Spatio-temporal variations of respirable particles at residential areas located in the vicinity of opencast coal projects, India: a case study

Abstract

The objective of the study is to investigate spatio-temporal variations of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 concentrations at seven residential sites, located in the vicinity of opencast coal projects, Basundhara Garjanbahal Area (BGA), India. Meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, relative humidity, and temperature were collected simultaneously with PM concentrations. Mean concentrations of PM10 in the range 215 ± 169–526 ± 412 μg m−3, PM2.5 in the range of 91 ± 79–297 ± 107 μg m−3, PM1 in the range of 68 ± 60–247 ± 84 μg m−3 were obtained. Coarse fractions (PM2.5–10) varied from 27 to 58% whereas fine fractions (PM1–2.5 and PM1) varied in the range of 51–73%. PM2.5 concentration was 41–74% of PM10 concentration, PM1 concentration was 31–62% of PM10 concentration, and PM1 concentration was 73–83% of PM2.5 concentration. Role of meteorology on PM concentrations was assessed using correlation analysis. Linear relationships were established among PM concentrations using least square regression analysis. With the aid of principal component analysis, two components were drawn out of eight variables, which represent more than 75% of variance. The results indicated that major sources of air pollutants (PM10, PM2.5, PM1, CO, CO2) at the residential sites are road dust raised by vehicular movement, spillage of coal generated during transportation, spontaneous combustion of coal, and biomass burning in village area.