A Review of Air Quality Modeling Studies in India: Local and Regional Scale

Abstract

Developing countries like India require proper control strategies for reducing the enormous premature mortality associated with air pollution. Air quality models, in addition to helping to understand the severity of air pollution by providing the pollutant concentrations, also give knowledge of the sources. Previous local and regional air quality modeling studies carried out in India are reviewed in this current study with a goal of understanding the current gaps and exploring future directions. Studies carried out in different parts of India during past decade were precisely documented in this study using methodical Scopus, Web of Science, and Google searches. Majority of the air quality studies are concentrated in megacities leaving behind the small cities which require greater attention in future. While most of the modeling studies were carried out in northern India, very few studies concentrated on central region of the country. Review of both local and regional numerical models showed the need for better emission inputs, while the statistical models inferred the need for proper selection of key tracers for source allocation. Irrespective of emission inventory and models used, particulate matter concentrations are under predicted in Delhi, which faces huge air pollution-related issues. Dust and traffic emissions are the major sources of particulate matter in India.