Ambient Air Quality Status in Raniganj-Asansol Area, India

This investigation presents the assessment of ambient air quality with respect to suspended particulate matter (SPM), sulphur dioxide (SO₂) and oxides of nitrogen (NO_X) at four sites (RGC, SRS, BBC and BCC) in the Raniganj-Asansol area in West Bengal, India. Ambient air was monitored with a sampling frequency of twenty four hours (3 × 8 hours) at each site on every alternate day (3 days a week) covering a period of one year. A total of 429 samples were collected from RGC, 429 from SRS and 435 each from the BBC and BCC sites. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, wind-speed and wind-direction were also recorded simultaneously during the sampling period. Monthly and seasonal variation of these pollutants have been observed and recorded. The annual average and range values have also been calculated. Results of the investigation indicates that the 95th percentile values of SPM levels exceed the limits (200 g m^-3) at RGC, SRS and BBC sites and is within the limit of 500 g m^-3 at the BCC sites. The 95th percentile values of SO₂ levels did not exceed the reference level at any of the monitoring stations. The 95th percentile values of NO_X are found to be exceeding the limit (80 g m^-3) at RGC, SRS and BBC sites but is within the prescribed limit of 120 g m^-3 at the BCC site. Further, it has been observed that the concentrations of the pollutants are high in winter in comparison to the summer or the monsoon seasons. Results of the investigation indicates that industrial activities, indiscriminate open air burning of coal by the local inhabitants for cooking as well as coking purposes, vehicular traffic, etc. are responsible for the high concentration of pollutants in this area.     

Monitoring of Particle Mass and Number in Urban Air

Measurements of aerosol particles in the air of an urban area in the UK have been made. Ambient air was sampled and the particulates measured after passing through a size selective PM₁₀ inlet. Particle mass was measured using a Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM). Particle number and size distributions were obtained using an Electrical Aerosol Analyser (EAA) and an Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS). Measurements were also made of local meteorological parameters. Fine particle number concentrations were found to show better temporal agreement, including diurnal variation, with particle mass concentrations than the coarser particle number concentrations.     

Distribution of PM2.5 and PM10-2.5 in PM10 Fraction in Ambient Air Due to Vehicular Pollution in Kolkata Megacity

This research paper aims at establishing baseline PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentration levels, which could be effectively used to develop and upgrade the standards in air pollution in developing countries. The relative contribution of fine fractions (PM_2.5) and coarser fractions (PM_10-2.5) to PM₁₀ fractions were investigates in a megacity which is overcrowded and congested due to lack of road network and deteriorated air quality because of vehicular pollution. The present study was carried out during the winter of 2002. The average 24h PM₁₀ concentration was 304 μg/m³, which is 3 times more than the Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) and higher PM₁₀ concentration was due to fine fraction (PM_2.5) released by vehicular exhaust. The 24h average PM_2.5 concentration was found 179 μg/m³, which is exceeded USEPA and EU standards of 65 and 50 μg/m³ respectively for the winter. India does not have any PM_2.5 standards. The 24 h average PM_10-2.5 concentrations were found 126 μg/m³. The PM_2.5 constituted more than 59% of PM₁₀ and whereas PM₁₀-PM_2.5 fractions constituted 41% of PM₁₀. The correlation between PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 was found higher as PM_2.5 comprised major proportion of PM₁₀ fractions contributed by vehicular emissions.     

Assessment of Air Quality After the Implementation of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) as Fuel in Public Transport in Delhi, India

Public transport in Delhi was amended by the Supreme Court of India to use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) instead of diesel or petrol. After the implementation of CNG since April 2001, Delhi has the highest fraction of CNG-run public vehicles in the world and most of them were introduced within 20 months. In the present study, the concentrations of various criteria air pollutants (SPM, PM₁₀, CO, SO₂ and NO_x) and organic pollutants such as benzene, toluene, xylene (BTX) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were assessed before and after the implementation of CNG. A decreasing trend was found for PAHs, SO₂ and CO concentrations, while the NO_x level was increased in comparison to those before the implementation of CNG. Further, SPM, PM₁₀, and BTX concentrations showed no significant change after the implementation of CNG. However, the BTX concentration demonstrated a clear relation with the benzene content of gasoline. In addition to the impact of the introduction of CNG the daily variation in PAHs levels was also studied and the PAHs concentrations were observed to be relatively high between 10 pm to 6 am, which gives a proof of a relation with the limited day entry and movement of heavy vehicles in Delhi.     

Characterisation of PM10, PM2.5 and Benzene Soluble Organic Fraction of Particulate Matter in an Urban Area of Kolkata, India

In this study, the relationship between inhalable particulate (PM₁₀), fine particulate (PM_2.5), coarse particles (PM_{2.5 – 10}) and meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, wind speed were statistically analyzed and modelled for urban area of Kolkata during winter months of 2003–2004. Ambient air quality was monitored with a sampling frequency of twenty-four hours at three monitoring sites located near traffic intersections and in an industrial area. The monitoring sites were located 3–5 m above ground near highly trafficked and congested areas. The 24 h average PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 samples were collected using Thermo-Andersen high volume samplers and exposed filter papers were extracted and analysed for benzene soluble organic fraction. The ratios between PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were found to be in the range of 0.6 to 0.92 and the highest ratio was found in the most polluted urban site. Statistical analysis has shown a strong positive correlation between PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 and inverse correlation was observed between particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) and wind speed. Statistical analysis of air quality data shows that PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 are showing poor correlation with temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation. Regression equations for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 and meteorological parameters were developed. The organic fraction of particulate matter soluble in benzene is an indication of poly aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration present in particulate matter. The relationship between the benzene soluble organic fraction (BSOF) of inhalable particulate (PM₁₀) and fine particulate (PM_2.5) were analysed for urban area of Kolkata. Significant positive correlation was observed between benzene soluble organic fraction of PM₁₀ (BSM10) and benzene soluble organic fraction of PM_2.5 (BSM2.5). Regression equations for BSM10 and BSM2.5 were developed.     

Extension of the EUROS Integrated Air Quality Model to Fine Particulate Matter by Coupling to CACM/MADRID 2

The European Operational Smog (EUROS) integrated air quality modelling system has been extended to model fine particulate matter (PM). From an extended literature study, the Caltech Atmospheric Chemistry Mechanism and the Model of Aerosol Dynamics, Reaction, Ionisation and Dissolution were selected and recently coupled to EUROS. Currently, modelling of mass and chemical composition of aerosols in two size fractions (PM_2.5 and PM_10–2.5) is possible. The chemical composition is expressed in terms of seven components: ammonium, nitrate, sulphate, elementary carbon, primary inorganic compounds, primary organic compounds and secondary organic compounds. Calculated PM₁₀ concentrations and chemical composition are presented for two summer months of the year 2003 (1 July to 31 August).     

RELEVANT ASPECTS OF AIR QUALITY IN OPORTO (PORTUGAL): PM10 AND O3

The air quality Framework Directive (FWD) and the correspondent Daughter Directives defined the new strategy for air quality management in Europe. In general, the new standards are more restrictive than those established by the previous legislation. In Portugal, some difficulties can be previewed to achieve those new standards. Thus, this paper aims at evaluating the impact of application of the FWD to Oporto Metropolitan Area in what concerns to the most critical air pollutants in the area (PM₁₀ and O₃). The specific objectives were: i) to analyse the concentration exceedances between 1999 and 2001; ii) to identify the main emission sources; iii) to evaluate the possibility of a new redistribution of the existing monitoring sites; iv) to contribute to the definition of a new strategy for air quality management. The results showed that; i) the standard values for PM₁₀ and O₃ were largely surpassed, possibly concluding that the FWD application implies a strong impact on the air quality management strategies; ii) the main emission sources (road traffic and the neighbour stationary sources localised upwind) affect all the Metropolitan area through intra-region pollutant transport; iii) it is safer maintaining the site localisation to avoid previewing exceedances through mathematical correlations; iv) the reduction of PM₁₀ and of ozone precursors must be performed considering new technologies for cleaner production and gaseous depuration, a rigorous urban and territory planning, the creation of an efficient public transport network and the definition of strict measures for car maintenance.     

Study of urban atmospheric pollution in Navarre (Northern Spain)

An ambient air quality study was undertaken in two cities (Pamplona and Alsasua) of the Province of Navarre in northern Spain from July 2001 to June 2004. The data were obtained from two urban monitoring sites. At both monitoring sites, ambient levels of ozone, NO_x, and SO₂ were measured. Simultaneously with levels of PM₁₀ measured at Alsasua (using a laser particle counter), PM₁₀ levels were also determined at Pamplona (using a beta attenuation monitor). Mean annual PM₁₀ concentrations in Pamplona and Alsasua reached 30 and 28 μg m⁻³, respectively. These concentrations are typical for urban background sites in Northern Spain. By using meteorological information and back trajectories, it was found that the number of exceedances of the daily PM₁₀ limit as well as the PM₁₀ temporal variation was highly influenced by air masses from North Africa. Although North African transport was observed on only 9% of the days, it contributed the highest observed PM₁₀ levels. Transport from the Atlantic Ocean was observed on 68% of the days; transport from Europe on 13%; low transport and local influences on 7%; and transport from the Mediterranean region on 3% of the days. The mean O₃ concentrations were 45 and 55 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and Alsasua, respectively, which were above the values reported for the main Spanish cities. The mean NO and NO₂ levels were very similar in both sites (12 and 26 μg m⁻³, respectively). Mean SO₂ levels were 8 μg m⁻³ in Pamplona and 5 μg m⁻³ in Alsasua. Hourly levels of PM₁₀, NO and NO₂ showed similar variations with the typically two coincident maximums during traffic rush hours demonstrating a major anthropogenic origin of PM₁₀, in spite of the sporadic dust outbreaks.     

Using the polychaete Arenicola marina to determine toxicity and bioaccumulation of PAHS bound to sediments

Transportation system has contributed significantly to the development of human civilization; on the other hand it has an enormous impact on the ambient air quality in several ways. In this paper the air and noise pollution at selected sites along three sections of National Highway was monitored. Pakistan National Highway Authority has started a Highway Improvement program for rehabilitations and maintenance of National highways to improve the traffic flows, and would ultimately improve the air quality along highways. The ambient air quality and noise level was monitored at nine different locations along these sections of highways to quantify the air pollution. The duration of monitoring at individual location was 72 h. The most of the sampling points were near the urban or village population, schools or hospitals, in order to quantify the air pollution at most affected locations along these roads. A database consisting of information regarding the source of emission, local metrology and air quality may be created to assess the profile of air quality in the area.     

Atmosphic pollutants study of particles ionic species during high wind speed (>7 m s-1) near Taiwan strait in central Taiwan from 2004 to 2005

This study monitored atmospheric pollutants during high wind speed (> 7 m s⁻¹) at two sampling sites: Taichung Harbor (TH) and Wuci traffic (WT) during March 2004 to January 2005 in central Taiwan. The correlation coefficient (R ²) between TSP, PM_2.5, PM_2.5−10 particle concentration vs. wind speed at the TH and WT sampling site during high wind speed (< 7 m s⁻¹) were also displayed in this study. In addition, the correlation coefficients between TSP, PM_2.5 and PM_2.5−10 of ionic species vs. high wind speed were also observed. The results indicated that the correlation coefficient order was TSP > PM_2.5−10 > PM_2.5 for particle at both sampling sites near Taiwan strait. In addition, the concentration of Cl⁻, NO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, NH₄ ⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Na⁺ were also analyzed in this study.