Air Quality Status at Selected Locations in Bangalore City, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Industrialization, urbanization and rapid growth in road transport sector leads to emissions resulting in air quality deterioration.  Epidemiological studies over the past few decades, have demonstrated adverse health effects due to higher ambient levels of air pollution. Thus, to improve ambient air quality an efficient and effective approach for assessment and management of air pollution is necessary.

A study has been carried out at five selected pockets from all over Bangalore city covering Industrial, Commercial sensitive, Residential and Rural pockets: The pollutants namely Particulate Matter (PM₁₀) and Gaseous Pollutants (SO₂ and NO₂) were considered for study.  Yearly average AQI values have also been presented.based on the AQI values it is inferred that the industrial, commercial and sensitive areas are moderately polluted. However, the PM₁₀ concentration in the sensitive hospital area was found to be exceeded National ambient air quality standards and NO₂ concentrations were found to be very near to permissible limits.