Carbonaceous Analysis of Fine Particulate Matter in Proximity to the Historical Monument Itimad-ud-Daulah, Agra

Abstract

PM2.5 which is also known as Fine Particulate Matter (having aerodynamic diameter of less than equal to 2.5µm) is a designated criteria pollutant by USEPA, is directly emitted into the atmosphere or results from the transformation of gaseous pollutant. PM2.5 is found to be associated with various health hazards such as chronic lung disease and asthma, lung cancer, heart attack, exacerbation of COPD and premature death. One of the carbonaceous content of PM2.5 elemental carbon is found to be associated with climate change. The present study aims to investigate the concentration and carbonaceous characterization of fine particulate matter. The study was carried out near a historical monument Itimad –Ud –Daulah during the winter period (January 2022), samples of PM2.5 were collected at the sampling site via Fine Particulate sampler APM 550 on Quatrz Fiber Filter paper and analyzed for organic carbon and elemental carbon. The average mass concentration of PM2.5, OC and EC were 231.60 µg/m3, 29.74 µg/m3 and 11.98 µg/m3 respectively. The % contribution of OC and EC to the mass PM2.5 is found to be 12.84 % and 5.17 % respectively which indicates that OC and EC contribute a significant portion in PM2.5.
The concentrations of PM2.5 were also found to be 6 and 46 times higher than the annual average standards provided by NAAQS and WHO. The results of the study indicate that the burning of carbon-containing fuel for residential heating and unfavourable meteorological conditions during the winter period combined contribute to the increased concentration of OC, EC and PM2.5. OC and EC were also found to be positively correlated to each other, indicating their emission from common sources.