New Delhi:

In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have unveiled crucial findings shedding light on the sources and composition of harmful particulate matter (PM) plaguing Northern India.

Lead author Dr. Deepika Bhattu, Associate Professor, emphasizes the significance of addressing local inefficient combustion processes, such as biomass and fossil fuel burning, to effectively combat the health impacts of PM pollution in the region.

The study, conducted under the ongoing National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), addresses three pivotal scientific questions crucial for policymakers:

1. Identification of PM2.5 Sources: The research provides unprecedented clarity on the absolute contribution of PM sources, distinguishing between their local and regional origins.

2. Distinguishing Emitted PM: For the first time on a large scale, a clear demarcation between directly emitted PM and those formed in the atmosphere has been established.

3. Assessment of PM Harmfulness: By correlating oxidative potential with local and regional sources, the study determines the health risks posed by PM pollution.

Utilizing advanced aerosol mass spectrometry techniques, the study was conducted at five sites across the Indo-Gangetic Plain, revealing varying chemical compositions influenced by local emission sources and formation processes.

Key findings indicate that while PM concentrations remain uniformly high across the region, the chemical composition varies significantly. In Delhi, traffic exhaust and residential heating dominate, whereas outside the city, biomass burning plays a significant role.

Alarmingly, Indian PM’s oxidative potential surpasses that of Chinese and European cities by up to fivefold, underscoring the urgency for action.

Dr. Deepika Bhattu stresses the need for collaborative efforts and societal changes, especially in densely populated urban areas like Delhi. Sustainable measures, including cleaner energy sources and improved combustion efficiency, are imperative.

The study offers invaluable insights for evidence-based policies and interventions to safeguard public health and the environment. Prioritizing mitigation strategies targeting local inefficient combustion processes is crucial for Northern India’s fight against air pollution.