Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

TREND IN PARTICULATE AIR POLLUTANTS IN VISAKHAPATNAMCITY FOR 2018-2020: A CASE STUDY

Kavitha Chandu

Abstract

Rapid industrialization aided by urbanization led to severe air pollution in Visakhapatnam city, withprominent pollutant being particulate matter (PM10). This paper aims to anlyse the trend in particulatematter over a three year period, 2018-20. The results indicate high mass concentrations of PM10 in winter,mostly exceeding NAAQS limits. Clearer air quality is observed in summer and monsoon seasons. Thecity’s bowl-shaped area promotes the accumulation of pollution in winter.