Environmental Assessment of Toxic Gases and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) Monitoring During Fireworks Episodes (Diwali Festival) in Chennai Metropolitan, Southern India

Abstract

The Indian celebration of lights, Diwali, is very important. This yearly event in October or November involves spectacular fireworks. Sparklers increase PM and harmful chemicals in the environment. It’s no surprise that events affect air quality. This study measured Total Gaseous Mercury (TGM), Particulate Matter (such as PM2.5), Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Nitric Oxide (NO), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Oxides of Nitrogen (NOx), and Ozone (O3) in Chennai, a densely populated metropolitan area in Tamil Nadu, India, before, on, and after Diwali. It was to determine how firecrackers affect air quality. Southwest (SW) and south-southwest winds predominate before Diwali. During Diwali, west-northwest and south-southwest wind speeds were highest. The average wind speed is 0.2-2.0 m/s. The average gaseous component concentration decreased pre- and post-Diwali. Wind direction and gaseous component distribution show Diwali sparklers were the main source of toxicity. A novel method measures wind patterns and velocities before, during and after Diwali to determine air quality dynamics. Gaseous component levels dropped significantly after Diwali, exceeding expectations. Firework emissions, meteorology and pollution dispersion were assessed. Public awareness efforts are needed since sparklers with lighting characteristics are the main source of Diwali pollution, according to the report. This new idea encourages sustainable, health-focused cultural events and urban environmental protection through data-driven decision-making.