Spatial Variability of Ambient Particulate Matter Around a Phosphatic Fertilizer Plant in India

Abstract

Monitoring of ambient PM₁₀ and SPM levels in the vicinity of a phosphatic fertilizer plant located at Kumhari, Chhattisgarh was carried out using two sets of Respirable Dust Sampler (RDS) and High Vulume Saimpler (HVS). The

specific objectives were the determination of spatial and seasonal variability of levels of ambient particulates, and their relationship with the phosphatic fertilizer plant emissions. Samples were collected in post-rainy, winter and summer seasons (September 2000-June 2001). The results have shown a marked seasonal trend and spatial variability of ambient particulate levels in the study area that were higher in winter and lower in summer while in post-rainy period, levels were far less than other two seasons. Higher concentrations of ambient PM₁₀ and SPM were found in download monitoring stations compared to upwind direction. Seasonal variation in transport pattern of PM₁₀ and SPM was also observed. Monitoring stations at a distance of 4km downwind have shown highest susceptibility of PM₁₀in post-rainy and summer seasons while in winter it was found at 2 km downwind. In the case of SPM, highest 'susceptible location was found at 2km downwind in all the three season. Ratios of PM₁₀to SPM and correlation coefficient values between both size of particulate matter along with meterological parameters were also worked out. Relative humidity (RH) and wind velocity (WV) has shown an inverse relation with particulate deposition pattern.