Analysis of Air Pollution in Three Cities of Kerala by Using Air Quality Index

Abstract

Air pollution has an appalling effect on human health and our planet has a whole. This study quantifies air pollution using a parameter – Air Quality Index and compare the pollution of air in six major sites across Kerala, India (South over bridge and Eloor in Ernakulam district, Pettah and Veli in Thiruvananthapuram district, Chavara and Kadappakada in Kollam district). The significant differences in seasonal variation of pollutants in the three districts are also studied. The conclusion of the study shows: a) Air Quality Index in all these areas is predominantly determined by Particulate Matter concentration; b) Ernakulam district has the highest Air Quality Index among both industrial and residential areas and Kadappakada, Kollam has the lowest Air Quality Index among all the six areas studied; c) The air quality deteriorates during winter and summer because of limited pollutant dispersion.

Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown on Ambient Air Quality in the Southwest Coastal Urban Regions of India

“…The results of this study indicate a reduction in the different air pollutants and an overall improvement in the ambient air quality in the coastal urban regions of Kerala in the LD period of 2021. Air pollution in Kerala is primarily contributed by vehicular traffic, industries, and construction works (Jyothi et al 2019 ). Since the lockdown restricts most of such activities, the emission of pollutants from these sources would be lesser in the LD period compared to the PRLD period.…”

“…The number of automobiles in Kerala has increased more than 20 times since 1975, and Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode districts register the highest levels of automobile emissions (i.e., 40%). The major air pollutants in the region are particulate matter, sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O 3 ) (Jyothi et al 2019 ). Numerous researchers addressed the ambient air quality issues of various parts of Kerala over the past few decades (e.g., Aggarwal 1999 ; Bency et al 2003 ; Sarasamma and Narayanan 2014 ; Jyothi et al 2019 ).…”

“…The major air pollutants in the region are particulate matter, sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ), nitrogen oxides (NO x ), carbon monoxide (CO), and ozone (O 3 ) (Jyothi et al 2019 ). Numerous researchers addressed the ambient air quality issues of various parts of Kerala over the past few decades (e.g., Aggarwal 1999 ; Bency et al 2003 ; Sarasamma and Narayanan 2014 ; Jyothi et al 2019 ). Further, a few studies (Tobollik et al 2015 ; Sumesh et al 2017 ) highlighted the significance of the particulate matter in the ambient air quality and life expectancy of the regional population.…”