Air quality index, ventilation coefficient and pollution potential studies over Bareilly city, Uttar Pradesh

Ambient air quality monitoring (AAQM) along with assimilative capacity and Air Quality Index (AQI) studies were carried out at Indian Veterinary Research Institute (I.V.R.I), Izatnagar and Petrol Pump, Civil lines, Bareilly, India over a period of 5 years from 2013 to 2017. Maximum temperature and relative humidity was varied from 35°C to 45°C (March to May) and 96 % to 97 % (December) during 2013 to 2017. Maximum wind speeds were varying from 4 to 8 m s-1 during the month of June to September and predominant wind was blowing from W and E followed by NW and WNW directions over the study area. Maximum ventilation coefficient (VC) values were ranging from 9000 m2s-1 to 12000 m2 s-1(from 13:00 h to 16:00 h) and for minimum wind speeds, VC values were ranging from 3000 m2 s-1to 4500 m2 s-1(from 12:00 h to 16:00 h) throughout the year. A maximum negative assimilative potential of 190 to 230 μg m-3 and 150 to 130 μg m-3was observed for RSPM and SPM, which were exceeding the NAAQS of 100 and 300 μg m-3, respectively. SO2 and NOx concentrations were found to be within 90 % of guideline values and assimilative potentials were ranging from 40 – 60 μg m-3at both the locations. AQI was found to be ranging from 350 – 400 during winter season and 300 – 360 during summer and monsoon seasons. The annual average AQI was found to be ranging from 300 – 400, varying from ‘very poor’ to ‘sever’ AQI.