Spatial and Temporal Variation of Air Quality in Himachal Pradesh

摘要

Study was conducted to investigate the air quality status during national highway expansion by analyzing the relationship of air quality pollutants (PM_(10); NO2 and SO_2) with meteorological parameters at different locations. The elevated concentration of PM_(10), NO_2 and SO_2 was observed around the road construction activities, which indicated vehicular emissions, dust generation and biomass burning for energy purpose to be the main sources of these pollutants. Since combustion of fuel generatesthese pollutants and are directly released in the atmosphere. PM_(10) have higher values (74.56 to 116.77 mug m~(-3)) and was above the permissible limit (100 mug m~(-3) of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). NO_2 ranged from 16.96 to 26.33 mug m~(-3) and SO_2 from 3.72 to 7.94 mug m~(-3), respectively and were below the prescribed permissible limits. Seasons played significant role in catalyzing the air pollutants, especially higher values of PM_(10), NO_2 and SO_2 in post monsoon season i.e. in winter months. Air Quality Index of study region was satisfactory to moderate.