Abstract
Abstract. The exponentially growing population and related anthropogenic activities have led to modifications in local environment. The change in local environment, evolving pattern of land use, concentrations of greenhouse gases and aerosols alter the energy balance of our climate system. This alteration in climate is leading to premature deaths worldwide. This study analyses the air quality of Singrauli region, Madhya Pradesh, India for the past 15 years. Otherwise known as Urjanchal “the energy capital” of India has been declared as critically polluted by CPCB. The study provides an updated list of thermal power plants in the study area and their emission effects on the local environment. The pollutants analyzed in the study are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrogen dioxide, Sulphur dioxide and particulate matter. Long term remotely sensed data was obtained from NASA Giovanni for past 15 years. Statistical analysis is used to characterize seasonal and annual variations of trace gases in the study area. The study concluded that Methane, Carbon dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide and Sulphur dioxide are on an increasing trend with an average rate of 1.03, 0.99, 2.15 and 1.09 annually. Secondly, Methane & SO2, PM2.5 & NO2, PM10 & NO2, CO2 & Methane and PM2.5 & PM10 have strong correlations with a 95% significance. Furthermore, Methane, SO2 and CO2 exhibit cyclic variation with change in season. The study also indicated that maximum aerosols present in the study area are a result of anthropogenic activities.
Highlights
Air pollution is heeded as a damnation for global environment
In India, over 100 coal powered thermal power plants remain the main source for electricity generation
They act as a large point source for pollution in the country detrimenting the environemnt and human health
Summary
Air pollution is heeded as a damnation for global environment. In addition to natural sources contributing to pollution, increased industrialization with inter-twined economic, technologic and political change aggravates the burden. Air pollution encases numerous trace gases including; Carbon dioxide (CO2), Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), particulate matter (PM2.5 & PM10) carbon monoxide (CO) (Chen et al.,2007). Each pollutant may originate from different sources, are interlinked with fuel combustion and/or industrial activities. In addition to the crippling effect on the environment, pollutants have an adverse effect on human health, crops and ecosystem. In the year 2012, 3 million deaths were attributed to air pollution globally (WHO, 2016). It is pivotal to monitor the air quality and take informed decisions regarding its impact on the environment
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