CHAPTER V

AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT

5.10 AIR QUALITY ASSESSMENT DURING 2001

The air quality of different cities/towns with respect to three criteria pollutants has been compared with the respective NAAQS and 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

                                 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;
• High pollution (H) : when the EF is between 1.0 - 1.5;
• Moderate pollution (M) : with and EF between 0.5 - 1.0; and
• Low pollution (L) : where the EF is less than 0.5.

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 data for air quality assessment of 183 monitoring locations (in 64 cities/towns), out of which 83 are in residential, 98 in industrial and 2 in sensitive areas have been analysed for air quality assessment. At 17 locations (7 residential and 10 industrial) data were insufficient (< 50 monitoring days in the year) with respect to gaseous pollutants and at 35 locations (18 residential, 16 industrial and 1 sensitive) with respect to SPM. Such locations have not been considered for air quality assessment (Table 5.24).

Table 5.24 Ambient air quality status of various cities/towns during 2001

	Annual Mean Concentration Range (µg/m3)
Pollution level	Industrial (I)					Residential (R)
	SO2 & NO2			SPM		SO2 & NO2			SPM
Low (L)	0-40			0-180		0-30			0-70
Moderate (M)	40-80			180-360		30-60			70-140
High (H)	80-120			360-540		60-90			140-210
Critical (C)	>120			>540		>90			>210
STATE / CITY		SO2			NO2			SPM
AREA CLASS		I	R		I		R	I		R
Andhra Pradesh
Hyderabad		L	L		M		M	M		H
Vishakhapatnam		L	L		L		L	L		H
Assam
Guwahati		-	L		-		L	-		H
Bihar
Patna		-	L		-		L	-		C
Chhattisgarh
Bhilai		L	L		L		M	M		H
Korba		-	L		-		L	-		M
Raipur		L	L		M		M	M		H
Delhi
Delhi		L	L		L		H	H		C
Gujarat
Ahmedabad		L	L		M		M	H		C
Goa
Ponda		-	L		-		L	-		M
Vasco		L	-		L		-	M		-
Himachal Pradesh
Damtal		-	L		-		L	-		-
Parwanoo		L	L		L		L	-		-
Paonta Sahib		L	-		L		-	-		-
Shimla		-	L		-		L	-		-
Haryana
Yamuna Nagar		L	-		L		-	M		-
Faridabad		L	L		L		L	M		C
Jharkhand
Dhanbad		-	L		-		M	-		C
Jharia		L	-		L		-	M		-
Jamshedpur		L	M		M		M	M		C
Sindri		L	-		L		-	M		-
Karnataka
Bangalore		L	L		L		L	L		H
Mysore		L	-		L		-	L		-
Kerala
Cochin		L	L		L		L	M		C
Chingavanam		L	-		L		-	-		-
Kottayam		L	L		L		L	-		-
Kozhikode		L	L		L		L	L		M
Thiruvananthapuram		L	L		L		L	-		-
Palakad		L	-		L		-	L		-
Maharashtra
Mumbai		L	L		L		L	M		C
Chandrapur		L	L		M		M	L		H
Nagpur		L	L		L		L	M		C
Nasik		L	M		L		L	M		C
Pune		L	M		M		C	L		C
Solapur		L	L		M		M	H		C
Madhya Pradesh
Bhopal		L	L		L		L	-		-
Indore		L	L		L		L	-		-
Jabalpur		-	-		-		L	-		-
Nagda		M	M		M		M	-		-
Satna		L	L		L		L	-		-
Meghalaya
Motinagar		-	L		-		L	-		M
Orissa
Angul		L	L		L		L	M		M
Rourkela		L	L		L		L	M		H
Talcher		L	-		L		-	L		-
Rayagada		L	L		L		L	L		M
Punjab
Gobindgarh		L	-		L		-	M		-
Jalandhar		L	L		L		M	M		C
Ludhiana		L	L		L		M	-		-
Rajasthan
Alwar		L	L		M		H	H		C
Jaipur		L	L		L		M	M		C
Kota		L	L		L		L	M		C
Udaipur		L	L		-		-	M		H
Jodhpur		L	L		L		L	H		C
Tamil Nadu
Chennai		L	L		L		L	L		M
Coimbatore		-	-		-		-	L		L
Madurai		L	L		L		M	L		C
Salem		-	L		-		L	-		L
Uttaranchal
Dehradun		L	L		L		L	M		C
Uttar Pradesh
Agra		-	L		-		L	-		C
Anpara		M	-		M		-	M		-
Gajroula		L	-		L		-	H		C
Kanpur		L	L		L		M	H		C
Lucknow		-	L		-		M	M		C
Varanasi		-	L		-		L	-		C
Ghaziabad		-	-		-		-	M		-
West Bengal
Haldia		L	-		M		-	L		-
Howrah		L	L		M		M	M		H
Kolkata		L	L		H		H	M		C
Chandigarh		-	-		-		-	M		H
Pondichery		-	L		-		L	L		M

                     Note : ‘-‘ - Data Not Available/Inadequate

Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂)

It is observed that all the locations conformed to the respective standards. Fig. 5.5 depicts the annual mean concentration of SO₂ vis-à-vis number of monitoring stations.

Fig 5.5 Annual mean concentration of Sulphur Dioxide (various ranges)
Vis-à-vis Number of monitoring stations

Ten locations of industrial and residential categories having highest values of annual mean concentration of Sulphur Dioxide are listed in Table 5.25.

Table 5.25 Ten locations having highest concentration of Sulphur Dioxide
during 2001

S. No	Industrial			Residential
	Location	State	Annual mean conc. (µg/m3)	Location	State	Annual mean conc. (µg/m3)
1.	Anpara Colony, Anpara	U.P.	53	Sakchi water tower, Jamshedpur	Jharkhand	49
2.	Renusagar Colony, Anpara	U.P.	51	Poud Phata, Kothrud, Pune	Maharashtra	46
3.	PCMC Chinchawad, Pune	Maharashtra	47	Grasim Kalyan Kendra, Nagda	M.P.	45
4.	Chemical Division Labour Club, Nagda	M.P.	46	Nasik Municipal Corpn. Building, Nasik	Maharashtra	32
5.	Burmamines Water Tower, Jamshedpur	Jharkhand	39	Kapoor Hotel, Hazratganj, Lucknow	U.P.	28
6.	Bhosai, Pune	Maharashtra	37	Mahanagar, Lucknow	U.P.	28
7.	Raunaq Auto Ltd, Gajraula	U.P.	36	RTO Colony Tank, Nasik	Maharashtra	27
8.	Laghu Udyog Nigam Ltd., Bhilai	Chhattisgarh	28	Visak Hostel, Sec.-4, Bhilai	Chhattisgarh	27
9.	MIDC, Chandrapur	Maharashtra	28	Hamidia Road, Bhilai	Chhattisgarh	26
10	Kathivakkam, Chennai	Tamil Nadu	26	Sub-R. Office, Bapat Nagar, Chandrapur	Maharashtra	25

 

Fig 5.6 Percent violation of 24-hourly standards (Sulphur dioxide)

Percent violation with respect to 24-hourly standards is depicted in Figure 5.6. During 2001, at one residential location (Nagda, Madhya Pradesh), 24-hourly values exceeded the respective standards.

Based on the analysis of air quality data (AMC) at all the monitoring stations and pollution level categorization, the status of SO₂ levels during 2001 is presented in Fig 5.7.

Fig 5.7 Status of Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) levels in terms of high,
moderate and low pollution

Oxides of Nitrogen (as NO₂)

The annual mean concentration of Nitrogen dioxide vis-à-vis number of monitoring stations is presented in Fig. 5.8. It is observed that at two industrial and four residential locations, the NO₂ level exceeded the annual standards of NO_2.

Fig 5.8 Annual mean concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide (various range)

The annual standards of Industrial and Residential areas exceeded in the cities of Pune, Kolkatta, Alwar and Delhi. Table 5.26 enlists locations having top ten highest values of annual mean concentration of Nitrogen dioxide.

Table 5.26 Ten Locations Having Highest Concentration of Nitrogen Dioxide

	Industrial			Residential
S.No	Location	State	Annual mean conc. (µg/m3)	Location	State	Annual mean conc. (µg/m3)
1.	Mandai/Swargate, Pune	Maharashtra	90*	Poud Phata, Kothrud, Pune	Maharashtra	94*
2.	Cossipore, Kolkatta	West Bengal	87*	Lal Bazar, Kolkatta	West Bengal	82*
3.	RIICO Pump House, Alwar	Rajasthan	73	Regional Office, Alwar	Rajasthan	72*
4.	Howrah Munic. Coprn., Howrah	West Bengal	71	Town Hall, Delhi	Delhi	70*
5.	Gaurav Solvex, Alwar	Rajasthan	71	Sakchi Water Tower, Jamshedpur	Jharkhand	56
6.	Super Market, Haldia	West Bengal	62	Sarojini Nagar, Delhi	Delhi	53
7.	Anpara Colony, Anpara	U.P.	59	Kasba, Kolkatta	West Bengal	52
8.	Bandhaghat, Howrah	West Bengal	58	Sub-R.O., Bapat Nagar, Chandrapur	Maharashtra	51
9.	Renusagar Colony, Anpara	U.P.	57	Bator, Howrah	West Bengal	50
10	Bhosai, Pune	Maharashtra	53	Chitale Clinic, Solapur	Maharashtra	47

* - Locations where annual mean concentration of NO₂ exceeded the respective standards of 80 µg/m³ for Industrial and 60 µg/m³ for Residential areas.

Percent violations with respect to 24-hourly standards is depicted in Fig. 5.9. The number of locations where either annual mean or 24-hourly concentration exceeded the standards of NO₂ for more than 5% times are listed in Table 5.27 During 2001, three industrial and six residential locations violated the 24-hourly standards of NO₂ for more than 5% of the times.

Table 5.27 : Locations where either annual mean or 24-hourly Nitrogen Dioxide concentration violated respective standards
Location	State	Area Class	Annual Mean Conc. (µg/m3)	% Exceedence Over 24-Hourly Standards
Mandai/Swargate, Pune	Maharashtra	Industrial	90	11
Cossipore, Calcutta	West Bengal	Industrial	87	19
N.Y. SCHOOL, Sarojini Nagar, Delhi	Delhi	Residential	53	13
Town Hall, Delhi	Delhi	Residential	70	31
R.O. Dhanbad	Jharkhand	Residential	32	12
Poud Phata (Kothrud), Pune	Maharastra	Residential	94	66
Regional Office, Alwar	Rajasthan	Residential	72	13
Lal-Bazar, Kolkatta	West Bengal	Residential	82	48
Kasba, Kolkatta	West Bengal	Residential	52	21

Fig 5.9 Percent violation of 24-hourly standards (Nitrogen Dioxide)

Status of NO₂

Based on the analysis of air quality data at all the monitoring stations and pollution level categorization, NO₂ is reported as high at one industrial, four residential and one critical location in the country. It is observed that NO₂ violation is mainly in the State of West Bengal (Kolkatta), Rajasthan (Alwar), Maharashtra (Pune) and Delhi (Fig 5.10).

Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)

The annual mean concentration of SPM vis-à-vis number of monitoring stations is presented in Fig. 5.11. It is observed that at one sensitive, 8 industrial and 58 residential locations, SPM level exceeded annual standards. Table 5.28 enlists the ten locations having top ten highest values of SPM in the country.

Fig 5.10 Status of Nitrogen Dioxide levels in terms of high,
moderate and low pollution

Fig. 5.11 Annual Mean Concentration of SPM (various ranges)
vis-à-vis Number of monitoring stations

 

Table 5.28 Ten locations having highest concentration of SPM

	Industrial			Residential
S. No	Location	State	Annual Mean Conc. (µg/m3)	Location	State	Annual Mean Conc. (µg/m3)
1.	G. Solvex, Alwar	Rajasthan	537*	Town Hall, Delhi	Delhi	561*
2.	Basni Indl. Area, RIICO Office, Jodhpur	Rajasthan	474*	Gandhi Maidan Test Centre, Patna	Bihar	536*
3.	Lajpat Nagar, Kanpur	U.P.	471*	Regional Office, Bodla, Agra	U.P.	476*
4.	M/s A.C..Pvt.Ltd., Fazalganj, Kanpur	U.P.	441*	Sojati Gate, Jodhpur	Rajasthan	474*
5.	Raunaq Auto Ltd., Gajraula	U.P.	426*	Regional Office, Jodhpur	Rajasthan	450*
6.	WIT Campus, Colapur	Maharashtra	403*	Reg. Off., Jawahar Nagar, Varanasi	U.P.	416*
7.	Shahzada Bagh, Delhi	Delhi	378*	Deputy Ka Parao, Kanpur	U.P.	413*
8.	Shardaben Hospit., Ahmedabad	Gujarat	366*	Chitale Clinic, Solapur	Maharashtra	411*
9.	M.A.D.A., Jharia	Jharkhand	359	H.P.O., Kanpur	U.P.	406*
10	M/s Atlas Cycles (I) Ltd., Ghaziabad	U.P.	357	F&T Centre, K. Nagar, Kanpur	U.P.	403*

* - Locations where annual mean concentration of SPM exceeded the respective standards of 360 µg/m³ for Industrial and 140 µg/m³ for Residential areas.

The annual mean concentration of SPM exceeded the standard for industrial area at 8 locations in the state of Uttar Pradesh (3), Rajasthan (2), Delhi (1), Maharashtra (1) and Gujarat (1).

The annual mean concentration of SPM exceeded the standard for residential areas in 58 locations spread over the states of Andhra Pradesh (2), Assam (1), Bihar (2), Chhattisgarh (2), Chandigarh (1), Delhi (4), Gujarat (2), Haryana (1), Jharkhand (2), Karnataka (1), Kerala (3), Maharashtra (10), Orissa (1), Punjab (2), Rajasthan (10), Tamil Nadu (1), Uttarakhand (1), Uttar Pradesh (9) and West Bengal (3).

The details of locations wherein 24-hourly values of SPM exceeded the standards for more than 5% of the times are shown in the Fig. 5.12. Table 5.29 provides the number of stations where either AMC or 24-hourly concentration (more than 5% of the times) exceeded the respective standards. During 2001, one sensitive (Tajmahal at Agra), 20 industrial and 62 residential locations violated the 24-hourly values of SPM for more than 5% of times.

Fig 5.12 Percent violation of 24-hourly standards (Suspended Particulate Matter)

Table 5.29 Locations where either Annual Mean or 24-hourly Suspended
Particulate Matter concentration violated respective standards

State	Number of Monitoring Locations Exceeding Standards
	Industrial	Residential	Sensitive
Andhra Pradesh	-	3	-
Assam	-	1	-
Bihar	-	2	-
Delhi	2	4	-
Karnataka	-	1	-
Gujarat	1	2	-
Haryana	1	1	-
Jharkhand	1	2	-
Chhattisgarh	-	3	-
Goa	-	1	-
Kerala	1	3	-
Maharashtra	1	11
Orissa	-	2	-
Punjab	-	2
Rajasthan	-	2	-
Tamil Nadu	-	1	-
Uttar Pradesh	5	9	1
Uttarakhand	1	1	-
Chandigarh	1	1	-
West Bengal	-	3	-
Total	14	55	1

Status of SPM

Based on the analysis of Annual Mean Concentration at all the monitoring stations and pollution level categorization, the status of SPM during 2001 (Fig. 5.13) is reported to be critical at 39 locations and high at 19 locations in residential area and high at 8 locations in industrial area.

Fig. 5.13 Status of Suspended Particulate Matter level in terms of critical,
high, moderate and low pollution

Non-attainment Areas

Non-attainment areas for the three pollutants indicate that SPM is the major problem affecting nearly all the cities, NO₂ in the cities of Alwar in Rajasthan and Pune in Maharashtra. Air Pollution problem is wide spread in 59 cities, where at least one criteria pollutant exceeded either annual or 24-hourly standards in any of the monitoring locations.

Table 5.30 shows the number of stations violating annual standards and 24-Hourly standards for more than 2% of the times in the year 2001 with respect to individual criteria pollutant. It is quite evident that SPM is the major problem in the residential areas of most of the cities/towns. Some of the observations on air pollution in cities are as follows:

• 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 still a serious problem resulting in high human exposures to SPM and 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 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 fund, lack of equipment, lack of infrastructure and inadequate manpower.

Table 5.30 Number of stations violating Annual and 24-hourly standards

Area Class	SO2		NO2		SPM
	24-Hourly	Annual	24-Hourly	Annual	24-Hourly	Annual
Residential	1	-	9	4	65	58
Industrial	-	-	3	1	30	8
Sensitive	-	-	-	-	1	1
Total	1	0	12	5	96	67

5.11 AMBIENT AIR QUALITY MONITORING IN DELHI

The Air quality monitoring studies have been conducted using Ambient air quality monitoring van at different locations during June , 2002 and January – February, 2003 . Air monitoring for SO₂, NO₂, RSPM and CO was conducted at each location for 24 hours. The data is presented in Table 5.31 and 5.32.

SO₂ and NO₂ concentration was recorded well within the permissible limit on all monitoring locations while RSPM exceeded the limit. 8 hourly CO concentration has a mixed trend against the permissible limit.

Findings (Monitoring during June, 2002)

The overview of air quality at various locations based on subjective assessment of monitoring data has been presented in Table 5.31. The monitoring study depict following findings :-

• Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) has been recorded excessively high at all the monitoring locations.

• The Sulphur dioxide (SO₂) has been recorded within limit at all the monitoring locations. Therefore, it is not considered as problematic parameter at the monitoring locations.

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) exceeded the permissible limit at all the monitoring locations except at East Patel Nagar on June 13, 2002 where the concentration exceeded the permissible limit.

• The 8 hourly average concentration of Carbon monoxide (CO) were within the permissible limit at ITO Intersection, Lawrence Road, NOIDA More and Lado Sarai. At East Patel Nagar, it was exceeded in morning (00.00 – 14.00 hours) and in evening (14.00 – 22.00 hours) on June 13, 2002 and in morning (006.00 – 14.00 hours) and night (22.00 – 06.00 hours) on June 14, 2002.

• Morning and evening traffic peaks were observed at all the locations. Concentration of air pollutants was found to increase between 08.00 hours and 11.00 hours and 16.00 hours and 21.00 hours at the monitored locations, indicating thereby the impact of vehicular density on the air quality.

Findings (Monitoring during January – February, 2003)

The overview of air quality monitoring was conducted at various locations in Delhi during January – February, 2003. The concentration of SO₂, NO₂ and O₃ remained well within the permissible limit at all the locations. The concentration of RSPM remained very high at all locations which ranged between 92 m g/m³ and 409 m g/m³. The concentration of CO was within permissible limit at Lawrence Road Indl. Area, Badli Industrial Area and Campus of Presentation Convent School near Red Fort whereas the concentration of CO remained above permissible limit in few shifts at Windsor Place, Sarai Kale Khan and S.P. Marg (Dhaula Kuan).

Table 5.31 Ambient Air Quality Monitoring at different locations in Delhi
June, 2002

S. No.	Monitoring Location	Average Concentration (m g/m3)
		SO2	NO2	RSPM	CO
1.	East Patel Nagar	37	75	456	2612
2.	ITO Intersection	24	39	113	401
3.	NOIDA More	23	31	367	1003
4.	Lado Sarai	22	30	167	135
5.	Lawrence Road	26	30	428	364

Table 5.32 Ambeint air Concentration at different locations in Delhi during
Jan - Feb. 2003

WINDSOR PLACE

S. No.	DATE	NO2 (m g/m3)	SO2 (m g/m3)	O3 (m g/m3)	RSPM (m g/m3)	CO (8 hourly Avg.) (m g/m3)
		24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	(06.00-14.00)	(14.00-22.00)	(22.00-06.00)
01.	06 - 01 - 03	73	22	11	185	1350	2230	918
02.	07 - 01 - 03	65	13	12	187	2010	1870	532
03.	08 - 01 - 03	45	25	15	259	1140	4760	3200
04.	09 - 01 - 03	50	47	16	409	1480	8330	9040
05.	10 - 01 - 03	44	18	05	182	1590	2150	1040

LAWRENCE ROAD IND. AREA

S. No.	DATE	NO2 (m g/m3)	SO2 (m g/m3)	O3 (m g/m3)	RSPM (m g/m3)	CO (8 hourly Avg.) (m g/m3)
		24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	(06.00-14.00)	(14.00-22.00)	(22.00-06.00)
01.	13 - 01 - 03	10	16	15	318	1930	3100	1830
02.	14 - 01 - 03	09	31	15	350	2450	4070	2230
03.	15 - 01 - 03	14	24	19	400	1890	4630	4000
04.	16 - 01 - 03	09	15	09	281	2920	3290	1820
05.	17 - 01 - 03	64	15	15	311	2250	3860	4610

BADLI INDUSTRIAL AREA

S. No.	DATE	NO2 (mg/m3)	SO2 (mg/m3)	O3 (m g/m3)	RSPM (m g/m3)	CO (8 hourly Avg.) (m g/m3)
		24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	(06.00-14.00)	(14.00-22.00)	(22.00-06.00)
01.	20 - 01 - 03	69	33	09	248	1900	2100	1770
02.	21 - 01 - 03	62	52	12	328	1360	2320	2170
03.	22 - 01 - 03	75	54	14	343	1110	1980	2880
04.	23 - 01 - 03	82	58	19	333	1900	2150	2420

SARAI KALE KHAN

S. No.	DATE	NO2 (mg/m3)	SO2 (m g/m3)	O3 (m g/m3)	RSPM (m g/m3)	CO (8 hourly Avg.) (m g/m3)
		24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	(06.00-14.00)	(14.00-22.00)	(22.00-06.00)
01.	27 - 01 - 03	51	22	10	92	1300	2460	1410
02.	28 - 01 - 03	36	16	04	-	-	2170	1220
03.	29 - 01 - 03	44	17	15	115	1210	2000	2120
04.	30 - 01 - 03	46	12	08	128	1250	1640	678
05.	31 - 01 - 03	31	09	04	-	723	1090	570

S. P. MARG, DHAULA KUAN

S. No.	DATE	NO2 (m g/m3)	SO2 (m g/m3)	O3 (m g/m3)	RSPM (m g/m3)	CO (8 hourly Avg.) (m g/m3)
		24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	(06.00-14.00)	(14.00-22.00)	(22.00-06.00)
01.	03 - 02 - 03	12	15	14	153	1450	2120	1530
02.	04 - 02 - 03	59	14	17	162	1440	2340	1100
03.	05 - 02 - 03	51	16	20	208	1660	3520	4020
04.	06 - 02 - 03	62	13	21	194	1100	3660	4790
05.	07 - 02 - 03	57	23	21	1459	1410	2910	3240

RED FORT , (PRESENTATION CONVENT SCHOOL)

S. No.	DATE	NO2 (m g/m3)	SO2 (m g/m3)	O3 (m g/m3)	RSPM (m g/m3)	CO (8 hourly Avg.) (m g/m3)
		24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	24 hrs. Avg.	(06.00-14.00)	(14.00-22.00)	(22.00-06.00)
01.	13 - 02 - 03	15	15	21	189	944	1880	1270
02.	14 - 02 - 03	21	14	21	213	1340	1520	1260

	:-	Above the limit of 80 µg/m3 for SO2 and NO2
	:-	Above the limit of 2000 µg/m3 for CO
	:-	Above the limit of 100 µg/m3 for RSPM

Volatile Organic Compounds (Benzene, Toluene and Xylene) in the Ambient Air of Delhi

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are defined technically as organic compounds having a saturation vapour pressure greater than 10^-1 Torr at 25 ⁰ C and standard atmospheric pressure. It can be classified into six categories namely alkanes, alkenes, alkyenes, aromatics, halogen compounds and carboxyl compounds. The BTX (Benzene Toluene and Xylene) compounds come under aromatic category of volatile organic compound. BTX are mainly released from anthropogenic activities such as transportation (from vehicle exhaust, filling and evaporative losses), industrial processes, combustion etc. BTX are harmful pollutants causing exposure-related health affects in human beings.

Central Pollution Control Board is regularly conducting BTX monitoring using diffusive samplers (passive sampling method) on fortnightly basis at seven locations (Ashok Vihar, I.T.O, J.N.U., Moti Nagar, East Arjun Nagar, Siri Fort, Town Hall) in Delhi. After the required sampling period the diffusive tubes are transported to the laboratory. The activated charcoal of the tube is extracted with Carbon disulphide (CS₂) and analysed using Gas Chromatograph with Flame Ionisation Detector (FID).The data is processed on monthly average basis. Mean concentration of BTX (Benzene, Toluene and Xylene) at different locations in Delhi (January to April 2002 and December 2002) is depicted in Fig 5.14. The mean concentration of Benzene ranged between 14 µg/ m³ (J.N.U) and 26 µg/ m³ (I.T.O). The maximum (98 µg/ m³) and minimum (23 µg/m³) concentration of Toluene were observed at Moti Nagar and J.N.U.respectively.The mean concentration of Xylene ranged between 8 µg/ m³ (J.N.U) and 31 µg/ m³ (I.T.O).

Monitoring of Volatile Organic Matter (VOC) levels in Vadodara Ambient Air

During winter season few important carcinogenic volatile organic compounds like Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and m,p-Xylene were also measured round the clock by using continuous automatic VOC monitor. Results on hourly average basis were compared with their threshold limits to find trend of diurnal variation and identify particular hours when they exceeded their limits. VOCs were measured in the winter season by using automatic VOC analyzer at Subhanpura, a residential area. The measured values presented in Table 5.33. Results shows the measured average Benzene levels varied between 5.93 µg/ m³ and 20.5 µg/m³ and higher values were observed during midday to mid night. The measured average Toluene levels varied between BDL to 33.24 µg/m³ and average Ethyl Benzene levels varied between 3.35 µg/m³ and 23.65 µg/m³.

The average values of m+p Xylene varied between BDL and 3.11µg/m³ and BDL and 12.26 µg/m³. The trends of variation of all other measured VOC species were more or less similar except Ethyl Benzene. The higher values of Ethylene Benzene were encountered in the morning (9 AM –10 AM) and in the night hours (6 PM to 10 PM) also. However, other VOCs did not show similar trend, the peak values were encountered in daytime only. The measured average VOCs were exceeded the threshold limit during both the year because of high number of Vehicles plying on the road, un-burnt vehicular fuel, poor meteorological conditions and adulteration in Fuel. As VOCs are carcinogenic, it should be a serious concern to the local authority of Vadodara city to stop adulteration and improve traffic management.

Table 5.33 Hourly levels of VOC species in Air of Vadodara

Hours	Benzene µg/m3	Toluene µg/m3	E-Benzene µg/m3	m+p-Xylene µg/m3	o-xylene µg/m3
0-1	7.06	BDL	4.17	0.16	BDL
1-2	6.56	BDL	3.35	0.37	BDL
2-3	5.94	1.01	5.64	0.16	BDL
3-4	5.93	BDL	4.70	0.66	2.99
4-5	5.97	BDL	5.96	0.95	BDL
5-6	4.84	BDL	4.84	0.52	BDL
6-7	5.67	BDL	5.76	0.59	BDL
7-8	7.81	2.38	9.46	0.94	1.28
8-9	7.54	4.21	16.02	1.18	BDL
9-10	9.99	3.65	19.18	0.37	BDL
10-11	20.56	28.31	14.74	3.11	12.26
11-12	8.64	2.90	12.58	0.22	BDL
12-13	10.64	33.24	4.37	2.34	7.93
13-14	11.97	7.83	7.69	BDL	BDL
14-15	15.32	3.68	13.58	BDL	BDL
15-16	11.65	2.00	8.98	0.21	BDL
16-17	11.50	5.78	12.07	0.13	BDL
17-18	10.81	3.43	18.07	0.32	BDL
18-19	17.51	7.87	22.54	1.05	3.82
19-20	14.66	5.55	21.39	0.86	4.66
20-21	12.80	5.70	23.65	0.94	BDL
21-22	10.27	3.28	16.02	1.22	BDL
22-23	8.66	2.10	10.99	0.51	BDL
23-24	9.33	2.23	12.20	0.50	BDL
Thresh-old Limit	6.7	11.6	1.69	4.85

 

Benzene Toluene and Xylene (BTX) Level Measurments in the Ambient Air of Bangalore City

In the light of benzene and its derivatives presence in the auto exhaust emissions and their harmful effects on the public health an online monitoring systems to measure above said components in the ambient air near Zonal Office building at Rajajinagar was commissioned. Though the system is not stabilized, yet the pollutant levels recorded between Nov. 2002 to March, 2003 (Winter months) are presented in Table 5.34.

Table 5.34 BTX Levels at Bangalore

TIME INTERVAL	BENZENE	TOULENE	ETHYL-BENZENE	M.P.-XYLENE	0-XYLENE
12 MID NIGHT TO 4 AM	20	46	8	32	1.5
4 AM TO 8 AM	9	19	4	14	3
8 AM TO 12 NOON	21	48	9	37	11
12 NOON TO 4 PM	20	49	9	36	5
4 PM TO 8 PM	39	99	19	64	24
8 PM TO 12 MID NIGHT	31	78	16	58	22

Note: All values are expressed in ppb

On-line BTX Monitoring in Delhi (Using Mobile Van) :

CPCB initiated On-line BTX monitoring since Nov. 2000 subsequently at different selected locations and results published earlier. The monitoring of BTX in ambient air was continued during year 2001 & 2002 using mobile van fixed with continuous online BTX analyser (MLU 950 of Synspec) near foot over bridge at BSZ Marg, I.T.O., Jhilmil Industrial Area, G.T.Road, Shahdara, National Physical laboratory, Pusa Road, Hotal Taj Palace, Dhaula Kuan, Safdarjung Hospital, Britannia Chowk, Ring Road, Sindhu Border, Alipur Village, Bara Hindu Rao and G.T.Road,Shahdara . Results of monitoring of BTX in µg/m³ are shown in Table 5.35 and Fig 5.15, which indicate that:

• Average Benzene levels were highest at Britannia Industry chowk during Oct.2001 i.e. 15.5 µg/m³ followed by ITO (BSZ Marg) i.e. 10.1 µg/m³ and lowest at National Physical Laboratory (Pusa Road) during summer (May, 2001) i.e. 2.3 µg/m³ .
• Toluene level was observed much higher (approximately 3 times) than Benzene which range between 5.1 µg/m³ at NPL Pusa Road and 50.2 µg/m³ at Britannia Industry Chowk .
• Vehicular pollution seems to be the major source of high levels of Benzene at Britannia Industry chowk and ITO (BSZ Marg) during October 2001.
• Levels of Benzene and Toluene were observed higher during October month and lower during May month probably due to higher temperature and better dispersion.

Table 5.35 BTX levels observed in Delhi during April 2001 to May 2002.
(Concentrations in m g/m³ at 25°C)

Locations	Period	Benzene	Toluene	m,p-Xylene	o-Xylene	Ethyl-Benzene
ITO, BSZ Marg	Apr. 2001	7.5	24.0	14.9	6.6	4.8
Jhilmil Ind.Area	Apr. 2001	5.6	14.5	9.6	4.2	3.1
NPL, Pusa Road	May. 2001	2.3	5.1	1.4	0.7	0.6
Hotel Taj Palace	Sept.2001	6.0	16.3	6.3	2.6	1.8
SafdarJang Hospita	Sept.2001	9.5	27.5	11.2	4.5	3.4
ITO, BSZ Marg	Sep-Oct.2001	10.1	31.4	15.1	6.0	4.4
Britania Industrry chowk	Oct.2001	15.5	50.2	15.9	6.8	5.0
Sindhu Border	Apr. 2002	2.7	16.1	4.0	1.4	1.0
Alipur Village	Apr. 2002	3.0	7.5	2.8	1.1	0.8
Bara Hindu Rao	Apr. 2002	6.9	22.8	13.4	5.8	4.5
G.T.Road,Shahdara	May. 2002	2.7	14.2	8.3	4.1	2.6

On-line BTX Monitoring in Delhi (Stationary Continuous Analysers) :

On line BTX monitoring in Delhi at Siri Firt and ITO (BSZ Marg) have been initiated from August 2002 .

1. Siri Fort :

Average, Maximum and Minimum monthly Benzene levels at Siri fort are presented in Table 5.36 and Fig 5.16, which shows gradual increase in the levels from August 2002 to March , 2003.

2. ITO (BSZ Marg) :

Average, Maximum and Minimum monthly Benzene levels at ITO are presented in Table-5.36 and Figure-5.15, which shows gradual increase in the levels from August 2002 to March , 2003.

Overall Average benzene levels were generally observed higher at ITO as compared to Siri Fort probably due to higher traffic density.

Table 5.36 Average Benzene Levels(m g/m³) in Ambient Air of Siri Fort and
ITO (BSZ Marg) During 2002

Location/Month	Average Benzene Levels(m g/m3)
Siri Fort
August, 2002	6.94
September, 2002	7.48
October,2002	20.03
November,2002	-
December, 2002	-
January, 2003	-
February, 2003	5.91
March, 2003	2.70
ITO (BSZ Marg)
August, 2002	4.76
September, 2002	8.81
October,2002	25.76
November,2002	39.93
December, 2002	37.23
January, 2003	13.69
February, 2003	11.3
March, 2003	2.83

Diurnal Variation :

Half hourly observations (Fig 5.17) indicate that concentration of all measured components remain prevalent since evening time till midnight which reflect that Benzene compound do not dissipate into the environment immediately after it’s release. They persist in the lower atmosphere during dark and comparative cooler temperature in the night until oxidized during daylight. It is observed that Benzene level build up in high conc. for a longer duration at Traffic intersection as compared to residential area especially during winter season.

Active BTX Sampling Followed By ATD-GC Analysis

Instrumental methods are being calibrated and standardised for BTX analysis using Active (pumped) sampling techniques followed by Automated Thermal Desorption-Gas Chromatography analysis. Samples are collected at selected locations i.e. traffic intersection, petrol pump and residential areas for shorter period (two-three hours) using low flow pump at different time intervals including peak and lean traffic periods.

Results of selected locations are depicted in Fig 5.18, which reflect following observations.

• Maximum BTX levels were observed at Petrol Pumps mainly Preet Vihar because of less dispersion due to high rise buildings in the vicinity.
  
  
• Traffic intersection (ITO) recorded highest BTX level after petrol pumps.
• BTX level at residential areas were recorded low as compared to traffic intersection and petrol pumps.
• Toluene concentrations were observed approximately 1.5 times the Benzene concentration.

Breakthrough was observed during active (low flow pumped) sampling even at 20ml/minute flow rate when Tenax, Coconut Charcoal were used. Therefore, selection of suitable adsorbents is to be made through further experimental work using different adsorbent like Chromosorb 106 etc at different flow rate and different sources and atmospheric conditions.

Ambient Air Quality in Delhi during Year 2002

Central Pollution Control Board has been conducting ambient air quality monitoring of criteria pollutants at seven locations in Delhi. The locations have been categorized based on land use i.e., residential, industrial and traffic intersection. The comparison of ambient air quality data during 2002 with previous years (Fig 5.19 to 5.24) indicate that:

• Concentrations of SPM, RSPM and NO₂ have increased significantly, while Carbon monoxide and SO₂ have decreased.
• Annual average SPM concentration during 2002 registered an increase of approximately 20 percent in both the residential areas (384 µg/m³) and industrial areas (451µg/m³). Similarly SPM concentration at BSZ traffic intersection (533 µg/m³) registered an increase of 11 percent.
• RSPM recorded 139 µg/m³ in the residential areas and 167 µg/m³ in the industrial areas during 2002. These are 14 and 10 percent respectively higher than the values recorded in 2001.
• Increasing trend of SPM and RSPM observed in Delhi may be attributed to a proliferation in construction activity. Inadequate rainfall may also have partly contributed to higher values of SPM and RSPM during 2002 as compared to 2001.
• Nitrogen dioxide has also shown a significant increase in all the areas during 2002. The increase in residential area (33 µg/m³) and Traffic intersection (75 µg/m³) was approximately 11 percent, while in the industrial areas (35 µg/m³) it increased by 17 percent. Use of fossil fuels in Delhi is on the increase and the increasing trend of NO₂ may be attributed to the oxidation/conversion of atmospheric nitrogen to oxides of nitrogen during combustion of fossil fuels.
• Increased use of CNG especially by three wheelers has had a marked impact in the concentration of carbon monoxide. CO levels measured at BSZ traffic intersection during 2002 was 3258 µg/m³ as against 4183 µg/m³ recorded in 2001, thus indicating a decline of 22 percent.
• Reduction of sulphur content in diesel may have contributed to a declining trend of sulphur dioxide at all the locations in Delhi. SO₂ in residential areas during 2002 fell to 11 µg/m³ from a high of 14 µg/m³ in 2001, similarly at BSZ Marg traffic intersection it was found 10 µg/m³ as against 15 µg/m³ recorded in 2001.
• Lead levels have not shown any major changes in 2002 as compared to 2001. The marginally higher values may be attributable to the residual lead present in the soil which had become airborne due to windy environment and movement of vehicles.

Fig 5.20 Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) Concentration
in Ambient Air of Delhi (2000-2002)

 

Fine Particulate Matter (PM_2.5) Monitoring in the Ambient Air of Delhi

Particulate Matter is the term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. PM_2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometers or smaller in size. The sources of PM_2.5 include fuel combustion, power plants, wood burning, industrial processes and diesel powered vehicles. These fine particles are also formed in the atmosphere when gases such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and volatile organic compounds are transformed in the air by chemical reactions. Fine particles are of concern because they are risk to both human health and environment. Because these particles are so small they penetrate to the deepest part of the lungs. Scientific studies have suggested links between fine particulate matter and numerous health problems including bronchitis, acute and chronic respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and painful breathing. These fine particles also have a great affinity for water thus contributing to acid rain. Acid rains affects things biological or man made thus affecting the environment.

 

This problematic cycle is why CPCB has taken initiative to monitor and address fine particles in the atmosphere. Monitoring is being conducted employing portable samplers (Air Metrics) based on the principle of impaction. Preliminary results (Figure 5.25) of monitoring, conducted at BSZ Marg, Delhi indicates alarmingly high concentration of PM_2.5. Monthly mean concentration of PM _2.5 between February and July, 2002 ranged between 46 m g/m³ to 153 m g/m³. On an average, PM2.5 constituted 50% of PM ₁₀ and 25% of TSPM (Total Suspended Particulate Matter). It was observed that the 24 hourly values had exceeded the USEPA limit of 65 m g/m³ on 95% of days on which monitoring was conducted. Considering the health effects, it is necessary to monitor PM_2.5 at more number of locations in Delhi and other urban centers of the country to assess its levels and for taking mitigative measures.

Inspection of Authorised Vehicular Pollution Checking Centres in Delhi

Inspection of Vehicular Pollution Checking Centres (PCCs), authorised by Directorate of Transport (Govt. of NCT – Delhi) was conducted from November 28 to December 4, 2002 to check the operation, methodology and calibration of the instruments. 33 PCCs covering all the five zones, i.e. South, West, North, central and East Delhi were inspected during the programme. It was observed that the staff, deployed at the PCCs need regular training to improve their skills and appraise them of the steps, being taken for reducing vehicular pollution. The following recommendations and suggestions have been made :-

Recommendations

• In order to ensure reliable and accurate checking of emission for issue of PUC Certificates, the staff of the PCCs should be given proper training in operation, preventive maintenance and calibration of the instrument.
• Gas calibration of the instrument may also be checked by the inspectors / officials of DoT during their visit.
• All the PCCs should have calibration gas cylinders so that the instruments can be calibrated by the authorised signatory.
• Sampling Probe should be cleaned regularly with petrol and compressed air.
• Sampling Probe should be of standard size / original, which was provided by the company.
• Stable value as indicated by Analyser should only be noted.
• Purging of the Probe should be carried out after each monitoring / measurement of the vehicle.
• Instrument supplier companies should be asked to train the operators at PCCs for gas calibration and preventive maintenacne.
• The DoT should review the authorisation of PCCs every year and authorisation certificate should also be issued.

Suggestions

• All the PPCs should be asked to maintain proper record of the calibration done, change of filters and preventive maintenance so as to ensure proper functioning of the instrument.
• Monitoring of CO only is not an effective way to measure the exhaust emissions. Any change in Air fuel ratio changes the CO levels besides having impact on other pollutants like HC etc.. hence, monitoring of additional parameters alongwith CO may be considered.
• Refresher training course should be organised regularly for the operation at PPCs to improve their skills & performances.
• The charges for issuing certificates be desplayed at each PCCs alongwith the authorisation certificate issued by DoT.

Monitoring at Delhi

Ambient noise level monitoring was carried out at various locations in Delhi, i.e. All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Lajpat Nagar, New Friends Colony, East Patel Nagar, Connaught Place, India Gate, Mayur Vihar, Patel Nagar and Kamla Nagar on the occasion of Deepawali festival. At Kamla Nagar noise monitoring was conducted from 17.00 hrs. to 23.00 hrs. while at other lcoations, short duration (half hourly) noise level monitoring was conducted between 17.00 hrs. and 23.00 hrs.. The average Leq noise level value for short duration at 8 monitored locations ranged between 54 dB(A) and 68 dB(A). The Leq noise level at Kamla Nagar ranged between 63 dB(A) and 83 dB(A).

• The Ambient noise level during Deepawali, 2002 at the monitored places are lower as compared to the values, recorded during Deepawali, 2001 except at AIIMS where the values are higher than those recorded in 2001. At New Friends Colony, the data indicates a slight increase in the noise level as compared to last year.

• The long duration noise level monitoring, conducted at Kamla Nagar indicated appreciable reduction in the noise level (from 79 dB(A) to 62 dB(A)) as compared to last year Deepawali festival.

Ambient air quality monitoring was also carried out at ITO Intersection and Ashok Vihar using manual monitoring techniques and at East Patel Nagar (Pusa Road) using the mobile monitoring van.

• Nitrogen dioxide levels have shown a significant decrease in 2002 as compared to the levels observed in 2001.

• Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and Respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) have not shown any significant change in 2002 as compared to 2001.

The meteorological conditions were not favourable for dispersion of pollutants which attributed to the higher concentration of measured pollutants (SPM and RSPM). During the monitoring period, the weather was calm and most of the time in the day, wind speed was less than 0.3 m/sec. Even during rest of the period, the wind velocity was very low and the maximum hourly average wind speed recorded on Deepawali day was 0.9 m/sec.

 

Monitoring at Kanpur

Monitoring was conducted to assess noise pollution due to firing of crackers in the area of Govindpuri (Residential cum commercial), Kanpur. There has been substantial increase in noise level due to firing of crackers on 4^th November, 2002.

It was observed that noise level (Leq) reached upto 80.3 dB (A) with maximum level of 103 dB(A) during Deepawali night. These levels (Table 5.37) are far more than the prescribed limit and might have left detrimental effect on human health.

Table 5.37 Noise Level During Deepawali Festival in Kanpur City

S. No.	Location	Date	Time	Leq	Peak	Lmax	Lmin
1	Govind Nagar (R+C)	01.11.02	18.50 to 19.20	67.5	100.7	81.4	56.2
2	Govind Nagar (R+C)	01.11.02	00.15 to 00.45	54.8	91.3	76.2	44.8
3	Govind Nagar (R+C)	02.11.02	11.00 to 11.30	69.3	106.5	88.4	59.2
4	Govind Nagar (R+C)	02.11.02	18.05 to 18.35	69.3	110.1	83.5	59.8
12	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	16.10 to 16.40	71.5	110.3	91.9	59.1
13	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	18.30 to 19.00	71.1	110.2	87.8	58.9
14	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	19.49 to 20.19	77.4	119.4	96.5	63.6
15	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	20.32 to 21.02	80.3	120.2	103.1	63.7
16	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	21.03 to 21.33	79.5	110.3	100.5	65.3
17	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	21.37 to 22.07	79.5	110.5	102.0	66.3
18	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	22.12 to 22.42	75.4	110.3	94.2	60.4
19	Govind Nagar (R+C)	04.11.02	23.00 to 23.30	74.7	110.3	95.6	58.2
20	Govind Nagar (R+C)	05.11.02	17.30 to 18.00	71.5	110.3	92.0	55.9