Ayushman Bajpai and Siddhartha Shukla
Abstract
Air pollution has become a critical environmental and public health concern worldwide, significantly contributing to a range of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as exacerbating climate change and ecosystem degradation. The increasing concentration of harmful air pollutants poses severe challenges to urban and rural areas alike, necessitating a comprehensive understanding of their dispersion patterns and influencing factors. This study focuses on the seasonal analysis of air pollutant dispersion in Sitapurâs airshed, a region that is increasingly witnessing the adverse impacts of air pollution on public health, agriculture, and overall environmental quality. Using Gaussian dispersion modeling, the research investigates the behavior of key air pollutants, including particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and carbon monoxide (CO). These pollutants, known for their detrimental effects on health and climate, are analyzed across different meteorological and seasonal contexts, including summer, monsoon, winter, and post-monsoon seasons. By integrating air quality data with meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and atmospheric stability, the study offers a detailed understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of pollutant concentrations. The findings reveal the critical role of meteorological factors in shaping the dispersion and accumulation of air pollutants. For example, stagnant atmospheric conditions during winter often lead to higher pollutant concentrations, while enhanced wind speeds during the monsoon season improve dispersion and reduce pollutant levels. These insights underscore the importance of adopting region-specific air quality management strategies that account for local meteorological dynamics. Targeted interventions, such as stricter emission regulations, improved traffic management, and the development of green buffers, can significantly mitigate the health and environmental impacts of air pollution in Sitapur and similar regions. This study aims to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on air pollution dynamics by emphasizing the need for integrating advanced dispersion models with real-time monitoring systems. Such approaches can provide policymakers with actionable insights to design effective air quality improvement programs. The findings further advocate for the adoption of sustainable urban development practices and climate-responsive policies to ensure healthier environments and improved quality of life for present and future generations.