Central Pollution Control Board Research Articles

ROOT ZONE TECHNOLOGY FOR WASTE WATER TREATMENT

In India, the primary cause of surface and ground water pollution is the discharge of untreated sewage, according to a 2007 study by the Central Pollution Control Board. In India, there is a significant delay between the generation and treatment of household wastewater. India's insufficient treatment capacity is not the only issue; there are also sewage treatment plants that exist, but they are not being maintained or operated. Because of poor design, inadequate maintenance, unreliable electricity supplies, absentee staff, and incompetent management, the majority of government-owned sewage treatment plants remain closed for the most part of the year. Usually, the wastewater produced in these places evaporates or percolates into the soil. Uncollected waste builds up in urban areas, releasing pollutants that seep into surface and groundwater and creating unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, industrialists prefer not to treat the waste produced and instead to dump it untreated into rivers in the areas where these treatment plants are located because the cost of treatment is so high.The Root Zone Treatment System (RZTS), sometimes referred to as the reed bed system or the constructed wetland system, is a sealed filter bed that is planted with vegetation that can grow in wetlands and is made up of a sand, gravel, and soil system, sometimes with a cohesive element. The wastewater flows through the filter bed, where biodegradation of the wastewater occurs, after the coarse and floating material has been removed. Complex physical, chemical, and biological processes that are the outcome of the interaction of wastewater, wetland plants, filter bed material, and microorganisms define the functional mechanisms in the soil matrix that are in charge of the mineralization of biodegradable matter.

Spatial Temporal Analysis of Air Quality and their Relation to Meteorological Parameters, in India

Air pollution has become a significant global issue, with India ranking 8th in the world for hazardous air quality based on the latest 2022 report. (World Air Quality Report 2023). The growing urban sprawl and human-induced environmental activities have led to a decline in air quality. The Air Quality Index assesses the level of pollution in the air at a particular region. It is a fundamental right for individuals to be informed about the quality of the air they breathe for their well-being. This study aims to examine air pollution levels and trends across various geographical locations in India using data provided by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change in India. The study focuses on analyzing the annual growth of pollutants such as SO2, NO2, PM10, and PM2.5 from 2016 to 2021, collected from monitoring stations in 28 states across 256 locations. The research evaluates the impact of different particulate matter concentrations and showcases the spatial variation of air pollutants between 2016 and 2021. Results indicate a significant decrease in air pollution levels during lockdown periods compared to pre-lockdown periods. On an average (over all cities), more than 24% decrease has been observed for all the AQI of the pollutants. Additionally, a comparative analysis reveals correlations between meteorological factors and air quality, showing that temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed are negatively correlated with AQI, while surface pressure is positively correlated. Temporal analysis was also conducted to examine the relationship between air pollutant concentrations and meteorological parameters.

Diurnal rail noise measurement, analysis, and evaluation of associated health impacts on residents living in the proximity of rail track area.

In India, railway is the major transportation mode for carrying goods and people. The tracks for the movement of the rail were initially constructed in the city for the pre-eminence and expediency of the vantage of the people. Rapid modernization and increasing population in the city crammed the area around the railway tracks. Moving rail on the tracks passing through the city is not compatible, which is creating problems for the nearby residents. In the urban and suburban regions, the railway noise has become a major problem. This study was conducted to examine the perception of the physiological and psychological effects of railway noise in the nearby areas of railway stations in Delhi, India. For this purpose, 10 sites near the railway station were selected for the study. To assess the impact of railway noise pollution on the health of humans, a questionnaire survey was conducted. The data of 344 individuals were collected through the questionnaire survey and analyzed to get the perception towards railway noise. Noise level was monitored by a Sound Level Meter (SLM) and the equivalent noise level (Leq) in dB(A) was used to compute the noise pollution in three shifts, i.e., morning, noon, and evening time. Results showed that 57.65% of female and 86.11% of male respondents in the survey reported the disturbance due to railway noise. The level of noise pollution was found higher in the evening time as compared to the noon and morningperiod, which exceeds the limit set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) at all the monitored locations. Findings of the study show that the primary cause of the health problems is railroad noise, which is negatively impacting the health of the residents, who are living in the proximity of the rail track region. The perception survey reported that headache, sleep disturbance, irritation, and stress are common health issues among the locals residing around the railway track proximity in Delhi.

“Air pollution from biomass burning in India”

Abstract Air Pollution is the most difficult challenge India is facing today and anthropogenic biomass burning (ABB) is one of the major and least understood sources leading to serious health and climate implications by affecting air quality, visibility, atmospheric chemistry, the Earth’s radiation budget, and biogeochemical cycling. Scientific understanding on the composition, chemistry, and regional dynamics of BB emissions is still limited constraining the implementation of appropriate research and policy interventions. The broad categories, associated complex emissions and spatio-temporal variations of ABB in India are discussed here. Major types of ABB prevalent year-round all over India include BB for cooking, heating purpose and open waste burning. Moreover, crop residue burning (CRB) in Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) during pre (April-May) and post-monsoon (October-November) seasons; CRB in South-India during January-February; forest fires in Central India and slash & burn agriculture in North-East India during March-May are the other dominant sources active during specific months and regions. Over the IGP, CRB along with other episodic ABB events and stagnant meteorology result in severe air quality and poor visibility (< ~300 m) with reported daily mean PM2.5 concentration shooting upto 15 times higher than Central Pollution Control Board standards. When compared with wheat residue burning, higher fire counts and emissions are reported during paddy residue burning events. During winters, BB contribution to 37% of aerosol oxidative potential in Delhi indicates its health implications. Meta-analysis of data obtained from representative source apportionment studies on PM10 shows >24% BB contribution in Assam, Ahmedabad, Kanpur, and Visakhapatnam; 20-24% in Patiala and Kolkata; 10-14% in Delhi. In PM2.5, BB contribution of >24% in Ahmedabad and Agra; 15-19% in Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata is reported while in PM1, BB contributed 19-24% in Kanpur, Patiala, and Assam and <10% in Delhi. Observed spatio-temporal variations in ABB sources and composition over India call for region specific solutions through airshed-based management.

Ambient Air Quality Assessment through Air Quality Index and Air Quality Health Index for Eastern Coastal Region, Gandhidham, Gujarat, India

The impact of coastal developmental projects such as ports on regional air quality has been a matter of concern, as they are known to induce rapid industrialization and urbanization as collateral development on a long-term basis. Gandhidham-Kachchh, Gujarat, India is hub for industrialization, thus various developmental activities and port activities may release toxic gases into the environment. Thus, an attempt was made to assess the present ambient air quality in and around eastern coastal region of Gandhidham, Gujarat using Air Quality Index (AQI) and Air Quality Health Index (AQHI). The primary focus was on respirable particulate matter (PM10) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) along with other gaseous pollutants. In total 134 samples were collected from 11 stations during January to December 2018. Sampling was carried out 24 hourly on a monthly basis. Respirable particulate matter (PM10), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide ranged from 29-401 µg/m3, 13-184 µg/m3, 5.9-92.6 µg/m3and 3.7-33 µg/m3, respectively. The annual mean concentrations varied from 118-227 µg/m3, 47-82 µg/m3, 10-51 µg/m3, 11-41 µg/m3 for PM10, PM2.5, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide, respectively. In most of the sampling locations both the particulate matter fractions exceeded the permissible limit as prescribed in National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The AQI ranged from 28 to 106, which falls under Good and Satisfactory category of pollution as per the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standards except at A-11 which falls under Moderate category. The AQHI was in the range of 5.9 to 15.8, which was alarming indicating Moderate to Very Higher Risk to the people. The present findings throw light on the prevailing scenario in the ambient air quality of the studied region, thereby suggesting for strict implementation and thorough control measures for reduction of particulate matters in the air.

Analysis of Suspended Particulate Matter in a Conventional Seed Spices Cleaning and Grading Industry: A Case Study of Unjha Vicinity in Gujarat, India

A large number of seed spices (Cumin, Fennel, Coriander, Fenugreek etc.) cleaning-grading units are situated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. In-plant study was performed in such a cleaning-grading industry located at Unjha (Gujarat) in collaboration with Centre for Research on Seed Spice (SDAU), Jagudan, Mehsana. Apprehension for wellbeing of workers of such dust/ suspended particulate matter (SPM) generating industries are growing with time. SPM samples were collected using standard High Volume Sampler and these samples were analyzed for their respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and total SPM concentration (µg/m3). The highest concentration of RSPM (< 10 micron) inside the plant was found to be 20 x103 µg/m3, while the highest SPM concentration level was 168x103 µg/m3. The average particle size of SPM was 1.96 µ to 9.43 µ while that of RSPM was 1.7 µ. The Ambient air quality norms prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for industrial areas limit these values to 100 µg/m3 (SPM) and 60 µg/m3 (RSPM). Such highly polluted in-plant atmosphere of seed spices cleaning-grading industry may cause severe health problems, leading to respiratory diseases among the workers. In order to protect the health of workers engaged in these industries, it is suggested to install the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) device and retrofitting of existing equipment (such that dust levels are within permissible limits) may be considered.

Human health impacts attributable to inhalation exposure of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) during the Holi festival

Objective The present study focuses on residential areas of Delhi to identify the elevated levels of ambient PM10 and PM2.5 due to biomass burning followed by the coloring activity in the Holi festival celebrated at the end of the winter season. This study also focuses on the health risk assessment and mortality among different age groups due to the change in particulate matter levels during the Holi festival in Delhi, India. Materials and Methods Secondary data of particulate matters have been procured from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune for the period of the pre-, during, and post-Holi period for the year 2018-2020 at four selected residential locations in Delhi, India. The health impacts of particle inhalation were quantified using the AirQ + models. Results The results indicated the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 rise about 3-4 times higher during the Holi festival than on normal days, resulting in health risks and causing an excess number of mortality and Asthma cases in Delhi. Such cases were also found to be higher in 2018, followed by 2019 and 2020 at all the selected locations in Delhi. Conclusions The study linked the increasing particulate levels in the Holi festival with the increased health risk through short-term exposure of the population. The excess number of cases (ENCs) of mortality, all causes of mortality among adults (age > 30 years) associated with short-term exposure to particulate were also identified.

Deciphering air quality index through sample entropy: A nonlinear time series analysis

Pollution and its impacts on human health have become a crisis in regions with poor air quality index (AQI), which is an indicator of concentrations of pollutants, prompting the United Nations (UN) to set sustainable development goals (SDG). The present study proposes a surrogate sample entropy-based method in tune with UN’s SDG, to assess AQI from the time series of any of the pollutants. New Delhi is one of the world's most polluted state capital, with a higher level of particulate matter (PM). The temporal data of the pollutants in New Delhi, recorded in the one-hour interval during the years 2016 and 2017, are subjected to time series analysis. The data collected from the Central Pollution Control Board of India are analyzed with special reference to PM and compared with the World Air Quality Report 2021 and University of Washington data. The dependence of PM2.5 concentration on humidity and rain is also studied. The study reveals the increase in complexity with the concentration of pollutants through the phase portrait. The sample entropy analysis of the nonlinear time series of the pollutants exhibits a linear relation with AQI suggesting the possibility of using sample entropy as a surrogate measure of AQI.

Assessment of Physicochemical Quality and Challenges of Municipal Sewage Water in Manchalapur Village in the Karnataka, India

The present study was carried out on characterization of municipal sewage water tank of Manchalapur village near Raichur city in Karnataka. The water samples were collectedeight times from four different locations like inlet, outlet and water spreading area of the Manchalapur tank during the year 2018-2019 in monsoon and post monsoon season. The collected water samples were analyzed for the water quality parameters by using standard procedure. The results obtained were compared with Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Bureau of India Standards (IS 2296:1992) water quality requirements for irrigation. The results showed that pH (7.89, 8.54), Electrical Conductivity (1.41, 1.48 dSm-1), Total Dissolved Solids (929.63, 1031.56 mg L-1), Carbonate (2.15, 0.86 mg L-1), Bicarbonate (7.71,4.99 mg L-1), Nitrate (26.90, 34.09 mg L-1), Phosphate (9.85, 6.20 mg L-1), Calcium (3.38, 2.77 mg L-1), magnesium (5.16, 4.13 mg L-1), Sodium (0.85, 0.92 mg L-1), Biological Oxygen Demand (1396.88, 1252.31 mg L-1), Chemical Oxygen Demand (14480, 8573.0 mg L-1), Dissolved Oxygen (7.91, 8.02 mg L-1) and turbidity (13.33, 8.77 NTU) for monsoon and post monsoon respectively. All the water quality parameters were within the recommended range of irrigation standards except the parameters BOD, COD, DO and turbidity. The results could be applicable advice to farmers and agricultural researchers for proper management and use of tank water for agricultural purpose.

Monitoring of water Quality to assess Seasonal Color Changes of Lunar-Lubha River in East Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya (India)

The Lunar-Lubha River is a significant river in Meghalaya, India, flowing through the Jaintia Hills and eventually reaching Bangladesh’s Surma valley. During winter, the river undergoes a remarkable transformation, changing its color from turquoise to a vibrant sky-blue hue. This study investigated the reason behind this color change by examining the physicochemical characteristics of the river water during pre-monsoon, post monsoon and winter season of the year 2020 to 2022. Chemical properties of the white-powdery sediment (which acts as light reflecting media) found on the riverbed of the color-changing stretches of the river were also investigated. The analysis revealed the presence of high levels of Iron (Fe) and Alumina (Al) in sediments of the Lunar-Lubha River beds. The water quality in stations located at Lunar River can be designated below-E as per Central Pollution Control Board (Govt. of India) guidelines as the water in those stations is not fit for drinking, bathing, propagation of marine life as well as irrigation or agricultural uses. The blue coloration is more prominent in the deeper sections of the river compared to the shallow stretches. This observation aligns with the argument that shorter wavelengths of light scatter more as the depth increases. The presence of light scattering effect due to variation in water depth and the white-colored sediments at the riverbed could explain the intensified blue color in the river. The apparent blue color of the Lukha River is most likely an illusion induced by the scattering effect rather than the genuine blue color of the water.

OVERVIEW OF ROOT ZONE TECHNOLOGY

Central Pollution Control Board (2007) study found that discharge of untreated sewage is sthe single most important cause for surface and ground water pollution n India. There is a large gap between the generation and treatment of domestic wastewater in India. The problem is not only that India lacks sufficient treatment capacity but also that the existing sewage treatment plants are not operated and are not maintained. Most of the government-owned sewage treatment plants remain closed due to improper design, poor maintenance, or lack of reliable electricity supply to operate the plants, absentee employees, and poor management. The wastewater generated in these areas normally percolates in the soil or evaporates. The uncollected wastes accumulate in the urban areas cause unhygienic conditions and release pollutants that leach to surface and groundwater. Moreover, where these treatment plants exist, the cost of treatment is so high that industrialists favour not treating the waste generated and directly dumping the untreated waste into the rivers.The Root Zone Treatment system (RZTS) also known as the reed bed system or constructed wetland system is a sealed filter bed consisting of a sand/gravel/ soil system, occasionally with a cohesive element, planted with vegetation that can grow in wetlands. After removing coarse and floating material, the wastewater passes through the filter bed where biodegradation of the wastewater occurs. The functional mechanisms in the soil matrix responsible for the mineralization of biodegradable matter are characterized by complex physical, chemical and biological processes resulting from the combined effects of the filter bed material, wetland plants, micro-organisms and wastewater. The root zone treatment system also known as the reed bed or constructed wetland system is a sealed filter bed consisting of a sand /gravel/soil system.

Assessment of the Ambient Air Quality of Sangli City, Maharashtra, vis-à-vis National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)

Assessment of ambient air quality is important to formulate short-term and long-term plans to mitigate air pollution. This study attempts to present an ambient air quality assessment for Sangli City, located at 16.85° N, and 74.58° E. The assessment is done through ambient air quality data measured over three ambient air quality monitoring stations located in residential, commercial, and industrial zones of Sangli City. The data was collected from 2009 to 2017 under the National Air Quality Monitoring Program of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The observed concentrations of gaseous pollutants, SO2 and NOx, and respirable particulate matter are compared with the concentration levels prescribed by the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in 2009. The concentration levels of particulate matter are quite on the higher side of the prescribed standards. The levels of NOx are almost approaching the prescribed values, whereas SO2 levels are well within the margin. We have also studied seasonal variations in the pollutants during the study period. In general, the air quality in Sangli City is quite undesirable during the mid-winter to mid-summer period. The study is useful for common men to increase awareness. It also forms baseline data and is useful for local and central government to design appropriate strategies to apply corrective measures, protect health, and promote environmental protection.

E-Waste Management Rules 2022: Issues And Solution For Environmental Protection

An important global concern is the handling of electrical and electronic waste, particularly in India, a rapidly growing electronics market. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated demand and growth, with India contributing over two million tonne’s of its electronic waste every year. India produced 1.6 million tonne’s of e-waste in the fiscal 2021–22, ranking third in the world, however, only half a million tons was gathered and treated. As India transforms to a digital economy, and electric mobility, this number is anticipated to rise dramatically as a result of the rising usage of the electronic gadgets, solar panels, and electric automobiles. E-waste must be managed carefully because it contains dangerous materials that, if improperly handled or disposed of, are damaging “to the environment and human health.” In its 192nd Report on the “Functioning of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Department of Parliamentary Standing Committee on Science, Technology, Environment, and Forests came to the conclusion that e-waste will become a significant issue in the future” due to modern lifestyles, rising living standards, and increased economic growth. In order to control e-waste and safeguard the environment in India, this article examines the problems and potential solutions. It also critically evaluates the recent legal adoption and effective execution “of the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, which went into effect on April 1, 2023, These regulations mark the beginning of a new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system for recycling e-waste.”

Effects of bed depths and the ratio of aerobic to anaerobic zone on the performance of horizontal subsurface flow macrophyte-assisted high-rate vermifilters treating synthetic brewery wastewater.

Effects of total vermibed depth, as well as the ratio of aerobic (the unsubmerged) to anaerobic (the submerged) zone on the performance of the horizontal subsurface flow macrophyte-assisted vermifilters (HSSF-MAVFs) treating synthetic brewery wastewater at a higher hydraulic loading rate (HLR), were investigated for the first time. Results showed that the HSSF-MAVF with a 50 cm total and 18 cm submerged vermibed depth yielded the optimum removal of the pollutants, ensuring a (91.2 ± 1.7)%, (81.8 ± 1.9)%, (67.4 ± 3.9)%, and (63.1 ± 2.3)% removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonium N (NH4 + -N), total N (TN), and organic N, respectively, whereas there was an increase of (142 ± 6.3)% in the effluent nitrate-N (NO3 - -N) than that in the influent. At the optimum condition, the effluent concentrations of all the pollutants including COD, NH4 + -N, NO3 - -N, TN, and organic N were well below the surface water discharge standards specified by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and thus, the effluent of the HSSF-MAVF could be safely discharged into the surface water bodies. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Total vermibed depth of HSSF-MAVFs was optimized for organic and nitrogen removal. HSSF-MAVFs were subjected to the higher HLR of synthetic brewery wastewater. Removal of COD and NH4 + -N was decreased with the increase in submerged bed depth. Removal of organic N and TN was increased with the increase in submerged bed depth. Total/unsubmerged bed depth had a positive impact on the organic and N removal.

Four years of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in Indian cities: Assessment of the impact on surface ozone during the period 2018–2022

There is a significant increase in ozone at the surface and troposphere due to growing population, industrialisation and urbanisation. The initiation of National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019 marked a turning point in addressing air pollution in Indian cities. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) ground-based measurements show a reduction in number of days with continuous exposure to 8 h surface ozone (MDA-8) exceeding 100 ppb since the implementation of NCAP. For instance, cities such as Visakhapatnam and Tirupati reported zero days of MDA-8 ozone surpassing 100 ppb in 2022. Also, a substantial reduction is observed in the frequency of MDA-8 ozone exceeding the 100 ppb threshold at other stations. The NO2 and PM2.5 measurements from CPCB show a decreasing trend at most stations, whereas satellite-based HCHO and NO2 measurements show negative (0–0.004 mol m−2 month−1) and positive (0–0.02 m−2 month−1) trends, respectively, during the period of 2019–2022. Therefore, although the implementation of NCAP is oriented towards reducing PM10 concentrations, it is also proven to be effective in curbing ozone pollution in most cities of India. This study, therefore, suggests to continue the efforts of NCAP and to implement tailored regulations for reducing ozone pollution in cities with high pollution.

Locational Suitability of Paschim Boragaon Landfill Adjacent to Deepor Beel Wetland, Assam

Deepor Beel, situated in the lower Assam region of Brahmaputra Valley, is a significant wetland that holds immense importance and is classified within the biogeographical region of the Burma monsoon forest. The beel acts as a crucial reservoir for storing water in Guwahati, aiding in mitigating the effects of flash flooding. The beel is endowed with luxuriant aquatic flora and fauna and maintains a well-balanced ecosystem. Nevertheless, the presence of the Paschim Boragaon Landfill in close proximity to the beel has raised concerns about the fragility of the biodiversity and ecosystem. The study was conducted to evaluate the appropriateness of placing a waste disposal site near a wetland and also how effectively did the Paschim Boragaon landfill adhere to the criteria specified in the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and Central Public Health and Environment Engineering Organisation (CPHEEO). The landfill's establishment has disregarded the prescribed regulations imposed by the relevant governing body, posing a significant threat to the soil, water, and environment. This situation flagrantly violates the Wetland Rules of 2010, leading to detrimental effects on the diverse features and biodiversity of the beel. The landfill's close proximity has directly or indirectly disrupted the beel's heterogeneous characteristics. Hence, an urgent relocation of the entire landfill is imperative to protect the beel and uphold the internationally renowned Ramsar wetland's biodiversity.

Hospital wastewater treatment using electrocoagulation: Performance, kinetics, settlement analysis, and cost-effectiveness

The hospital units conduct a wide range of activities and generate a massive amount of effluent, which contains a large variety of contaminated pharmaceuticals, radioactive elements, and chemicals. The increased chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), turbidity, total hardness (TDS), nitrate, phosphates, and ammonium ions in wastewater have an unfavorable impact on all living forms of the ecosystem. Electrocoagulation (EC) is an adaptable technique for removing pollutants from wastewater, it has been used in this study to determine the optimal conditions utilizing several process variables, including pH, current density, time, and electrolyte dose. Up to 94%, 31%, 96%, 54%, 50%, and 22% respectively, less COD, BOD, turbidity, phosphate, nitrate, and ammonium ions were detected. Fecal indicator bacteria were significantly reduced. Subsequently, the treated water was evaluated for suitability of reuse in farming by comparing its parameters to those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and Moroccan standards. After germination tests on radish beans, it was discovered that the EC-treated water was suitable for irrigation. The suitability of the implemented process was assessed by comparing it to advanced oxidation and biological approaches.

Impact of Lockdown on Air Quality in the Most Polluted Cities of India.

COVID-19 has become a global pandemic, prompting lockdowns in practically every country. To prevent the spread of the disease, India has enforced a rigorous nationwide lockdown that commenced in March 2020. The lockdown imposed amid the pandemic ensured that most commercial activities and vehicle transportation ceased, resulting in a significant reduction in air pollution levels. The value of air pollutants PM10, PM2.5, NO2, and SO2 from January to May 2020 was obtained from the Indian Central Pollution Control Board. Before lockdown and during lockdown, relative fluctuations in ambient concentrations of four air contaminants were investigated. The Box-Jenkins approach was used to estimate future air pollution data points using time series data analysis. The PM10 level reduced by 61%, 30%, 68%, 37%, and 43% in the selected cities, respectively. Comparison of other pollutant concentrations before and after the lockdown also found a reduction in ambient pollutant concentrations, resulting in improved air quality. Inference of predicted model values to observed values revealed a significant increase in the concentrations of all pollutants. The percentage increases in AQImean from predicted to observed values were 206% in Ghaziabad, 148% in Delhi, 59% in Hyderabad, and 160% in Cochin. The strict lockdown has resulted in a significant drop in air pollutant levels. Upgrading present technologies could help keep pollution to a minimum of 37% under control. The findings would prompt the government to consider how to strictly reduce vehicle and industrial pollution to improve air quality and maintain improved public health.

Impact of Immersion of Idol Statue on Water Quality of Komaticheruvu Lake, Siddipet, Telangana

Water quality in natural water bodies are deteriorating due to several natural and anthropogenic factors. Understanding the key factors affecting the water quality is the most important aspect for water quality management in any water body and it decides its usage. Immersion of idol statue(POP) is one of the serious concern which lead to make significant changes in the water quality of different natural water bodies. The present study focused on the water quality assessment of the Komaticheruvu lake of Siddipet district, Telangana. due to Plaster of Paris (POP) Idol immersion. Water samples were collected during the Ganesh festival (pre-immersion, and post-immersion) 2023 and important water quality parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, TDS, dissolved CO2 Salinity, BOD, COD, plankton and nutrient content were analyzed before and after immersion. Results indicated that there was significant change in water quality after immersion of these idol which needs attentions. There are several guidelines formulated by Central Pollution Control Board on the immersion of idol in water bodies which needs to be followed for controlling the pollution.

Design, Develop, Fabricate, and Statistical Quantification of Air Quality System Along with Web Application

Our Air Quality Index (AQI) measurement and analytics system is specifically designed for household, office, or single-room use, addressing concerns related to pollution's impact on respiratory health and visibility. The system incorporates dedicated sensors such as the PM Sensor (PMS5003), the ozone sensor (MQ- 131), the VOC Sensor (MP503), the CO2 Sensor (MH- Z19B), and the temperature and humidity sensor (DHT22). These sensors communicate with a web application server through the ESP8266-01 Wi-Fi module. The sensor values are displayed on a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) display, ensuring continuous monitoring with a time delay. The Arduino Pro Mini Board, powered by an FTDI (Future Technology Devices International Ltd.) chip, facilitates the sensor readings by operating on specific protocols. The ESP-01 module provides internet capability, enabling the system to host a custom web server. The sensor data is utilized to generate graphs on a dashboard, presenting the air quality information in a visually accessible manner. The displayed values are aligned with the standard guidelines set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). Moreover, the system supports historical data retrieval through integration with a PostgreSQL database, allowing users to analyze air quality trends over time. By providing real-time monitoring, comprehensive analytics, and historical data insights, our AQI measurement and analytics system empowers users to make informed decisions to improve air quality and mitigate the potential risks associated with pollution.