Publications
Municipal solid waste and dung cake burning: discoloring the Taj Mahal and human health impacts in Agra
Open municipal solid waste (MSW) burning contributes significantly more to the discoloration of the Taj Mahal's white marble surface compared to dung cake burning, depositing approximately 150 mg/m²/year of PM2.5 versus just 12 mg/m²/year from dung cakes. This finding challenges previous assumptions that dung cake burning was the primary culprit and highlights MSW burning as a major source of particulate matter (PM) soiling. The study used spatially detailed emission estimates and air quality modeling to quantify these contributions, revealing that combined emissions from both sources lead to an estimated 713 premature mortalities annually in Agra, disproportionately affecting socioeconomically disadvantaged neighborhoods. Effective MSW management could mitigate the Taj Mahal's discoloration, improve public health, and yield broader aesthetic benefits.
Development of artificial intelligence based NO 2 forecasting models at Taj Mahal, Agra
A novel artificial intelligence-based model outperforms traditional methods for forecasting NO₂ concentrations at the Taj Mahal, Agra. The PCA–ANN (Principal Component Analysis–Artificial Neural Network) model demonstrated superior accuracy with a correlation coefficient of 0.91 during validation, compared to multiple linear regression (MLR), which achieved 0.89. This study highlights the potential of computational intelligence in public health-oriented air quality forecasting, particularly for high-pollution periods like November when levels spike significantly around the monument. The model's reliability was validated through statistical metrics including NMSE, IOA, and FB, all showing strong agreement with observed data.
The Discoloration of the Taj Mahal due to Particulate Carbon and Dust Deposition
Research reveals that the discoloration of the Taj Mahal's white marble domes is primarily caused by the deposition of light-absorbing particulate matter, including black carbon (BC), brown carbon (BrC), and dust. These particles, originating from fossil fuel and biomass combustion, significantly reduce surface reflectance and alter the perceived color of the marble. A novel approach was developed to estimate the impact of these deposits on visible light reflectance, confirming their role in the aesthetic degradation of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study underscores the broader implications of high aerosol loading on cultural heritage and urban surfaces.
The Gardens of Taj Mahal and the Sun
A detailed analysis reveals that the Taj Mahal's gardens are meticulously aligned with sunrise and sunset azimuths during solstices, showcasing advanced Mughal architectural ingenuity. This study deciphers how the mausoleum's garden layout integrates Islamic and Indian design elements to frame celestial events, particularly on equinoxes and solstices. By examining the geometric precision of the gardens' pathways and water channels, researchers demonstrate a deliberate orientation that enhances visual symmetry during key solar moments. The findings underscore the Taj Mahal's status as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, blending spiritual symbolism with astronomical alignment.
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