Influence of nationwide truck strike on black carbon aerosols over urban environment of Hyderabad, India

Abstract

Black carbon (BC) aerosols have a major impact on human health besides global and regional climate. Measurements on spatial distribution of BC remains poor and severely hampers attempts to assess its radiative effects and the situation can be improved by more measurements of BC aerosols across the globe. A study has been carried out in the urban area, Hyderabad to assess the impact of nation-wide truck strike in August 2004 on ambient BC concentrations. The results indicate significant reduction in the BC loading associated with the withdrawal of the trucks. The decrease in BC concentrations has been observed to be gradual while the recovery was almost immediate after the strike was called off. The study provides information on influence of anthropogenic activities such as absence of diesel trucks on BC aerosols in urban areas.