Assessment of ambient air quality index of surat city during early morning hours

The present study was done to take up the survey of an ambient air quality monitoring of Surat city, India during early morning hours. These monitoring was done during early morning hours (4.00 am to 8.00 am) each in winter season (December 2010 to March 2011). The parameters selected for the study were RSPM, SPM (PM-10), NOx, SO2, and CO were measured according to BIS. The sampling of the pollutants was done by using High Volume Sampler (HVS). The AQI calculated was an effective tool to justify ambient air quality for better management of air quality. Looking to the AQI data, at APMC market N/R Railway Station the value of AQI was found to be 140 which is highest and according to EPA guidelines this value is unhealthy for sensitive groups. The pollution data shows that SO2 is under limit at all the stations..Except Ambavadi, Dumas all stations are showing RSPM concentration above limit. SPM is exceeding at all station. Except Snehmilan Garden, Nanpura and Ambawadi-Dumas all stations are showing NOx concentration above the permissible limit which is an alarming situation because normally morning hours are considered to be heavenly hours for people coming out to improve their health.

Air pollution ,

Early morning hours ,

High Volume Sampler (HVS) ,

AQI ,

Winter season ,