Potassium as a Marker in Air Particulate Matter After Crop Residue Burning Events in Patiala, India

Abstract

Variations in the concentration levels of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and the particulate associated potassium (K) levels were studied in ambient air of Patiala during 2006-2007 at selected urban and rural locations. Samples of SPM were collected and analyzed for the K concentration using flame photometry. The monthly average of SPM levels ranged between 100±30-446±94 μgm at the urban site and 111±22-491±173 μgm at the rural site. An increase in SPM levels was observed during the crop residue burning (CRB) periods at the rural as well as urban area site. At the urban area site, monthly average K concentration varied between 3.3±0.58 μgm to 12.74±4.82 μgm while levels varied between 3.42±1.33 μgm to 31.81±14.19 μgm at the rural site. Peak K concentration (31.81±14.19 μgm) was obtained at rural area site during October 2007. The study revealed that the concentration of K and SPM was significantly higher at rural area site as compared to the urban area site during CRB months.