IDENTIFICATION OF PARTICULATE MATTER HOTSPOTS IN THE CITY OF PRAYAGRAJ DUE TO VEHICULAR EMISSIONS USING DISPERSION MODELLING

Environmental Engineering

Air pollution is the leading risk factor behind the world – wide mortality. The population size is growing day by day feeding industrial activity through demand channel, vehicular pollution accompanied by rapid urbanization and burning of fossil fuels pose a serious threat to clean air. The considerable air pollutants under this study in the city of Prayagraj are Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5). Pollution profile of the city localities were from Phaphamau in north to Naini in south of the city and from Bamrauli in the west to Daraganj in the east of the city, all the other important localities were taken under this defined area. PM10 and PM2.5 level in Naini region were found to be in the range of 7.0-9.0 µg/m³ and 3.0-5.0 µg/m³ respectively. Similarly, all the other important areas of Prayagraj were highlighted and its concentration values were found out using AERMOD dispersion model. The findings of the paper will help the local administration, municipal corporation and various stake holders of the city and the state to take targeted measures to curb down the pollution coming from vehicular sources in the city of Prayagraj. It will also raise public awareness about pollutant levels in their area.

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