AAAR 31st Annual Conference
October 8-12, 2012
Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
Abstract View
Fine Particles Over an Ecologically Sensitive Zone in Bhopal, India-Characterization and Temporal Variability
RAMYA SUNDER RAMAN, Balram Ambade, Masood Ayub Kaloo, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Bhopal
Abstract Number: 287 Working Group: Remote and Regional Atmospheric Aerosols
Abstract Bhopal, India is home to a large concentration of industries. Additionally, the city lies in a semi-arid region and is in close proximity to marble quarries with the likelihood of high dust contributions to particulate matter (PM) mass, even in the fine mode. Consequently, it is hard to predict whether the source contributions to fine particulate matter (PM$_2.5) and its precursors are dominated by industrial/vehicular emissions or by mineral dust. Thus, a PM$_2.5 monitoring station was set-up at Van Vihar National Park (ecologically protected zone), Bhopal to measure PM$_2.5 and apportion its sources.
Measurements for PM$_2.5 mass, its chemical constituents, and optical properties commenced in January 2012 and will continue for a period of two years. 12 hour integrated samples are collected every-other-day on multiple filter substrates (Teflon, Quartz Fiber, and Nylon) using co-located Airmetrics Mini-Vol® Tactical Air Samplers. Fine PM mass will be measured using gravimetry and the filter samples will be subjected to a variety of chemical analyses. Concentrations of organic and elemental carbon (OC/EC), inorganic anions/cations, water soluble organic anions, and trace element concentrations will thus be obtained.
Additionally, visibility degradation due to ambient PM at Van Vihar National Park is also being monitored using an ensemble of techniques that include on-site photography, transmissiometry (long path transmissometer, OPTEC, LPV3), and nephelometry (OPTEC, NGN3A). These measurements in conjunction with on-site meteorological data (measured using a Vaisala® WXT520 automatic weather station) will ultimately be used for source apportionment of fine PM measured at the receptor site.
Preliminary results for all measurements made between January and August 2012 will be discussed. Fine PM mass concentrations, its chemical and optical properties, and their temporal variability will be examined. The relationships between meteorological parameters and fine PM concentrations will also be discussed.
Acknowledgement: This work is funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India vide grant MoES/16/09/10-RDEAS