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| HIGHLIGHTS 2001 |
| AIR
QUALITY |
Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter Monitoring at Bangalore
A three-year monitoring study, analysis and statistical evaluation of ambient air and respirable suspended particulate matter was completed at five locations in Bangalore in March 2001. The monitoring locations were Richmond Circle, Sadashiv Nagar, West of Chord Road, Corporation Circle, South End Circle and Kamala Nagar. For the control area, GKVK was selected. The findings are as below.
Ambient Air Quality in Bangalore
| Parameters |
Monitoring Locations | ||||||
|
Richmond Circle |
Sadashiv Nagar |
West of Chord Road |
Corporation Circle |
South End Circle |
Kamala Nagar |
GKVK | |
|
Average SPM |
728 |
302 |
421 |
956 |
505 |
198 |
108 |
|
Average SO2 |
24.04 |
16.93 |
26.30 |
34.71 |
20.99 |
7.48 |
5.72 |
|
Average NOx |
63.79 |
35.58 |
50.21 |
69.17 |
53.73 |
21.95 |
13.63 |
|
Average RSPM |
260 |
99 |
151 |
316 |
192 |
65 |
31 |
|
Air Quality Index |
132 |
58 |
85 |
165 |
98 |
36 |
40 |
|
Air Quality Criteria |
Severe Pollution |
Moderate Pollution |
Heavy Pollution |
Severe Pollution |
Heavy Pollution |
Light Pollution |
Light Pollution |
Assessment of air pollution level is an important prerequisite for formulating control strategy. Air pollutants can be either from natural or anthropogenic sources. Various allergens, fibrous materials, heavy metals & even many organic carcinogens are present in air in the form of suspended particulates. Hence the Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) in air has been worldwide considered a Criteria Parameter to indicate air quality. Health effects are primarily caused by respirable portion of Particulate Matter in size range of 0.5 to 10 microns. Kanpur is rated as one of the most polluted cities of India. In order to formulate a strategy for control of respirable particulate matter (PM-10), monitoring of PM-10 is being conducted in Kanpur at four selected locations every fortnightly.
It is observed that:
· The highest concentration of both SPM and RSPM are observed in fourth quarter of the year followed closely by first quarter indicating winter months as the most critical. Hence it may be inferred that anthropogenic sources are the main contributor as otherwise second quarter or summer months is expected to have maximum concentration of air pollutants from dust storm; and,
·
Values of both SPM and RSPM are
far in excess of norms at all location prioritized action is needed for its mitigation.
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Emission from LPG driven vehicles
A study was undertaken at Bangalore, where vehicles running on LPG were monitored for emissions of CO, HC and CO2. Comparison was made with petrol driven (conventional) and multi-point fuel injection type vehicles.
| Type of Vehicle | CO (Within 3% volume) |
CO (Above 3% volume) |
Total No. of Vehicles | ||
|
No. of Vehicles | Percentage |
No. of Vehicles | Percentage | ||
| Three Wheelers | 38 |
82.6 |
8 |
17.4 |
46 |
|
Four Wheelers |
59 |
54.5 |
49 |
45.5 |
108 |
|
Total |
97 |
63 |
57 |
37 |
154 |
Performance Evaluation of Air Quality Models
A study has been initiated to provide scientific means for validation and adoption of air quality models suitable for Indian conditions and for formulating appropriate guidelines. An exhaustive data set including emissions, plume characteristics, measured concentrations of pollutants and meteorological parameters has been generated for a chosen site and software based on Gaussian Plume Model has been developed. The software is being refined and further evaluation work of model parameters is being undertaken.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Monitoring in Delhi
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) was monitored at seven locations in Delhi. These seven locations are Ashok Vihar, Siri Fort, Janakpuri, Nizamuddin, Shahdara, Shahzada Bagh and ITO.
|
Total PAH Concentration
(ng/m3) in Ambient Air of Delhi  |
· Annual average PAH concentration was minimum at Janakpuri and maximum at Nizamuddin;
· Higher PAH levels were observed during winter season due to inversion and calm conditions; and
· Least PAH levels were observed during summer may be due to better dispersion and photolysis of PAH compounds.
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