Variation in concentrations of particulate matter with various sizes in different weather conditions in mining zone
2020
Yadav, S. K. | Jain, M. K.
The present study was undertaken to investigate particulate matter (PMs) (PM₁₀, PM₂.₅ and PM₁) mass and number concentration (0.265–10 µm) along a road network in the Jharia coalfields, Dhanbad, Jharkhand, India, using a GRIMM aerosol spectrometer during different weather conditions representing dry weather (DW) and wet weather (WW). The study area was divided into 9 locations representing mining and non-mining areas. The observed values were compared with applicable standards of India (NAAQS) and the World Health Organizations (WHO). Air quality was also determined using an Air Quality Index (AQI) as per new guidelines of the Central Pollution Control Board, India. A detailed comparison between the mining and non-mining areas for the two weather conditions is presented. The PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ mass concentrations were a maximum at Godhar (GDR) (mining area) (332; 151 µg/m³, respectively) and higher as compared to the NAAQS (100; 60 µg/m³), WHO (50; 25 µg/m³) and in the non-mining area (125; 42 µg/m³, respectively) during DW; they were reduced significantly because of precipitation by 46% and 18%, respectively, during WW. PM₁ and PM₁–₂.₅ were dominant during WW and PM₂.₅–₁₀ during DW. PM number concentrations (≤ 2.5 µm) were observed almost 1.5–2.5 times lower during WW while compared to DW for all sites. The values of AQI values were significantly reduced during WW compared to DW. The study revealed that concentrations of PMs and AQI values were found lower during WW compared to DW due to light precipitation.
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