Stationary Source Emissions and Impact Assessment on Ambient Air Quality: A Case Study of Delhi Region

Abstract

Establishing equilibrium in atoms of various pollutants in atmosphere is the prime objective of environmental policies set by the governing bodies. The industries abide to environmental norms and regulations essential to control air pollution from stationary sources. Among wind, vehicle movement and industry, the latter is a major contributor to air pollution that necessitates regular monitoring. Through this study, we have attempted to analyse the contribution of stationary sources of industries to the air pollution in Delhi. The comparative study before and after nationwide lockdown due to Covid19 pandemic provides an insight into the role of organised and unorganised industry in air pollution emission. This paper portrays the decrease in air pollutants because of temporary shutdown of unorganised industry with stack emissions. However, the organised industries like power generating sector remained functional and continued to add air pollutants. This study on air pollution during lockdown contemplates an urgency to formulate provisions that will force the industries to adhere to air emission monitoring and standards. Due to restrictions of industry, the challenges persist in the detail study of combustion and plume discharge. The future scope of this study is to quantify the contribution of plume discharges from organised and unorganised industries and conduct detailed analysis of stationary sources emissions due to combustion.