Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

AN ASSESSMENT OF CUMULATIVE LOAD OF POLLUTANTS IN AMBIENT AIR OF AJMER, RAJASTHAN

Surendra Vermal, Shivnath Chalka and K.C. Sharma

Abstract

Cumulative load of air pollutants (SO2, NO2, 03 and SPM) was assessed at five different sites of Ajmer during the year 2005. Seasonal values of SO2 ranged from 2.83 pg M-3 (JLN- a sensitive site) to 25.25 pg m-3 (PB- an industrial site), while NO2varied from 19.42 pg m-3 (J LN) to 54.50 pg m-3 (GB- a major traffic intersection site). Highest level of ozone was recorded 105.5 pg m-3 at PB site during summer, while maximum value of SPM was recorded 582.75 pg m-3 at PB site during winter. The cumulative load ranged from 264.83 pg m-3 (JLN) to 728.25 pg m-3 (PB). Among gaseous pollutants, the percentage contribution was maximum for 03 (61 %) followed by NO2 (29%) and SO2 (10 %). In the total pollution load, maximum contribution was estimated for SPM (79 %).The study indicates a high pollution load in urban environment of Ajmer.