Dense measurement network links air pollution and common agricultural practice

Air Pollution in Northwestern India and its Link to Crop Residue Burning

Introduction

A group of international collaborators led by the Research Institute for Humanity and Nature (RIHN) conducted a quantitative study on air pollution in the northwestern region of India. This study aimed to demonstrate the benefits of source region observations in linking crop residue burning (CRB) and air pollution at local to regional scales.

Background

Exposure to particulate matter less than 2.5 µm in diameter (PM2.5) poses health hazards in cities worldwide. While industrial activities are major contributors to PM2.5 emissions, certain agricultural practices also contribute to the formation of fine particles during specific seasons. CRB is a common practice in Punjab, Haryana, and parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It occurs after the paddy harvest in the post-monsoon period (September-November). The increase in mechanized agriculture and delayed rice planting in Punjab and Haryana have led to an increase in CRB activities over the past two decades.

Study Details

To address the lack of measurements of PM2.5 in the source regions, the researchers conducted an intensive field campaign in Punjab, Haryana, and the national capital region (NCR) from September 1 to November 30, 2022. They used 29 Compact and Useful PM2.5 Instruments with Gas sensors (CUPI-Gs) for continuous observations.

Results

The study revealed that PM2.5 levels in the region gradually increased from less than 60 µg m-3 between October 6-10 to up to 500 µg m-3 between November 5-9. The Indian national air quality standards set the annual average for PM2.5 at 40 µg/m³ and the 24-hour average at 60 µg m-3. The measurements showed that PM2.5 values in the Punjab to NCR region remained above 60 µg m-3 from mid-October to the end of November, with levels exceeding 200 µg m-3 for the first two weeks of November at many sites.

CRB Plumes and Secondary Formation

The researchers tracked two distinct CRB plumes of PM2.5 with concentrations over 500 µg m-3 from Punjab to NCR via Haryana on November 2-3 and 9-11, 2022. These plumes were associated with the northwesterly monsoon. Higher concentrations observed in the southeast downwind regions indicated the presence of secondary formation due to chemical reactions in the atmosphere.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Reducing air pollutants aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Professor Prabir K. Patra, the leader of the Aakash Project, emphasizes the importance of effective public awareness in reducing air pollution. He states that individual awareness can have a direct impact on areas where air pollutants are emitted, unlike the global effects of long-lived greenhouse gases.

Collaboration and Future Work

The study was made possible by the development of low-cost PM2.5 monitoring sensors by Panasonic Corporation and Nagoya University. Professor Manpreet Singh Bhatti from Guru Nanak Dev University highlights the importance of these efforts in building a greener and cleaner future for both rural and urban citizens. The study also addresses other environmental impacts of air pollution, such as the alteration of atmospheric thermodynamics and cloud properties. The researchers hope for future collaboration between Japan and India to reduce air pollution in the northwestern region and improve straw management without burning.

Data Availability

The measurement data of PM2.5 from this study are available from the RIHN database.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
• SDG 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
• SDG 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.
• SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Indicator for SDG 3.9: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution (not explicitly mentioned in the article).
• Indicator for SDG 11.6: Ambient air pollution levels in cities (measured using PM2.5 concentrations).
• Indicator for SDG 13.1: Concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere (not explicitly mentioned in the article).
• Indicator for SDG 15.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area (not explicitly mentioned in the article).

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: sciencedaily.com

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