Showing papers by "Rajnikant Sharma published in 2002"

Spatial variability of ambient particulate matter around a phosphatic fertilizer plant in India

Abstract: Monitoring of ambient PM 1 0 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 Volume Sampler (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 PM 1 0 and SPM were found in downwind monitoring stations compared to upwind direction. Seasonal variation in transport pattern of PM 1 0 and SPM was also observed. Monitoring stations at a distance of 4km downwind have shown highest susceptibility of PM 1 0 in 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 seasons. Ratios of PM 1 0 to SPM and correlation coefficient values between both size of particulate matter along with meteorological parameters were also worked out. Relative humidity (RH) and wind velocity (WV) has shown an inverse relation with particulate deposition pattern.