Abstract

Aim: Aim of this study is to access the concentration of air pollutants like particulate matter, black carbon and carbon monoxide at selected roadside locations in Noida and correlate it with base line standard and; to study the adverse health effects of Noida commuters due to ambient air pollution by a survey conducted through questionnaire.

Materials and methods: Methodology being adopted for the study has been discussed under following. 1) Study sites (selection of sites based on traffic): Sites were selected to assess pollutants concentration. The selected sites were places of maximum population, heavy traffic, and commercial areas with industries - a) institutional site, Amity University Noida sector 126; b) arterial road site, Noida sector 18; c) Noida- Greater Noida Expressway; d) residential site, Arun Vihar Noida sector 37. 2) Sampling/monitoring of pollutants such as black carbon, particulate matter and carbon monoxide with the instruments: Micro Aethalometer; CO personal monitor (lengan) and; Dust monitor (grim). 3) Questionnaire survey and traffic sampling and 4) Analysis and interpretation of data.

Results: The average concentration of black carbon were found to be 25107.82 (ng/m3), 16829.65 (ng/m3), 23112.56 (ng/m3) at Noida Sector 126, Noida Sector 18, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway, respectively. The concentration were compared and it was found that average concentration of black carbon level obtained at Noida Sector 126 was maximum and mean BC concentration varies from 68707.82-8760.76 (ng/3). This is due to traffic, vehicles and diesel combustion. The average concentration of PM10 were found to be 1737.16 ug/3, 632.69 (ng/3), 466.29(ng/3) at Noida sector 126, Noida Sector 18, Noida-Greater Noida Expressway respectively. The concentration were compared and it was found that average concentration of PM10 level obtained at Noida sector 126 was maximum and mean PM10 concentration varies from 2866.62-794.10 ug/3. This is due to high traffic on roads. Mean value of PM2.5 was maximum at Noida sector 126 and variation of PM2.5 values was highest on Noida sector 126 which suggest that contribution from different sources was varying to a great extent. The standard deviation value suggests that PM2.5 source emission rate at Noida sector 126 was varying greater than the emission rate at all the selected sites. The large variation was likely due to the differences in air mass, emission characteristics and meteorology. Results were compared with the values obtained by Central Pollution Control Board. Mean PM10 concentration at Noida sector 126 was 1737.16 ug/m 3 which is more than ten times higher than the standard value. Similarly mean PM2.5 concentration is ten times higher than the standard value. In Noida, institutional site is highly affected due to construction work and road traffic. Relevant information was gathered from questionnaire survey. It was observed that 80% of the people were suffering from eye or skin irritation at Noida sector 126 where the Black carbon and PM10, PM2.5, PM1 conc. were found maximum in comparision to all other sites.

Keywords: Pollutants; Traffic; Industrialization