Assessment of air pollution indices for a coal washery project – an indian case study

Abstract

Indian coals are believed to be of a drift origin and have a high ash content. Large coals are crushed to smaller sizes and fed for washing. During various operations in coal washeries, a lot of particulate matters and gaseous pollutants are generated causing a serious air pollution problem in the area. This paper examines some of the key air pollution problems arising out of an increasing trend of high air pollution potential coal washery projects. It focuses on the utility of developing an air pollution index (API) in tackling air pollution problems. A fact‐finding survey was conducted to evaluate the severity of air pollution due to some coal washery projects in Jharia Coalfield of Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. The study area has been described and the methodology adopted for selecting air monitoring stations, monitoring programme; data analysis and results are discussed. The Oak Ridge Air Quality Index (ORAQI) was used to evaluate the relative ranking of overall air quality at different locations within the washing complex. Results of the air pollution indices at different locations indicated light to moderate air pollution status, and the winter season was found to be the most critical in comparison to other seasons. It is recommended that it will be more appropriate to consider API data rather than individual air pollution level data while developing effective air pollution control strategies for washery projects.