Environmental Risk Assessment Ascribed to Particulate Matter for Kota City, Rajasthan (India)

Abstract

The present study analyses the current PM10 and PM2.5 pollution scenarios for Kota City (India) to evaluate human health and ecological environment risks associated with particulate matter pollution exposure. Particulate matter concentration revealed a falling trend during the research period, but PM10 and PM2.5 exceeded the Indian NAAQS and WHO standards. The dust ratio (PM10/PM2.5) has been increased over the years from 0.36 to 0.51. and continue to overgrow for Kota City, showing that fine particulates share more than 45% of total particulate matter. Kota exhibits a high exposure of population towards pollution compared to other megacities of the state. The ecological environment and health risk assessment showed the greater vulnerability of the people to potential risks caused by particulate matter as the risk level remained more than one throughout the research period. The exposure presents important conclusions to stakeholders and policymakers for the proper adoption of mitigation measures.