Chemical Characterization of Pm10 Aerosol in Urban Region of Indian Steel City, Rourkela

Abstract

Air quality is a dynamic and complex environmental phenomenon exhibiting large temporal and spatial variations. Acute air pollution is being faced in urban agglomeration due to rapid economic expansion, increase in population, increased industrial activities and exponential growth in automobiles. Air pollution can threaten the health of human beings, trees, lakes, crops and animals, as well as damage the ozone layer, ecology and property. In an attempt to manage urban air resources, it is necessary to have reliable information on the ambient air quality. To achieve this, a detailed chemical characterization of the particulate matter such as heavy metals, ions, organic carbon and molecular markers needs to be studied.