Air-quality monitoring and emission source apportionment study for Bangalore

TERI has initiated a study on source apportionment of particulate matter in the city of Bangalore. The objectives of the study are as follows. To measure baseline air pollutants and air toxic levels in different parts of the city, which also include hotspots on kerbside To inventorize various pollutants To project emission inventories under different scenarios To conduct source apportionment study of particulate matter To undertake both dispersion and receptor modelling exercise in order to develop an air-quality management plan The study involves extensive primary monitoring of criteria air pollutants and air toxics at seven different locations in Bangalore for a period of one year. The critical air pollutants covered in this study are SPM (suspended particulate matter), PM10 (particulate matter of less than 10-micrometre size), PM2.5 (particulate matter of less than 2.5-micrometre size), SO2 (sulphur dioxide), NOx (oxides of nitrogen), CO (carbon monoxide), THC (total hydrocarbons), NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbons), VOCs (benzene, 1-3 butadiene, alkanes), aldehydes, and O3 (ozone). The exercise will also lead to the compilation of extensive data that will help in preparing a comprehensive emission inventory. This includes primary surveys in the zone of influence around each monitoring location. Chemical characterization of particulate matter for marker elements/species will be undertaken. This includes various elements, ions, OC (organic carbon) / EC (elemental carbon), and various molecular markers. The CMB (chemical mass balance) modelling technique will be used to arrive at the source apportionment of PM10. Further, by applying an air dispersion model -- ISCST3 (Industrial Source Complex model) -- the critical air pollutant levels in ambient air would be predicted under different scenarios. Based on the modelling results, an air-quality management plan will be formulated. A detailed road map would be drawn considering various measures for air-quality improvement. These measures will be classified as short- and medium-term with due priority to cost-effectiveness. The overall approach for the study is shown in Figure. This study is sponsored by a consortium of oil companies: Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd, and Reliance India Ltd. The Ministry of
Environment and Forests and the Central Pollution Control Board are heading the steering and technical committees, respectively.