Aerosols and trace gases characterization over Indo-Gangetic plain in semi-arid region

This paper deals with measurements of aerosols, their chemical properties and precursor trace gases at Agra in the Indo-Gangetic plain. The average TSPM level is 441.2 μg m⁻³ and ranges between 60.8 μg m⁻³ and 1004.6 μg m⁻³ which are higher than National Ambient Air Quality Standard Values of India. High wind speed from North West direction influences the aerosol load. TSPM load is higher during prefoggy/foggy days and lower during post foggy days. NH4+ concentration is highest followed by NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺ and F⁻. The high concentration of NH₄⁺ may be probably due to nearby cattle yard, use of fertilizers and biogenic emissions. The concentration of trace gases SO₂, NO₂, HNO₃ and NH₃ are 20.8 μg m⁻³, 26.3 μg m⁻³, 1.6 μg m⁻³, 18.6 μg m⁻³, respectively. The transportation of urban plumes may be responsible for high concentration of SO₂ and NO₂. HNO₃/NO₃⁻ ratio is less than unity. There was no correlation between SO₂ and SO₄²⁻. The ratio of SO₄²⁻ + NO₃− + Cl⁻/NH₄+ are 1.8 and 2.3, respectively indicate that acidifying components are not neutralized only by NH₄⁺ion.

Kumar, R., & K. M. Kumari (2015) Aerosols and trace gases characterization over Indo-Gangetic plain in semiarid region, URBAN CLIMATE 12:11-20.