher, , DIC/MIA Udaipur, Thiruvottiyur Municipal Office, Chennai, Regional Testing Laboratory, Tuticorin, and Fenner (I) Ltd. Madurai. In industrial areas, percentage violation of NAAQS (24 hourly avg.) was less than 2% at Industrial Estate, Marriapalem, Visakhapatnam.
In residential areas NAAQS (24-hourly avg.) was not violated at Palayam/Kozhikode City, Kopri Ward Office, Shahu Market, Thane, Board Office, Shillong, NEERI CSIR Campus, Chennai, AVM Jewellery Building, Tuticorin, Sowdeshwari College Building, Salem. In residential areas percentage violation of NAAQS (24 hourly avg.) was less than 2% at TT Nagar, Bhopal, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Sai Baba Colony/Ponniyarajapuram, Coimbatore, Highway (Project-I) Building, Madurai. The NAAQS (24-hourly avg.) was violated at the remaining stations. Meteorological Influences Meteorological factors play a important role in determining ambient levels of air pollutants. The wind speed and direction play a major role in dispersion of air pollutants. The effect of wind speed on air pollution is two fold. It determines the travel time from a source to a given receptor while on the other hand causes dilution of pollutants in the downwind direction. The stronger the wind the greater will be the dispersion and dilution of pollutants emitted. Seasonal variations in RSPM levels indicate that RSPM were higher during summer months at Janakpuri. The strong and medium winds during April to June in Delhi creates turbulent conditions and local disturbances in the environment. These conditions cause frequent dust storm and hazy conditions. The dust storms and hazy conditions build up high particulate matter levels in the ambient air, mostly constituting soil borne particles. RSPM levels at Janakpuri, Delhi (Fig 5.27) and Jublee Hills, Hyderabad (Fig 5.28) are lower during monsoon months. The monsoons results in large amount of precipitation with high wind velocities and changes in general wind direction. Frequent rains washes down the air borne particulates. Further wind velocities result in pollutant transport away from sources and increase mixing processes. Therefore the monsoon period is cleaner period at most locations in the year.
The concentration of RSPM at Janakpuri, Delhi and Jublee Hills, Hyderabad are higher during winter months as compared to monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Average mixing height remains lower during winter months as compared to other seasons and atmospheric dispersion is typically at a minimum. There is increased atmospheric stability, which in turn allows limited general circulation and thus more stagnant air masses. Stagnant air masses allow more accumulation of pollutants in any given area and thus results in building up their levels. Important Observations RSPM levels exceeded the NAAQS (annual average and 24-hourly average) in many cities in the country. The results suggest that RSPM is a pollutant of concern in India. The annual average concentration in residential areas varied between 206 µg/m3 at Head Post Office, Kanpur and 23 µg/m3 at Palayam/Kozhikode City, Kerala. In industrial areas the annual average concentration varied between 265 µg/m3 at CETP Nandeswari, Vadodara and 21 µg/m3 at Mavoor/Nallalam, Kozhikode, Kerala. One of the major source of high RSPM levels is vehicles. The vehicular population is increasing exponentially in many cities. This is the single major factor for high RSPM levels. The reason for high particulate matter levels may be engine gensets, small scale industries, biomass incineration, boilers and emissions from power plants, resuspension of traffic dust, commercial and domestic use of fuels, etc. It was observed that highest level of RSPM in residential areas was observed in Raipur followed by Kanpur, Solapur, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Alwar, Varanasi, Pune, Vapi, Delhi, Indore, Korba, Surat, Ankaleshwar, Guwahati, Satna, Nagda, Vadodara, Thiruvanthapuram, Jodhpur, Kolkata, Howrah, Bhilai, Jaipur, Bhopal, Kota, Rayagada, Rourkela, Visakhapatnam, Jabalpur, Kottayam, Gajraula, Bangalore, Udaipur, Nagpur, Parwanoo, Patna, Angul, Nashik, Madurai and Mumbai. The concentration of RSPM depends not only on total emission load but also on meteorological conditions like mixing height, ventilation, inversion, humidity, wind direction and velocity, rainfall pattern and thus a city with low emission load may have high ambient air concentrations of pollutants. Lower levels of RSPM were observed during monsoon months possibly due to wet deposition. Higher levels of RSPM were observed during winter months possibly due to lower mixing heights and frequent calm conditions. 5.8 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY IN DELHI DURING YEAR 2003 The Central Pollution Control Board has been monitoring ambient air quality at seven locations in Delhi for the past many years. The locations have been categorized based on land use, i.e., residential, industrial and traffic intersection. The comparison of ambient air quality data during year 2003 with previous years indicate that: Concentrations of Suspended Particulate matter (SPM), Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM or PM10), Carbon monoxide (CO) and Sulphur dioxide (SO2) have shown a declining trend (Fig 5.29), while Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) has shown an upward trend (Fig 5.30). Annual average SPM concentration (Fig 5.31) during year 2003 registered a decrease of approximately 20 percent in both the residential areas (314 µg/m3) and industrial areas (352 µg/m3). SPM concentration at Bahadurshah Zafar (BSZ) traffic intersection (509 µg/m3) registered a decrease of only 5 percent. RSPM recorded 127 µg/m3 in the residential areas and 140 µg/m3 in the industrial areas during 2003 (Fig 5.32). These are 9 and 16 percent respectively lower than the values recorded in 2002. RSPM at traffic intersection registered a similar downward trend of 10 percent. Nitrogen dioxide is showing an upward trend since year 2001. During year 2003, it increased in residential areas (38 µg/m3) and Traffic intersection (94 µg/m3) by 15 and 25 percent respectively, while in the industrial areas (36 µg/m3) it increased by only 3 percent in comparison to levels during year 2002. Increased use of CNG especially by three wheelers has had a marked impact in the concentration of carbon monoxide. Average CO levels measured at BSZ traffic intersection during 2003 was found to be 2831 µg/m3 as against 3258 µg/m3 recorded in year 2002 (Fig 5.33), thus indicating a decline of 13 percent. With the reduction of sulphur content in diesel, the sulphur dioxide concentrations have shown a declining trend at all the locations in Delhi. Sulphur dioxide in residential areas during year 2003 declined marginally to 10 µg/m3 from of 11 µg/m3 in 2002, the change observed at BSZ Marg traffic intersection was also found to be insignificant.
Fig. 5.29 Sulphure Dioxide Concentration in Ambient Air of Delhi (1999 – 2003)
5.9 NOISE MONITORING Noise Monitoring in Haridwar City Central Pollution Control Board has taken up a project for the measurement of Noise in the Haridwar city. The monitoring was conducted at 12 locations covering residential commercial, sensitive and industrial areas of the city. The measurements were done keeping in mind four time-slots, morning, day time, evening, and night. The results obtained are presented in Table 5.15 and Fig 5.34. Table 5.15 Noise Levels on dB (A) at Various Locations in Haridwar
Noise monitoring in Kanpur during Deepawali festival The noise monitoring was conducted to assess the noise pollution due to firing of crackers in three residential, four commercial and three sensitive areas of the Kanpur City during 4 days around Deepawali. Values reflect the increase in noise level due to firing of crackers from 23.10.2003 to 26.10.2003. Important observations are as follows: * Crackers were bursted even after the 10:00 pm on festival night. * Maximum noise level observed is 86.7 dB (A) in Govind Nagar area on deepawali day, exceeding the prescribed norms by 31dB(A) * Crackers were also bursted on the next day of Deepawali and maximum level of 87.6 dB(A) was observed near sensitive area Kidwai Nagar. * The commercial activities increased during festival season also contributed to noise pollution. Table 5.16 Noise Levels in Kanpur during Deepawali Festival, 2003
Note : All values in Leq Noise Monitoring in Jaipur City during Diwali Jaipur is known for
celebrating Diwali festival in a grand manner. The festival coincides with the
tourist season. The weeklong festival generates huge quantities of smoke and other
harmful gases, apart from high noise levels. Detailed monitoring was conducted
for noise and ambient air quality at various locations in the city. Vehicular movement and blowing of horns contributed considerable noise in the city of Jaipur. Air pollution from firing of crackers reduced visibility on roads on Diwali day and the day after. Some people reported irritation in throat and in eyes specially on Diwali day. It was observed that the public awareness was poor in this regard. It appears that public has not taken much notice of ban on bursting of crackers. Ambient Air Quality and Noise Levels in Kolkata during Kalipuja/ Diwali festival - 2003 Ambient noise measurements were observed at 27 locations representing residential, commercial, industrial and silence zones spanning across the Kolkata city. Monitoring was conducted for two days representing the normal day prior to Kalipuja/Diwali festival and during the day of festival (when majority of fire works is displayed in the city). Similar to noise measurements, ambient air quality was also monitored for two days to assess change in air quality before and during the festival. Six monitoring stations across the city were selected. Monitoring was conducted for respirable dust, SO2 and NO2 concentrations. Salient observations on Ambient Noise Out of 27 locations surveyed, sound levels were increased at 14 locations during daytime while in night increase was found at 20 locations. In remaining locations, especially in some commercial and industrial areas, the sound levels were either unchanged or even reduced. The ambient noise levels at different locations have increased between 1 to 14 dB(A) during daytime with an average of 6 dB(A), while in night time the increase was between 1 to 17 dB(A) with an average increase of 9 dB(A) due to the impact. Crackers were not the primary fire works being displayed by the citizens of Kolkata. In very few occasions the monitoring teams have encountered blasting of crackers very close to the sound level meter while taking observations in highly populated residential areas. Many people have reported that there was reduction in sale of fire-works in the city compared to previous years. Most of the fire works observed by the monitoring team were air polluting in nature rather than noise polluting. Beating of drums is one of the major sources of noise in some residential localities during nighttime. In these areas, drum sounds dominates cracker noise when measured as equivalent sound pressure levels for longer duration. Change in ambient noise levels is more prominent in nighttime (00:00 hrs to 04:00 hrs) compared to daytime. Compared to day, noise levels have changed in more locations and also increased more at night. The over-all impression of the study at Kolkata is, the increase ambient noise levels during festival is mainly from variety of sources such as beating of drums, firing crackers and movement of traffic and people whole day and night. Noise from crackers is sporadic and localized; it contributed only marginally to increase in ambient noise levels. The average increase in ambient noise levels was within 10 dB(A) and may exist for 2 days (Kalipuja and Diwali) in the year. Salient observations on Ambient Air Quality Primary air pollutants such as Respirable dust, Oxides of Sulfur and Nitrogen were found to have increased during the festive day. The change in air quality was much significant in residential areas and insignificant in other areas. There was significant raise in dust concentrations on festival day, especially in the evening hours after 6 PM. Peak 8-hourly dust concentrations were found between 2PM to 10PM at all the locations monitored in the city. Monitoring station at a typical residential area with no significant pollution source such as vehicular traffic and industry in the vicinity. The average dust levels have increased from 69 ug/cum to 235 µg/cum during the festival day. Hazra, Cossipore and Behala stations being commercial and industrial areas had RPM levels exceeding 100 ug/cum prior to festival. These levels have further increased by 60 to 120% at Behala and Hazra due to their proximity to residential areas. The 24-hr average concentrations at Cossipore industrial area was however reduced due to reduced activity on festive day.
Nitrogen Dioxide concentration was also peaked during evening time slot between 6 PM to 10PM showing the impact of fire-works. The concentrations during this period have exceeded safe limit of 80 µg/cum however the average 24-hour concentrations were found between 37 – 77 µg/cum in 6 stations. Here also the trends indicate that the concentrations are gradually falling back the following day. Ambient air quality and Noise in Delhi during Deepawali 2003 During Deepawali days, the air quality deteriorates alarmingly and noise level increases due to the bursting of crackers. In order of assess the air pollution and noise caused due to bursting of crackers, ambient air quality was measured at selected locations in Delhi during 2003. The observations are as follows: - Except for sulphur dioxide, the levels of all other pollutants at almost all the locations exceeded the air quality standards. - RSPM and SPM levels during 2003 at B.S.Z Marg, Patel Nagar and Ashok Vihar were found to be lower than that recorded during 2002. - Gaseous pollutants namely Carbon monoxide, Nitrogen dioxide and Sulphur dioxide also recorded low values in 2003 as compared to 2002. - Air quality improved significantly on the post Deepawali day. - Noise levels were monitored at nine residential, two traffic intersections, one commercial and one silence zones. Noise levels on Deepawali Day, 2003 increased at 8 locations and remained same at one location as compared to Deepawali day 2002. - Average noise values ranged from 69 to 90 dB(A) against 2002 avaerage values of 66 to 82 dB(A). The average values for normal days ranged between 56 and 71 dB(A). Highest average values were observed at New Friends Colony and Lajpat Nagar. Noise levels were very high between 20.30 hrs and 22.30 hrs. At some places the maximum values exceeded even 100 dB(A). Noise levels at different places on Deepawali day are presented in Table 5.17. Table 5.17 Ambient Noise level Status at different places in Delhi during Deepawali festival and normal days in year 2003
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