A comparative assessment of air pollutants of smog in wagah border and other sites in Lahore, Pakistan

Smog has become the fifth season of Pakistan especially in Lahore city. Increased level of air pollutants (primary and secondary) are thought to be responsible for the formation of smog in Lahore. Therefore, the current study was carried out for the evaluation of air pollutants (primary and secondary) of smog in Wagah border particularly and other sites (Jail road, Gulburg) Lahore. For this purpose, baseline data on winter smog from March to December on primary and secondary air pollutants and meteorological parameters was collected from Environmental Protection Department and Pakistan Meteorological Department respectively. Devices being used in both departments for analysis of parameters were also studied. Collected data was further statistically analyzed to determine the correlation of parameters with meteorological conditions and was subjected to air quality index. According to results, PM 10 and PM 2.5 were found very high above the NEQS. NOx concentrations were also high above the permissible limits whereas SO2 and O3 were found below the NEQS thus have no roles in smog formation. Air Quality Index (AQI) of pollutants was PM 2.5(86-227), PM 10 (46-332), NOx (26-110), O3 (19-84) and SO2 (10-95). AQI of PM 2.5 remained between moderate to very unhealthy levels. AQI of PM 10 remained between good to hazardous levels. AQI of NOx remained between good to unhealthy for sensitive groups’ levels. AQI of O3 and SO2 remained between good to moderate levels. Pearson correlation showed that every pollutant has a different relation with different or same parameters in different areas. It is concluded from the present study that particulate matter was much more responsible for smog formation. Although NOx also played role in smog formation. So there is need to reduce sources of particulate matter and NOx specifically in order to reduce smog formation in Lahore.

Investigating the effect of an open window vs. a closed window on the concentrations of suspended particulate matter in the indoors with respect to the outdoors

A study was conducted to see the effect of an opened window vs. a closed window in New Delhi in peak winters. This is the time when the PM 2.5 and PM 10 concentrations are the highest in the ambient air due to various external factors. A PM 2.5 and PM 10 air quality meter was used at a singular location near the window for 10 days with 9 readings taken during the daily working hours. Contrary to the possible conjectural belief, it was found that the window opened or closed did not have a substantial effect on the concentrations of the indoor levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10. The results showed that opening of the windows does not substantially affect the levels of the indoors with respect to the levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in the outdoors. Outdoors may provide the source of the particulate matter in the indoor, but due to diffusive effect, open windows play a key role in the reducing the indoor levels. This study was reconfirmed with options where the windows were opened and then closed and vice-versa. In all cases, the effect of the outdoor was not visible. To curb indoor particulate matter levels, isolation is not the solution. (200 words)

PM 2.5 modelling during paddy stubble burning months using artificial intelligence techniques

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Identifying Air Pollution As a Major Threat to Newly Grown Ecotourism Spot in Baranti, Purulia, West Bengal, India

Air pollution is a notable worldwide warning to human health. Every year, air pollution is accountable for more than five million death, out of these 91% occur in lower-middle-income countries. In addition to this, various respiratory & cardiovascular diseases, lower productivity and increased mortality are also related to air pollution, that’s why it’s often called a silent or invisible killer. However, Ecotourism generates opportunities for tourists wishing to enjoy the natural environment without destructing or disturbing its habitats. It is increasingly considered instrumental in helping the local socio-economic sustainable development and also as a means for generating revenues with the object of preserving the local traditional culture and craft. Environmental ambient quality must be considered as a crucial aspect in the predetermining process of prospective tourists and tourism destinations. The present study site Baranti, in Raghunathpur subdivision of Purulia district, West Bengal, India is situated in a splendid location within Baranti Lake and Baranti Hill, both has emerged as a fast-grown ecotourism spot over the last 7-8 years. The present study was carried out through survey questionnaire method from May 2020 (01.05.2020) - November 2020 (30.11.2020) on different categories of respondents like local people, hotel-resort owners & staff, local businessmen and tourists and simultaneously during this period, the air quality was also measured in respect of temperature, humidity, PM 2.5, PM 10, particles and CO2 through Temtop M2000C Air Quality Monitor at the said site. In the observation, ambient air quality was measured at three hours intervals on a day every week and 10 readings were taken from each site at a distance of 10 meters apart and the mean values were considered for statistical analyses. It was found that average PM 2.5, PM 10 & CO2 in ambient air in the study site were 64.26 ug/m3, 89.43 ug/m3 & 701.66 respectively therefore unexpectedly the ambient air is not only polluted but also moderate to unhealthy in respect of the said parameters as judged by the yardstick of Air Quality Guideline Levels laid down by the WHO. A well-defined management plan is required for controlling and minimising the said pollution with the interference of the Government and other agencies for the sustainable growth and development of the said ecotourism spot.

A Review on Impact of Anthropogenic Sulphur Dioxide Pollution on Health and Environment

The explosive global change in the emissions of Sulphur dioxide (SO2) over the decades have brought about tremendous effects in the regional as well as global scale in the composition and quality of air that we breathe. The global SO2 emission peaked in the 1970s, decreased until 2000 and has risen to peak again mainly as the result of increased globalization in developing countries. The global estimation is surprisingly low but the regional output of SO2 is high. The main hotspots being in East Asia Countries. The Sulphur aerosols not only impacts the animals’ health, but those of the ecosystems at large. SO2 contributes to global warming, ozone depletion, acid rain, smog etc. that has brought disastrous environmental conditions. WHO recommends a maximum exposure of not more than 0.5 ppm for around 24 hours’ span. SO2 reacts with other gases to form sulphate particles, constituent of particulate matters i.e. PM 2.5 concentrations, the exposure to which causes skin, respiratory, reproductive failures and cardiovascular ailments. This study, as such, is meant to bring into light the sources of SO2 and its harmful effects on health and environment at large. Air pollution is a major issue with adverse effects prevailing over the globe at present.