Ambient Air Quality Index Study of Mandideep Industrial Area, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

Mandideep is fast developing industrial area near Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. Numerous large and small scale industries in Mandideep have paved the way for a stable economy. Thus, the demand for pollution free environment has increased enormously, resulting in a severe pressure on the environmental resources. To assesses the Ambient Air Quality Index of Mandideep Industrial area of Madhya Pradesh, India. A study has been conducted during year 2017 to 2018. Total thirteen locations were selected in Mandideep Industrial area for ambient air quality monitoring of seven pollutants mainly particulate matter less than 10 µ size (PM₁₀), particulate matter less than 2.5 µ size (PM_2.5), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), ammonia (NH₃) and lead (Pb). The study revealed that average concentration of gaseous pollutants i.e. NOx, SO₂, O₃, NH₃ in ambient air are well within standard limits at all selected locations however particulate matter (PM₁₀, PM_2.5) levels were found exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards 2009 at few monitoring locations. Air Quality Index was poor (235.10) at one location, moderate (104.41-200) at eight locations and satisfactory (89-98) at four locations around Mandideep industrial area during year 2017-18. Overall ambient Air Quality Index of Mandideep industrial area was observed to be moderate during this study span.