A developing country like India, these pollutants are mainly Suspended
Particulate Matters (SPM) and Gaseous pollutants like Sulphur Di-oxide
(SO2) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx). The major sources of these pollutants
are vehicles and industries.
Suspended Particulate Matters: These are very minute particles upto 0.01
micron floating in the air. These pollutants enter the body through
respiratory system and cause allergy, asthma, bronchitits and other
complicated health problems like abnormal pregnancy, heart problem and lung
cancer. The major particle pollutants are:
- Carbon Particles - From Vehicles and Industries
- Lead Particles - From leaded petrol
- Asbestos Particles - From Asbestos Factory
- Silica Particles - From Cement Factory
- Fine Dust - From nature
- Pollens - From plants
- Bacteria - From municipal waste
- Fungal spores - From municipal waste
Ambient Air Quality Standard for SPM:
-
Residential
- for 24 Hrs. - 200 microgram/meter cube.
- for Annual - 140 microgram/meter cube.
-
Sensitive Area
- for 24 Hrs. - 100 microgram/meter cube.
- for Annual - 70 microgram/meter cube.
Sulphur Di-oxide and Oxides of Nitrogen:
These are the two main Gas pollutants. Their main sources are vehicles and
industries especially from burning of coal, heavy oils & diesel.
Respiratory irritation (bronchospasm) is the major health impact of these
pollutants.
Ambient Air Quality Standard for SO2 and NO2:
- Residential
- for 24 Hrs. - 80 microgram/meter cube.
- for annual - 60 microgram/meter cube.
- Sensitive area
- for 24 Hrs. - 30 microgram/meter cube.
- for annual - 15 microgram/meter cube.
Method of Monitoring:
For SPM:
Equipment - High Volume Sampler
Analysis - Gravimetric analysis
For SO2 & NO2:
Equipment - High Volume Sampler with gas sampling attachment
Analysis
SO2: Improved West & Gaeke method
NO2: Modified Jacob and Hochheiser method
Source : Eureka Forbes Institute of Environment
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