Exponential Increase In Pollutants From Delhi To Bhubaneswar Since Diwali: Study

Bhubaneswar: The rise in foggy and hazy weather in the state capital is due to particulate matter flowing in from the north western part of the country. The smog seen is dispersion of fine and ultra-fine particulate matter, which is emitted directly as particles (primary aerosols) are formed in the atmosphere through a complex chemistry of gas to particle formation (secondary aerosols), said a study by CSIR-IMMT aerosol observatory here.

These ultra-fine particles travel long distances along with the wind pattern.

There has been an exponential rise in the concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and Black Carbon (BC) or soot, following Diwali celebrations on October 27.

Black carbon is emitted due to incomplete combustion of fossil fuels and biomass burning. It is responsible for low visibility and causes severe health hazards and also has an impact on the rainfall and monsoon pattern.

Researchers found that air mass along with the pollutants travelled from Delhi and Indo-Gangetic plains and settled in Bhubaneswar, the receptor site.

It is a matter of grave concern, the report said.

Black carbon concentration in Bhubaneswar reached a record 6.14 µg/m³, a seven-fold increase in less than 10 days.