Atmospheric Particulate Pollutants and their Relationship with Meteorology in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, India's historic city, faces significant air pollution challenges with particulate matter (PM) levels consistently exceeding national standards. A four-year study (2005–2008) revealed that suspended particulate matter (SPM) and PM10 concentrations ranged from 66.0 to 786.0 µg/m³ and 17.0 to 327.0 µg/m³, respectively, with seasonal variations showing higher pollution during summer and lower levels during the monsoon. Rainfall demonstrated a significant negative correlation with pollutant levels, while other meteorological factors like humidity, temperature, and wind speed were also analyzed. The Air Quality Index (AQI) fluctuated between 25 and 193.3, often placing the city in the 'moderately polluted to unhealthy' range. Despite a gradual decline in pollutant concentrations, levels remained just above permissible limits set by regulatory bodies.

Bhaskar, B. V., & Mehta, V. M. (2010). Atmospheric Particulate Pollutants and their Relationship with Meteorology in Ahmedabad. Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 10(4), 301–315. https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2009.10.0069