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AMBIENT AIR QUALITY
ASSESSMENT
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Ambient Air Quality Monitoring in Delhi•
Air quality monitoring studies have been conducted using Ambient air quality monitoring mobile laboratory at eleven (11) locations during February - May, 2002 and June, 2002. Ambient air quality monitoring with respect to SO2, NO2, RSPM and CO was conducted at each location for 24 hours.
SO2 and NO2 concentration was recorded well within the permissible limit
at all monitoring locations while Respirable Particulate Matter (RSPM) exceeded
the limit. Eight-hourly carbon monoxide (CO) concentration has mixed trend
against the permissible limit.
The monitoring study depict following findings :
• Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) exceeds the prescribed standards at all the monitoring locations.
• Sulphur dioxide (SO2) has been recorded within limit at all the monitoring locations. Therefore, it is not considered a problematic parameter at the monitoring locations.
• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) exceeded the air regulatory standard at Connaught Place, S.P. Mukherjee Marg (February to May, 2002) and at East Patel Nagar on June 13, 2002, while at other places it was within the standards.
• During February to May 2002, Carbon monoxide (CO) has been recorded much higher than the prescribed permissible standard of 2000 mg/m3 (8 hourly average) at Connaught Place (Iind Shift), Windsor Place (Iind Shift) and S.P. Mukherjee Marg (IInd and IIIrd Shift). 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 the impact of vehicular density on the air quality.
Commencement of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) 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. PM2.5 refers to particulate matter that is 2.5 micrometres or smaller in size. The sources of PM2.5 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 health problems including bronchitis, acute and chronic respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath and painful breathing.
Monitoring is conducted with portable samplers (Air Metrics) based on the
principle of impaction. Preliminary results of monitoring, conducted at BSZ
Marg, Delhi indicates alarmingly high concentration of PM2.5. Monthly mean
concentration of PM 2.5 between February and July, 2002 ranged between 46
mg/m3 to 153 mg/m3 . On an average, PM2.5 constituted 50% of PM10 and 25%
of TSPM (Total Suspended Particulate Matter). It was observed that 24 hourly
values had exceeded the USEPA limit of 65 mg/m3 on 95% of days on which monitoring
was conducted. It is necessary to monitor PM2.5 at more number of locations
in Delhi and other urban centers of the country to assess its levels and for
taking mitigative measures.
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Ambient Air Quality in Delhi
CPCB has been monitoring ambient air quality in respect of criteria pollutants
at seven locations in Delhi. The locations have been categorized based on
land use, i.e. residential, industrial and traffic intersections. The comparison
of ambient air quality data for the year 2001 and 2002 reveals the following:
The concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) have
decreased, while the concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM),
respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
have increased during the year 2002.
Annual average SPM concentration during 2002 showed an increase of 20 percent in residential and industrial areas. Its values have shown increase of 11 percent at traffic intersections. The corresponding values for RSPM are 14 and 10 percent respectively. Scanty rainfall during the year 2002 and increased construction activity may be the reasons for elevated SPM and RSPM levels.
The increase in the concentration of nitrogen dioxide in residential areas and at traffic intersections was approximately 11%, while in industrial areas an increase of 17 percent was observed. Increased use of fossil fuel may be the reason for increased NO2 concentration.
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The increasing use of CNG, especially by three-wheelers had marked impact
on the concentration which have shown a decline of 22 percent at Bahadurshah
Zafar Marg intersection .
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 reduced to 11 µg/m3 from a high of 14 µg/m3 in 2001. Similarly at Bahadurshah Zafar Marg traffic intersection, it was found 10 µg/m3 as against 15 µg/m3 recorded in 2001.
SODAR System
The thermal plumes in Sodar echograms indicate free convection in the atmosphere from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on many days in beginning of the year. In summer and monsoon season it was from 8 a.m. or 9 a.m. and was upto 6 p.m. or 7 p.m.. In post monsoon season, free convection were mostly from 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. In the end of the year the thermal plumes were observed between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. on many days. Rest of the time shear echoes has been obtained in the echogram which indicate stable layer and mixing in it.
Mixing Height in Delhi (in Metres)|
Month |
Max. |
Min. |
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January, 2002 |
1197 |
85 |
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February, 2002 |
1197 |
80 |
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March, 2002 |
1197 |
100 |
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April, 2002 |
1240 |
90 |
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May, 2002 |
1282 |
95 |
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June, 2002 |
1155 |
100 |
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July, 2002 |
1197 |
110 |
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August, 2002 |
1155 |
100 |
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September, 2002 |
1282 |
100 |
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October, 2002 |
1282 |
100 |
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November, 2002 |
1367 |
95 |
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December, 2002 |
1240 |
80 |
Benzene Monitoring in Delhi
On-line BTX Monitoring in Delhi (Using Mobile Van)
The monitoring of BTX in ambient air was continued during the year 2002 using
mobile van fixed with continuous online BTX analyser (MLU 950 of Synspec)
at several locations in Delhi. Results (October 2001 to May 2002) indicate
the following:
· Average Benzene levels were highest at Britannia Industrry chowk
during Oct. 2001 (15.5µg/m3) followed by ITO (10.1 µg/m3) and
lowest at National Physical Laboratory (Pusa Road) during summer (May, 2001;
2.3 µg/m3).
· Toluene level was observed much higher (approximately 3 times) than
Benzene, which ranged 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 at 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 ambient temperature
and better dispersion.
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On line BTX Monitoring in Delhi (Stationary Continous Analysers)
On line BTX monitoring in Delhi at Siri Fort and ITO (BSZ Marg) have been indicated from August 2002 .
Siri Fort
Average, Maximum and Minimum monthly Benzene levels depicted gradual increase in the levels from August to October, 2002.
Bahadurshah Zafar Marg (ITO)
Average, Maximum and Minimum monthly Benzene levels at ITO shows gradual
increase in the levels from August to November/December, 2002.
Overall Average benzene levels were observed higher at ITO as compared to
Siri Fort probably due to higher traffic density.
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Half hourly observations show 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 their 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 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.
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The following are the 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 20 ml/minute flow rate when Tenax, Coconut Charcoal were used. Therefore,
selection of suitable adsorbents is to be made through further experimental
work using adsorbent like Chromosorb 106 at different flow rate, sources and
atmospheric conditions.
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 between 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.
Implementation of Male' Declaration on Control & Prevention of Air Pollution and its likely Transboundary Effects for South Asia
Air pollution is an emerging environmental issue in Asia as it is in other parts of the world. To cope up with the issue of Transboundary Air Pollution in South Asia, the Male' Declaration was adopted by Ministers of the Environment at the Seventh Meeting of the Governing Council of South Asia Cooperative Environment Programme (SACEP), held on April 22, 1998 in Male, Republic of Maldives.
The Male' Declaration stated the need to carry forward or initiate studies and programme on Air Pollution in each country of South Asia. The phase - I of the Male' Declaration started in 1999 saw the establishment of the network of organisations to implement the Declaration and compilation of baseline information on Air Quality Monitoring and Management in the participating countries.
The phase - II of the programme commenced in 2002 and the objective of this phase is to put in place the expertise, equipment and information, needed for the quantitative monitoring, analysis and policy recommendations for prevention / control of air pollution. The specific objectives of this phase are :
· Expanding the existing network;
· Establishing / strengthening monitoring facilities; and
· Study the transboundary effects of Air Pollution.
As a part of Implementation of Male' Declaration, a Stakeholders Meeting was held in New Delhi on September 24, 2002. Over 50 participants from all the sectors as well as implementing agencies of Male' Declaration participated in the meeting. Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi; Ministry of Environment & Forests; SACEP; SEI and UNEP / RRC-AP jointly organised the meeting. Recommendations were derived from the forum for future implementation of the Male' Declaration.
Development of Certified Reference Material (CRM) of Gas Mixtures
Standard gas mixtures are an accurate and cost effective method for calibrating air quality monitoring instruments. They are stable and provide a repeatable reference concentration that can be used for regular calibrations. Each air quality standard contains one or more component mixed with nitrogen or air. At present there is no agency in the country which has the capability and authorization to certify gas standards. Central Pollution Control Board has undertaken the study to develop standard gas mixtures, under a sponsored project by Department of Science and Technology (DST), CPCB will qualify as a centre for traceability of all gas measurements. Traceability of gases is necessary if the standards are applied to analysers and methods. By applying standards which are directly traceable to national primary gases, not only do the quality of measurement increases but at the same time measurements performed in different laboratories can be compared.
The Static Injection system and the Dynamic dilution system installed at the laboratory were employed for developing the gas mixtures. The above systems have been thoroughly tested and used for conducting five rounds of inter-laboratory comparisons of gas measurements, apart from calibration of air monitoring analysers. Results from the inter-laboratory comparisons have shown that the standards developed by CPCB are comparable and reliable. Trial attempts have also been conducted to refill gas cylinders with low concentration (ppb levels) of gas mixtures. These low concentration gases in gas cylinders can be directly used for calibrating air monitoring analysers installed in the field stations thus preventing the cumbersome process of transporting analysers to the central lab for calibration. In the last phase of the project it is envisaged to compare gas standards produced with standards procured from internationally reputed agencies such as NIST, USA to ensure that the gas standards produced are comparable and traceable to international standards.
Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) Levels
RSPM levels exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (annual average) in residential areas of Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Parwanoo, Bangalore, Cochin, Dehradun, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Solapur, Angul, Rourkela, Jaipur, Chennai, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kolkata.
RSPM levels also exceeded the NAAQS (annual average) in industrial areas of Ahmedabad, Dehradun, Thiruvannathapuram, Solapur, Jaipur, Kanpur and Kolkata.
RSPM levels were within the NAAQS (annual average) in residential areas of Kozhikode and Shillong and industrial areas of Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Bangalore, Mysore, Cochin, Kotayam, Kozhokode, Palakkad, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Rourkela and Chennai.
Non-attainment Areas
Critical levels of RSPM were observed in residential areas of Hyderabad, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Cochin, Dehradun, Thiruvananthapuram, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune, Solapur, Rourkela, Jaipur, Kanpur, Lucknow and Kolkata. High levels of RSPM were observed in residential areas of Visakhapatnam. Parwanoo, Angul and Chennai. These results indicate that National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) (annual average) of RSPM was exceeded in above cities.
Critical levels of RSPM were observed in industrial areas of Ahmedabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Solapur, Jaipur, Kanpur and Kolkata and high levels of RSPM were observed in industrial area of Hyderabad and Dehradun during 2000. These results indicate that NAAQS (annual average) of RSPM was exceeded in above mentioned cities. Moderate levels were observed in residential areas of Kozhikode, Shillong and industrial areas of Mysore, Cochin, Kottayam, Mumbai, Nagpur, Pune and Rourkela, where NAAQS (annual average) was not exceeded.
List of Non Attainment Cities in India (RSPM)|
S.No. |
Cities |
Major Sources of Pollution |
Pollutants of Concern |
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A) Metropolitan Cities |
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1 |
AGRA |
Vehicle, Industries |
SPM |
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2 |
AHEMADABAD |
Vehicle, Industries |
SO2 RSPM,SPM |
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3 |
BANGALORE |
Vehicle |
RSPM,SPM |
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4 |
BHOPAL |
Vehicle |
RSPM,SPM |
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5 |
CHENNAI |
Vehicle, Industries |
RSPM |
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6 |
DELHI |
Vehicle, |
NO2, RSPM,SPM |
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7 |
DHANBAD |
Industries |
SO2 SPM |
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8 |
FARIDABAD |
Vehicles, Industries |
SPM |
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9 |
HYDERABAD |
Vehicles |
RSPM, SPM |
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10 |
INDORE |
Vehicles |
RSPM,SPM |
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11 |
JABALPUR |
Vehicles |
NO2,RSPM,SPM |
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12 |
JAIPUR |
Vehicles |
RSPM,SPM |
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13 |
KANPUR |
Vehicles, Industries |
RSPM,SPM |
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14 |
KOCHI |
Vehicles, Industries |
RSPM,SPM |
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15 |
KOLKATA |
Vehicles, Industries |
RSPM,SPM, NO2 |
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16 |
LUCKNOW |
Vehicles, |
RSPM,SPM |
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17 |
LUDHIANA |
Vehicles,Industries |
SPM,RSPM |
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18 |
MADURAI |
Vehicles, |
SPM |
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19 |
MUMBAI |
Vehicles, Industries |
RSPM.SPM |
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20 |
NAGPUR |
Vehicles |
RSPM,SPM |
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21 |
NASHIK |
Vehicles |
RSPM,SPM |
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22 |
PATNA |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
SPM |
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23 |
PUNE |
Vehicles, |
RSPM,NO2,SPM |
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24 |
SURAT |
Industries, Vehicles |
SO2, SPM |
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25 |
VADODARA |
Vehicles, Industries |
SO2, SPM |
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26 |
VARANASI |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
RSPM.SPM |
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27 |
VISAKHAPATNAM |
Vehicles, Industries |
NO2,RSPM,SPM |
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B) Other Cities |
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1 |
ALWAR |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
NO2, SPM |
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2 |
ANGUL |
Vehicles,Industries, Natural Dust |
SPM |
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3 |
ANKLESHWAR |
Industries |
SO2, SPM |
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4. |
BHILAI |
Industries |
SPM |
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5 |
CHANDIGARH |
Vehicles, Industries |
SPM |
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6 |
CHANDRAPUR |
Industries |
SPM |
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7 |
DAMTAL |
Natural Dust |
SPM |
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8 |
DEHRADUN |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
RSPM, SPM |
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9 |
GAJRAULA |
Industries |
SPM |
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10 |
GOBINDGARH |
Industries |
SPM |
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11 |
HOWRAH |
Vehicles, Industiries |
SO2, NO2, SPM |
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12 |
JALANDHAR |
Vehicles, Industries |
SPM |
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13 |
JHARIA |
Industries, Natural Dust |
SPM |
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14 |
JODHPUR |
Natural Dust |
RSPM. SPM |
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15 |
KORBA |
Industries |
SPM |
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16 |
KOTA |
Vehicles Industries |
NO2, RSPM,SPM |
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17 |
NAGDA |
Industries |
SO2, SPM |
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18 |
PARWANOO |
Industries, Natural Dust |
SPM |
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19 |
RAIPUR |
Vehicles |
RSPM, SPM |
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20 |
RAJKOT |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
SPM |
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21 |
ROURKELA |
Industries |
SPM |
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22 |
SATNA |
Industries |
SPM |
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23 |
SHIMLA |
Natural Dust |
SPM |
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24 |
SOLAPUR |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
RSPM,SPM |
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25 |
UDAIPUR |
Vehicles, Natural Dust |
NO2, SPM |
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26 |
VAPI |
Industries |
SPM |
Air Quality Status in Seven Major Cities
Central Pollution Control Board initiated National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring (NAAQM) programme in the year 1984 with 7 stations at Agra and Anpara. Subsequently in 1998-99 the programme was renamed as National Air Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The number of monitoring stations under NAMP has increased, steadily, to 295 by 2000-01 covering 98 cities/towns in 29 States and 3 Union Territories of the country. Under NAMP, four air pollutants viz., Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen as NO2, Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) and Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM/PM10), have been identified for regular monitoring at all the locations. The monitoring of pollutants is carried out for 24 hours (4-hourly sampling for gaseous pollutants and 8-hourly sampling for particulate matter) with a frequency of twice a week, to have 104 observations in a year.
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It has been observed that air pollution problem is serious in seven major cities in the country namely Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai mainly due to high vehicular population. An attempt has been made to address the problem of air pollution in these seven cities. Estimates are made of air pollutants load coming from vehicles. Status of air pollutants are also established to find the air pollutants that are exceeding the air quality standards. Following are the findings.
» Urbanisation is more rapid around national capital and state head quarters in the country. Over the years these cities have become a major center for commerce, industry and education. Increase in population both endemic and floating, increase in industrial activities, vehicular population etc. have led to a number of environmental problems, one of them being air pollution. Enormous increase in number of vehicles has resulted in increased emission of air pollutants from motor vehicles.
» SO2, and NO2 levels are within
NAAQS (Annual average) in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad
and Mumbai.
» Short-term violation of NO2 is
observed especially during winter months in Mumbai and Delhi.
» Most critical form of pollution
is Respirable Suspended particulate Matter in all the seven cities.
» SPM levels are also exceeding the
NAAQS (Annual average) in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata
and Mumbai in residential areas.
» The reason for high particulate
matter pollution is attributable to vehicular emissions, resuspension of dust,
commercial and domestic use of fuel etc. In Ahmedabad emission from power
plants and industries located in industrial areas may also contribute to particulate
matter pollution. In Mumbai, emission from power plants and oil refinery may
also contribute to particulate matter pollution.
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Ambient Air Monitoring in Kanpur
· The air quality monitoring data indicate that the values of RSPM
ranges from 62 µg/m3 to 257 µg/m3 on monthly basis.
· RSPM concentration was observed high during winter months especially
in December and January. During monsoon comparatively lower values were observed.
This may be due to wash out of pollutants during rain
· RSPM concentration was observed very high as compared to prescribed
standards ie.100 µg/m3 (24 hr average) throughout the year except during
non-monsoon months.
· NOx concentration ranges from 11µg/m3 to 34 µg/m3 which
is much lower than standards i.e. 80 µg/m3 (24 Hrs. Basis )
· SO2 was observed very low all over the year and not of any concern.
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The possible reasons for the higher RSPM in Kanpur could be:
· Large number of vehicles plying on the roads. Major contributors
are Tempos which are plying without scrubber. The tempos, which are fitted
with Scrubbers were observed bypassing it.
· Digging of roads in all parts of city for Ganga action Plan, laying
of optical fiber lines by telecom companies has increased the finer dust particle
in the atmosphere.
· Open refuse burning in heaps including rubber tyres at various places.
· Heavy vehicular traffic with poor traffic control creates congestion
and
Traffic jams, which result in air pollution.
· Indiscriminate use of generators of all capacities during power cut
in the city creates not only air pollution but noise pollution also, as power
cuts are very frequent and for prolonged duration in Kanpur.
· Various industrial activities in the residential areas are also responsible
for air pollution in Kanpur city.
· Panki thermal Power Plant of U.P. Power Corporation do not confirm
to the prescribed emission norms.
· Poor condition of roads, which are unpaved, is also a major area
of concern.
Air quality of major Traffic Intersection of Kolkata with reference to Benzene and other parameters
A study was undertaken at busy road intersection of three different locations (Behala, Garia and Tollygunj) in Kolkata, one of the largest and densely populated cities to assess their concentrations of Benzene, Toluene and Xylene.
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Date |
Behala
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Time (hrs) |
Benzene |
Toluene |
E-Benzene |
MP-Xylene |
O-Xylene |
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10.10.02 |
11.22 to 19.16 |
Average |
63.83 |
96.51 |
11.98 |
18.74 |
5.88 |
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19.31 to 02.31 |
Average |
67.83 |
79.24 |
4.87 |
13.05 |
3.67 |
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02.46 to 11.01 |
Average |
49.88 |
108.61 |
8.43 |
16.85 |
4.88 |
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Garia |
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22.10.02 |
13.03 to 21.03 |
Average |
63.51 |
85.03 |
23.99 |
72.16 |
18.65 |
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21.33 to 05.33 |
Average |
46.18 |
46.06 |
11.14 |
25.15 |
11.33 |
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05.48 to 12.48 |
Average |
38.25 |
41.32 |
9.62 |
26.76 |
7.50 |
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Tollygunj |
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24.10.02 |
00.00 to 08.00 |
Average |
70.07 |
103.23 |
22.65 |
80.58 |
24.63 |
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08.01 to 16.00 |
Average |
51.96 |
79.28 |
20.06 |
47.79 |
18.83 |
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16.01 to 24.00 |
Average |
97.27 |
151.71 |
43.57 |
119.81 |
35.35 |
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