Atmospheric PM & CO Emission: Fine particles and CO emission in the atmosphere during festival

1. To measure air quality, particulate matter (PM2.5) concentration in the outdoor air and its chemical composition (Ba, K, Na, Mg, Al, Sr, Al, Zn, Pb, Cu, Fe, Cd and Mn) in Palwal
2. To determine additional meteorological parameters of the study area including wind speed and direction, ambient temperature, relative humidity

Palwal district, Haryana

In India, especially during festivals, enormous amount of firecrackers are burnt, which have implications on environmental pollution. Literature’s have reported that firework activities often creates a huge amount of Particulate Matter (PM) concentration with different chemical composition (i.e. aluminum, iron, sodium, potassium, barium nitrate etc.). Some of them are very hazardous in nature. Higher level of PM10 (6-12 times higher) and other associated minerals (Ba, K, Na, Al, and Sr are increased with the factor of 264, 18, 15 and 5 respectively). Facts and figures in Indian region that are indicating the significant results from the firecrackers during and after Diwali. Similarly, previous studies indicated degradation of air quality by the specific fireworks activities and its impact on health due to pollutant emitted during the Diwali festival. But no literature could be found for the estimation of air pollutant in rural area of India during the Diwali festival.

The documentation of the environmental pollution during Diwali shall be useful in planning the measures for reduction in these and link these with the health outcomes

• Dr. Sneha Gautam

• Dr. N.K. Arora