Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal’s

SHRI BHAGUBHAI MAFATLAL POLYTECHNIC

VISION

“Shri Bhagubhai Mafatlal Polytechnic aspires to be the lead Institute in providing need based
Technical Education”

MISSION

1. T provide state of art infrastructure and latest equipment for providing a stimulating
learning environment.

2. To prepare students to meet the dynamic needs of the industry by periodic reviewing and
up gradation of curriculum through an interactive process with industry.

3. To inculcate a spirit of excellence in terms of academic performance, research and

innovation in faculty by providing appropriate support and incentive systems.

4. To promote and support co-curricular, extra-curricular activities and industry interaction to

make students socially sensitive and employable.

1
 Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal’s

SHRI BHAGUBHAI MAFATLAL POLYTECHNIC

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

VISION

To impart need based education and training in Civil Engineering.

MISSION

1. To develop proficient Civil Engineers by imparting quality education and training through
well designed curriculum.
2. To provide quality teaching to assimilate classroom teaching and field practice.
3. To develop and sustain environment to facilitate for updating students, faculty and facilities.

2
 PROJECT ON
STUDY OF AIR POLLUTION AND ITS REMEDIES
(AIR PURIFYING TOWER)
BY
NIKHIL PANDERE. (1711236)

V SEMESTER
CIVIL ENGINEERING
GUIDE:
Prof. K. P. JAYATEERTH.

SHRI VILE PARLE KELVANI MANDAL’S

SHRI BHAGUBHAI MAFATLAL POLYTECHNIC
IRLA, VILE PARLE (WEST),
MUMBAI – 400 056
2019 – 2020

3
 THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT
NIKHIL ANKUSH PANDERE.

EXAM SEAT NO 1711236

Have satisfactorily completed their project work and submitted the dissertation report.

GUIDE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT PRINCIPAL

DATE

4
 Shri Vile Parle Kelvani Mandal’s

SHRI BHAGUBHAI MAFATLAL POLYTECHNIC

IRLA ROAD, VILE PARLE (WEST)
MUMBAI – 400 056.

Approval Sheet
This is to certify that,
MR. NIKHIL ANKUSH PANDERE.

EXAM SEAT NO 1711236

Have presented project work Dissertation report in fulfil of Diploma course in Civil
Engineering and the same is assessed by:

1. 2.

5
 INDEX
List of Tables
List of Figures
Nomenclature
PAGE
SR.NO. PARTICULARS
NO
1 CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Aim of Project 9

2 CHAPTER 2 – METHODOLOGY
Definition and Introduction to Air Pollution & AQI (Air Quality
2.1 10
Index)
2.1.1 Computation of AQI 11

2.1.2 Brief information about Air Pollutants. 14

2.2 Causes of Air Pollution in INDIA and MUMBAI 19

2.3 Effects of Air Pollution 24

2.4 Comparison of Pollution in metro cities of India with Mumbai 30

2.5 Naturally available pollution controllers 31

2.6 Steps taken by Government of India to reduce air pollution. 36

2.6.1 The Maharashtra Star Rating Program 36

2.6.2 Latest Air Quality Report for Maharashtra 45

2.6.3 WAYU (Wind Augmentation and Purification Units) 49

BBMP to install 500 air purifiers at busy traffic junctions in order to
2.6.4 54
reduce air pollution in Bengaluru.
2.7 Our suggestions to reduce air pollution i.e., Air Purifying Tower 55

2.8 Air Purifying Tower 56

2.8.1 Introduction 56

2.8.2 Working 56

2.8.3 Types of Filters Used in Air Purifying Tower. 59

2.9 Need of air purifying tower in Mumbai 67

6
2.10 Comparison between trees and air purifying tower 69

2.11 Cost comparison between methods adopted by Government and us. 71

2.12 Is this a permanent solution on not ?

2.13 Study of High Volume Sampler And Other Air Monitoring Devices. 72
CHAPTER 3 – MODEL MAKING AND SOLIDWORKS
3
DESIGNING
3.1 Model Photos 75

4 CHAPTER 4 – CONCLUSION

4.1 Conclusion 76

4.2 Future Scope 76

4.3 Acknowledgement 77

4.4 References 78

7
 Nomenclature
SYMBOL MEANING
CPCB Central Pollution Control Board
MPCB Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
AQI Air Quality Index
PM Particulate Matter
SO2 Sulphur Dioxide
NO2 Nitrous Acid
SPM Suspended Particulate Matter
CO Carbon Monoxide
EPA The Environmental Protection Agency
PPB Parts Per Billion
PPM Parts Per Million
NH3 Ammonia
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
HC Hydrocarbons
TSPM Total Suspended Particulate Matter
RSPM Respirable Suspended Particulate Matter
EPIC Energy Policy Institute at university of Chicago
EPD Energy Policy of Design
IGC Intermation Growth Centre
NEERI National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
WAYU Wind Augmentation & Air Purifying Unit
CEMS Continues Emissions Monitoring System
TERI The Engineering & Research Centre
BSES Bharat Stage Emissions Standards
NANP National Air Quality Monitoring Programme
PAN Polyorylonitrile
HEPA High Efficiency Particulate Air

8
 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Air Pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of toxic substances including gases,
particles, and biological molecules are introduced into the Earth's atmosphere. Air pollution
depends upon not only the type of pollutants but also the time of exposure of the pollutants.
These toxic pollutants are generated by various human activities such as pollutants exerted by
vehicles, industries, fuel burning, mining as well as natural activities such as volcanic eruption,
forest fire. This all things results in damaging effect to humans, animals, aquatics and plants
life and nature lifecycle.

Air pollution in INDIA is a serious issue, ranking higher than smoking, high blood pressure,
child and maternal malnutrition, and risk factors for diabetes. At least 140 million people
breathe air 10 times or more over the WHO safe limit and 13 of the world's 20 cities with the
highest annual levels of air pollution are in India. Air pollution contributes to the premature
deaths of 2 million Indians every year.

In the 1970’s the Maharashtra government formed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board
(MPCB) due to growing concern of our impact on the environment.

Aim of Project:
 As to improve the air quality.
 To reduce slow killing diseases.
 As to reduce bacteria, viruses and dust mites, all of which can lead to allergic reactions
to those with reactive air borne diseases.
 To eliminate VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) lowering risk of cancers such as
Leukemia and Lymphoma.
 To reduce pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10 which can be harmful to human beings.
 To reduce high rising temperature in summer and acid rain.
 To reduce the rising level of smog in winter season in big cities because of smog it
creates problems of vision and breathing to people.

9
 CHAPTER 2
METHODOLOGY
2.1 DEFINITION AND INTRODUCTION TO AIR POLLUTION & AQI
Air Pollution occurs when harmful or excessive quantities of substances including gases,
particles, and biological molecules are introduced into the Earth's atmosphere. Air pollution
in India is a serious issue, ranking higher than smoking, high blood pressure, child and maternal
malnutrition, and risk factors for diabetes. At least 140 million people breathe air 10 times or
more over the WHO safe limit and 13 of the world's 20 cities with the highest annual levels of
air pollution are in India. Air pollution contributes to the premature deaths of 2 million Indians
every year.

The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act was passed in 1981 to regulate air pollution
and there have been some measurable improvements. However, the 2016 Environmental
Performance Index ranked India 141 out of 180 countries.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is a number used to report the quality of the air on any given day.
It basically tells you how clean the air is. It measures particles and chemicals in the air that
affect people’s health.

In 2015, Government of India, together with IIT Kanpur launched the National Air Quality
Index. In 2019, India launched 'The National Clean Air Programme' with tentative national
target of 20%-30% reduction in PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations by 2024, considering 2017
as the base year for comparison. It will be rolled out in 102 cities that are considered to have
air quality worse than the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.

India's Central Pollution Control Board now routinely monitors four air pollutants namely
sulphur dioxide (SO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and
repairable particulate matter (PM10). These are target air pollutants for regular monitoring at
308 operating stations in 115 cities/towns in 25 states and 4 Union Territories of India. The
monitoring of meteorological parameters such as wind speed and direction, relative humidity
and temperature has also been integrated with the monitoring of air quality. The monitoring of
these pollutants is carried out for 24 hours (4-hourly sampling for gaseous pollutants and 8-
hourly sampling for particulate matter) with a frequency of twice a week, to yield 104
observations in a year.

10
2.1.1 COMPUTATION OF AQI

Computation of the AQI requires an air pollutant concentration over a specified averaging
period, obtained from an air monitor or model. Taken together, concentration and time
represent the dose of the air pollutant. Health effects corresponding to a given dose are
established by epidemiological research. Air pollutants vary in potency, and the function used
to convert from air pollutant concentration to AQI varies by pollutant. Its air quality index
values are typically grouped into ranges.

Each range is assigned a descriptor, a colour code, and a standardized public health advisory.
Most air contaminants do not have an associated AQI. Many countries monitor ground-level
Ozone (O3), Particulates (PM), Sulphur dioxide (SO2), Carbon monoxide
(CO) and Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and calculate air quality indices for these pollutants.

Formula for calculation of AQI:

I = Ihigh – Ilow . (C - Clow ) + Ilow
Chigh – Clow
where:
I = the (Air Quality) index,
C = the pollutant concentration,
Clow = the concentration breakpoint that is ≤ C ,
Chigh = the concentration breakpoint that is ≥ C ,
Ilow = the index breakpoint corresponding to Clow ,
Ihigh = the index breakpoint corresponding to Chigh.

11
 Table 1: EPA’s Table of Breakpoints

O3 (ppb) O3 (ppb) PM2.5 (μg/m3) PM10 (μg/m3)

Clow - Chigh (avg) Clow - Chigh (avg) Clow- Chigh (avg) Clow - Chigh (avg)

0-54 (8-hr) - 0.0-12.0 (24-hr) 0-54 (24-hr)

55-70 (8-hr) - 12.1-35.4 (24-hr) 55-154 (24-hr)

71-85 (8-hr) 125-164 (1-hr) 35.5-55.4 (24-hr) 155-254 (24-hr)

86-105 (8-hr) 165-204 (1-hr) 55.5-150.4 (24-hr) 255-354 (24-hr)

106-200 (8-hr) 205-404 (1-hr) 150.5-250.4 (24-hr) 355-424 (24-hr)
- 405-504 (1-hr) 250.5-350.4 (24-hr) 425-504 (24-hr)
- 505-604 (1-hr) 350.5-500.4 (24-hr) 505-604 (24-hr)

CO (ppm) SO2 (ppb) NO2 (ppb) AQI AQI

Clow - Chigh (avg) Clow - Chigh (avg) Clow - Chigh (avg) Ilow - Ihigh Category

0.0-4.4 (8-hr) 0-35 (1-hr) 0-53 (1-hr) 0-50 Good

4.5-9.4 (8-hr) 36-75 (1-hr) 54-100 (1-hr) 51-100 Moderate

Unhealthy for Sensitive

9.5-12.4 (8-hr) 76-185 (1-hr) 101-360 (1-hr) 101-150
Groups

12.5-15.4 (8-hr) 186-304 (1-hr) 361-649 (1-hr) 151-200 Unhealthy

15.5-30.4 (8-hr) 305-604 (24-hr) 650-1249 (1-hr) 201-300 Very Unhealthy
30.5-40.4 (8-hr) 605-804 (24-hr) 1250-1649 (1-hr) 301-400 Hazardous
40.5-50.4 (8-hr) 805-1004 (24-hr) 1650-2049 (1-hr) 401-500

12
 Table 2: Standard Table of AQI in India

PM10 (24 PM2.5 NO2 O3 CO SO2 NH3 Pb

AQI Category (Range)
Hr.) (24Hr.) (24Hr.) (8Hr.) (8Hr.) (24Hr.) (24Hr.) (24Hr.)
Good (0-50) 0-50 0-30 0-40 0-50 0- 0-40 0-200 10-0.5
Satisfactory 201-
51-100 31-60 41-80 51-100 1.1-2 41-80 0.5-1
(51-100) 400

Moderately Polluted (101- 101- 401-

101-250 61-90 81-180 2.1-10 81-380 1.1-2
200) 168 800
Poor 181- 169- 381- 801-
251-350 91-120 Oct-17 2.1-3
(201-300) 280 208 800 1200
Very Poor 121- 281- 209- 801- 1200-
351-430 17-34 3.1-3.5
(301-400) 250 400 748 1600 1800
Severe
430+ 250+ 400+ 748+ 34+ 1600+ 1800+ 3.5+
(401-500)

Table 3: Health Advisory

AQI Associated Health Impacts

Good (0–50) Minimal impact

Satisfactory (51–
May cause minor breathing discomfort to sensitive people.
100)

Moderately
May cause breathing discomfort to people with lung disease such as asthma, and discomfort
polluted (101–
to people with heart disease, children and older adults.
200)

May cause breathing discomfort to people on prolonged exposure, and discomfort to people
Poor (201–300)
with heart disease.

Very poor (301– May cause respiratory illness to the people on prolonged exposure. Effect may be more
400) pronounced in people with lung and heart diseases.

May cause respiratory impact even on healthy people, and serious health impacts on people
Severe (401–
with lung/heart disease. The health impacts may be experienced even during light physical
500)
activity.

13
2.1.2 Brief information about Air Pollutants:

1. Ozone (O3): Ozone can be “good” or “bad” for health and the environment depending on
where it’s found in the atmosphere. Stratospheric ozone is “good” because it protects living
things from ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Ground-level ozone, the topic of this website, is
“bad” because it can trigger a variety of health problems, particularly for children, the elderly,
and people of all ages who have lung diseases such as asthma.

Ozone is a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen (O3). Ozone occurs both in the Earth's
upper atmosphere and at ground level. Ozone can be good or bad, depending on where it is
found.

Called stratospheric ozone, good ozone occurs naturally in the upper atmosphere, where it
forms a protective layer that shields us from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. This beneficial
ozone has been partially destroyed by manmade chemicals, causing what is sometimes called
a "hole in the ozone." The good news is; this hole is diminishing. Learn more about
stratospheric, or "good" ozone.

Ozone at ground level is a harmful air pollutant, because of its effects on people and the
environment, and it is the main ingredient in “smog."

Formation of Ground-level Ozone:

Tropospheric, or ground level ozone, is not emitted directly into the air, but is created by
chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds
(VOC). This happens when pollutants emitted by cars, power plants, industrial boilers,
refineries, chemical plants, and other sources chemically react in the presence of sunlight.

Ozone is most likely to on hot sunny days reach unhealthy levels in urban environments,
but can still reach high levels during colder months. Ozone can also be transported long
distances by wind, so even rural areas can experience high ozone levels.

14
 Fig. 2.1 Ground level Ozone (O3) Formation.

harmful effects of ozone

 Ozone in the air we breathe can harm our health. People most at risk from breathing air
containing ozone include people with asthma, children, older adults, and people who
are active outdoors, especially outdoor workers. In addition, people with certain genetic
characteristics, and people with reduced intake of certain nutrients, such as vitamins C
and E, are at greater risk from ozone exposure. Breathing ozone can trigger a variety of
health problems including chest pain, coughing, throat irritation, and airway
inflammation. It also can reduce lung function and harm lung tissue. Ozone can worsen
bronchitis, emphysema, and asthma, leading to increased medical care.
 Ozone affects sensitive vegetation and ecosystems, including forests, parks, wildlife
refuges and wilderness areas. In particular, ozone harms sensitive vegetation during
the growing season.

2.Particulate Matter (PM10 & PM2.5)

PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle pollution): the term for a mixture of solid
particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke,
are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye. Others are so small they can only be
detected using an electron microscope.

15
 Particle pollution includes:

 PM10: inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 10 micrometres and smaller; and

 PM2.5: fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are generally 2.5 micrometres and smaller.
How small is 2.5 micrometres? Think about a single hair from your head. The average human
hair is about 70 micrometres in diameter – making it 30 times larger than the largest fine
particle.

Sources of PM:

 These particles come in many sizes and shapes and can be made up of hundreds of
different chemicals.
 Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction sites, unpaved roads,
fields, smokestacks or fires.
 Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex reactions of chemicals
such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power
plants, industries and automobiles.

Harmful Effects of PM

 Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid droplets that are so small that
they can be inhaled and cause serious health problems. Some particles less than 10
micrometres in diameter can get deep into your lungs and some may even get into your
bloodstream. Of these, particles less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, also known as
fine particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health.
 Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility (haze) in parts of the United
States, including many of our treasured national parks and wilderness areas.

3. Sulphur Dioxide

SO2 is the component of greatest concern and is used as the indicator for the larger group of
gaseous sulphur oxides (SOx). Other gaseous SOx (such as SO3) are found in the atmosphere
at concentrations much lower than SO2.

16
Control measures that reduce SO2 can generally be expected to reduce people’s exposures to
all gaseous SOx. This may have the important co-benefit of reducing the formation of
particulate sulphur pollutants, such as fine sulphate particles.

Emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 generally also lead to the formation of other
SOx. The largest sources of SO2 emissions are from fossil fuel combustion at power plants and
other industrial facilities.

Sources of SO2:

The largest source of SO2 in the atmosphere is the burning of fossil fuels by power plants and
other industrial facilities. Smaller sources of SO2 emissions include: industrial processes such
as extracting metal from ore; natural sources such as volcanoes; and locomotives, ships and
other vehicles and heavy equipment that burn fuel with a high sulphur content.

Harmful effects of SO2:

 SO2 can affect both health and the environment. Short-term exposures to SO2 can harm
the human respiratory system and make breathing difficult. People with asthma,
particularly children, are sensitive to these effects of SO2.
 SO2 emissions that lead to high concentrations of SO2 in the air generally also lead to
the formation of other sulphur oxides (SOx). SOx can react with other compounds in the
atmosphere to form small particles. These particles contribute to particulate matter
(PM) pollution. Small particles may penetrate deeply into the lungs and in sufficient
quantity can contribute to health problems.

4.Carbon Monoxide (CO):

CO is a colourless, odourless gas that can be harmful when inhaled in large amounts. CO is
released when something is burned. The greatest sources of CO to outdoor air are cars, trucks
and other vehicles or machinery that burn fossil fuels. A variety of items in your home such as
unvented kerosene and gas space heaters, leaking chimneys and furnaces, and gas stoves also
release CO and can affect air quality indoors.

Harmful effects of CO:

 Breathing air with a high concentration of CO reduces the amount of oxygen that can
be transported in the blood stream to critical organs like the heart and brain.

17
  At very high levels, which are possible indoors or in other enclosed environments, CO
can cause dizziness, confusion, unconsciousness and death.
 Very high levels of CO are not likely to occur outdoors. However, when CO levels are
elevated outdoors, they can be of particular concern for people with some types of heart
disease. These people already have a reduced ability for getting oxygenated blood to
their hearts in situations where the heart needs more oxygen than usual. They are
especially vulnerable to the effects of CO when exercising or under increased stress. In
these situations, short-term exposure to elevated CO may result in reduced oxygen to
the heart accompanied by chest pain also known as angina.

5.Nitrogen dioxide (NO2):

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) is one of a group of highly reactive gases known as oxides of nitrogen
or nitrogen oxides (NOx). Other nitrogen oxides include nitrous acid and nitric acid. NO2 is
used as the indicator for the larger group of nitrogen oxides.

NO2 primarily gets in the air from the burning of fuel. NO2 forms from emissions from cars,
trucks and buses, power plants, and off-road equipment.

Harmful effects of (NO2):

 Breathing air with a high concentration of NO2 can irritate airways in the human
respiratory system. Such exposures over short periods can aggravate respiratory
diseases, particularly asthma, leading to respiratory symptoms (such as coughing,
wheezing or difficulty breathing), hospital admissions and visits to emergency rooms.
Longer exposures to elevated concentrations of NO2 may contribute to the development
of asthma and potentially increase susceptibility to respiratory infections. People with
asthma, as well as children and the elderly are generally at greater risk for the health
effects of NO2.
 NO2 along with other NOx reacts with other chemicals in the air to form both particulate
matter and ozone. Both of these are also harmful when inhaled due to effects on the
respiratory system.
 NO2 and other NOx interact with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere
to form acid rain. Acid rain harms sensitive ecosystems such as lakes and forests.
 The nitrate particles that result from NOx make the air hazy and difficult to see though.
This affects the many national parks that we visit for the view.

18
2.2 Causes of Air Pollution in India:

Fuel and biomass burning: Fuel wood and biomass burning is the primary reason for near-
permanent haze and smoke observed above rural and urban India, and in satellite pictures of
the country. Fuelwood and biomass cakes are used for cooking and general heating needs.
These are burnt in cook stoves known as chullah in some parts of India. These cook stoves are
present in over 100 million Indian households, and are used two to three times a day, daily.
Some reports, including one by the World Health Organization, claim 300,000 to 400,000
people die of indoor air pollution and carbon monoxide poisoning in India because of biomass
burning and use of chullahs. The air pollution is also the main cause of the Asian Brown Cloud
which is delaying the start of the monsoon.

Fuel adulteration: Some Indian taxis and auto-rickshaws run on adulterated fuel blends.
Adulteration of gasoline and diesel with lower-priced fuels is common in South Asia, including
India, some adulterants increase emissions of harmful pollutants from vehicles, worsening
urban air pollution. As fuel prices rise, the public transport driver cuts costs by blending the
cheaper hydrocarbon into highly taxed hydrocarbon. The blending may be as much as 20–30
percent. For a low wage driver, the adulteration can yield short term savings that are significant
over the month. The consequences to long term air pollution, quality of life and effect on health
are simply ignored.

Adulterated fuel increases tailpipe emissions of hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide

(CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). Kerosene is more difficult to burn
than gasoline; its addition results in higher levels of HC, CO and PM emissions even from
catalyst-equipped cars. The higher sulphur level of kerosene is another issue.

Traffic Congestion: Traffic congestion is severe in India's cities and towns. Traffic congestion
is caused for several reasons, some of which are: increase in number of vehicles per kilometre
of available road, a lack of intra-city divided-lane highways and intra-city expressways
networks, lack of inter-city expressways, traffic accidents and chaos due to poor enforcement
of traffic laws. Traffic congestion reduces average traffic speed. At low speeds, scientific
studies reveal, vehicles burn fuel inefficiently and pollute more per trip.

Traffic gridlock in Delhi and other Indian cities is extreme. The average trip speed on many
Indian city roads is less than 20 kilometres per hour; a 10-kilometre trip can take 30 minutes,

19
or more. At such speeds, vehicles in India emit air pollutants 4 to 8 times more than they would
with less traffic congestion.

Green House Gas Emissions: India was the third largest emitter of carbon dioxide in 2017 at
6.82% share of CO2 emissions, after China (27.21%) and the United States (14.58%).
According to a report by the Global Carbon Project, "“after low growth during 2014 to 2016,
fossil CO2 emissions have now risen two years in a row, with a 1.6 per cent rise in 2017 and a
projected 2.7% (range 1.8% to 3.7%) rise expected in 2018, reaching a record high of 37.1
(plus or minus 2) billion tonnes of CO2.

India's coal-fired, oil-fired and natural gas-fired thermal power plants are inefficient and offer
significant potential for CO2 emission reduction through better technology. Compared to the
average emissions from coal-fired, oil-fired and natural gas-fired thermal power plants in
European Union (EU-27) countries, India's thermal power plants emit 50 to 120 percent more
CO2 per kWh produced. This is in significant part to inefficient thermal power plants installed
in India prior to its economic liberalisation in the 1990s.

Fig. 2.2 Traffic Congestion Fig. 2.3 Greenhouse Gases

20
Greenhouse Gases ranked by their direct contribution to the greenhouse effect, the most
important are

Table 4: Contribution of Greenhouse Gases to Greenhouse Effect

Compound Formula Concentration in atmosphere ppm Contribution

Water vapour H2O 10 - 50000 36 - 72 %

Carbon dioxide CO2 About 400 9 - 26 %

Methane CH4 About 1.8 4-9%

Ozone O3 2 to 8 3-7%

Mining operations: Mining is a process wherein minerals below the earth are extracted using
large equipment. During the process dust and chemicals are released in the air causing massive
air pollution. This is one of the reasons which is responsible for the deteriorating health
conditions of workers and nearby residents.

Fig. 2.4 Mining

Agriculture: The major sources of air pollution from agriculture include livestock, which
produces methane and ammonia, rice paddies, which produce methane, and the burning of
agricultural waste. Methane emissions contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone,
which causes asthma and other respiratory illnesses. Methane is also a more potent global
warming gas than carbon dioxide – its impact is 34 times greater over a 100-year

21
period. Around 24 percent of all greenhouse gases emitted worldwide come agriculture,
forestry and other land-use.

Fig. 2.5 Agriculture

Sources of Air Pollution

Dust & Construction
8% 7% Waste Burning
9% 45% Transport
14%
Diesel Generator
17%
Industries
Domestic cooking

Fig. 2.6 Sources of Air Pollution

Environmental Impact of Concrete: A major component of concrete is cement, which has

its own environmental and social impacts and contributes largely to those of concrete.
The cement industry is one of the primary producers of carbon dioxide, a potent greenhouse
gas. The cement industry is one of the two largest producers of carbon dioxide (CO2), creating
up to 8% of worldwide man-made emissions of this gas, of which 50% is from the chemical

22
process and 40% from burning fuel. The CO2 emission from the concrete production is directly
proportional to the cement content used in the concrete mix; 900 kg of CO2 are emitted for the
fabrication of every ton of cement, accounting for 88% of the emissions associated with the
average concrete mix. Cement manufacture contributes greenhouse gases both directly through
the production of carbon dioxide when calcium carbonate is thermally decomposed,
producing lime and carbon dioxide, and also through the use of energy, particularly from the
combustion of fossil fuels.

23
2.3 Effects of Air Pollution
One of the most obvious local effects of particles in the atmosphere is a reduction
invisibility. Soot and smoke is usually quite apparent in highly industrialized and motorized
cities. The reduction in visibility often causes slowdown of air-traffic, needing costly
instrument-guided landing systems.

The presence of gases in the atmosphere has been causing the most prominent effect of
producing objectionable odour, taste, or obvious corrosive or chemical effects on objects. Due
to their chemical and corrosive effects, the air pollutants have been damaging the exteriors of
buildings and cars by breaking down the paint emulsion, causing heavy economical losses. The
air pollutants have been quickly spoiling the fabric and leather dresses worn by human beings,
along with causing skin damages on their exposed body parts.

Several monuments and old beautiful buildings made in exposed stone and marbles, have been
badly spoiled and damaged by the acidic fumes. In addition to such apparent damages caused
to the various objects, air pollution causes several adverse health effects on humans as well as
plants and animals, besides affecting the goods and services, as discussed below:

 Effects of Air Pollution on Human Health:

The adverse effects of air pollution on human health has remained the prime consideration
in air pollution studies and research for obvious reasons. Although initially, the specific
pollutants generating the observed adverse health effects, could not be clearly identified, but
sufficient information could be gathered to implicate certain pollutants as the significant
contributors to the adverse effects and diseases caused in humans. The research was, therefore,
concentrated on those clearly identifiable pollutants.

As indicated earlier, the upper human respiratory system(nasopharyngeal) is quite efficient in

filtering the larger particles of air we breathe. Particles smaller than 5micron(5um), however,
can penetrate to the lungs, and be deposited in the alveoli.

It can be seen from this figure that the smaller is the size of the particles. the greater percentage
of the same will get deposited in the lung(pulmonary); whereas the larger sized particles will
remain in the upper respiratory regions. This research led to the start of monitoring of smaller
sized particles ofsizesupto10micron(PM10), called the Respiratory suspended particulate
matter(RSPM)in 1987 in the United States, as compared to the previous monitoring of only the
total suspended particulate matter(TSPM), as it was recognized that particles smaller than 10

24
microns are better indicator of potential adverse health effects of particulate air pollution. For
example, cigarette smoke particles are smaller than 1 micron, and hence, more than 25% of
them get deposited in the lungs.

Some particles in the air are particularly damaging, because they absorb or adsorb gases, which
cause more intense irritation locally. Gases also Penetrate into the deepest lung pockets. Both
particles and gases entering the body through the respiratory system can affect the
gastrointestinal system.

Some chemicals such as lead, can enter the human blood stream either from the digestive
system (ingestion)or by passing through the lung membranes (the respiratory system). Some
other particles like tritium, systematic pesticides or herbicides, and a few other chemicals ca
even enter the blood stream through the skin.

Each pollutant affects the human body differently. The time of exposure is also an important
consideration, as short term exposure to high concentrations of pollutants may cause acute
effects; while the long term exposures may cause chronic effects.

A brief description of the health effects caused by the different types of air borne pollutants,
though indicated while describing different pollutants, is again summarized in table.

25
 Table 5: Health Effects of Pollutants
Sr. Characteristics if
Pollutant Source Health Effects
No. any
Dust storms; Effects on breathing &
cigarette respiratory system, aggravation
Solid particles like smoke; smoke of existing respiratory and
Suspended dust, smoke and from burning cardiovascular diseases,
1 particulate fumes; liquid of garbage, alteration of body's defence
matter particles like mist fossil fuel; and system against foreign
and fog fumes like materials, damage to lunge
those of zinc or tissues, carcinogenic effects,
lead etc. and premature mortality.
Effects on breathing ,
Colourless gas; taste
Combustion of respiratory illness, breakdown
threshold at about
sulphur dioxide oil, and coal in of lung defences, aggravations
2 0.3 ppm; and odour
(SO2) power stations of existing respiratory and
threshold at about
or automobiles cardiovascular diseases and
0.5 ppm
death.
The health threat of CO is max.
to those having cardiovascular
incomplete
Colourless, tasteless, diseases, because it reduces
Carbon combustion of
odourless gas at oxygen delivery to organs and
3 monoxide coal and oil
atmospheric tissues. At elevated
(CO) (diesel, petrol,
concentrations. concentrations, CO impairs
etc.)fuels.
visual perception, manual
dexterity, and mental ability.

NO plays a major role

High
tropospheric ozone formation.
NO is a reddish temperature
NO2 irritates the lungs, causes
brown highly combustion in
Nitrogen bronchitis and pneumonia,
4 reactive gas. Odour vehicle and to
oxides (NOX) lowers resistance to respiratory
threshold is at about some extent in
infections. Asthmatics are most
0.2 ppm thermal power
susceptible and increases
stations.
susceptibility to viral attacks.
A secondary
pollutant
produced by Ozone reduces lung function, &
photochemical is associated with coughing,
Colourless gas. pollution, sneezing, chest pain &
5 Ozone (O3) Threshold odour is being the pulmonary congestion. It may
about 0.3 ppm largest affect all healthy people as well
constituent of as the people with impaired
photochemical respiratory system.
smog along
with PAN etc.

26
  Effect of Air pollution on Plants.
The adverse impacts of air pollution are not limited to human health alone, but plants and
animals are also detrimentally affected by air pollutants. The most prominent air pollutant,
which causes severe damage tothe plants is fluorine. Fluorine is emitted from factories
manufacturing aluminum, glass, phosphate fertilizers, etc.; and in some clay baking operations.
The concentrations of fluorine in excess of about 0.3 mg/m cause Phyto-toxicological effects
on plants. Frequently, the plant damage is observed on the fruit or on the flower, either of which
significantly lowers the value of the crop. The plants are in fact, adversely affected by fluorine
at much lower concentration than what may be harmful to human health.

The most obvious damage caused by the general air pollutants like SO2, HF, HCI, Cly, Os.NO,
NH3, Hg, H.S, HN, PAN, herbicides, smog, etc., to the plants and vegetation occurs in the leaf
structure: as the pollutants clog the stomata of the leaf, thereby reducing the intake of CO2,
which adverse effect the photosynthesis. These adverse impacts may range from reduct i.e. in
growth rate to the total death of the plant.

Different plants and animals, however, have different susceptibilities to air pollutants. For
example, sugar maple can tolerate relatively higher concentrations of Sulphur dioxide alone,
but it is susceptible to damage under the combined exposure of SO2 and Og together; white
pine on the other hands very sensitive to damage from either pollutant alone.

Plants also absorb low concentrations of pollutants like fluorine, and heavy metals like arsenic,
lead, mercury, cadmium, etc. Which prove very harmful to cattle and animals grazing on these
vegetation, even when the plants may not even show any signs of damage.

 Effects of Air- Pollutants on Live-stock Animals:

The adverse health effects of air-pollutants on farm animals occur, when animals eat the plants,
grasses, fodder, and other vegetation, which has been contaminated by the air pollutants.
Important contaminants that affect the live-stock are: fluorine; (ii)arsenic; and (ii)lead. These
pollutants originate either from the industries situated nearby; or from dusting and spraying.
Out of these contaminants, fluorine proves to be the worst pollutant, since cattle and sheep are
found to be more susceptible to consumption of fluorine. The cattle grazing on vegetation that
has been contaminated with fluorine may develop fluorosis, even when the contaminated plants
do not show signs of damage. Symptoms of advanced fluorosis in animals include: lack of
appetite, general ill-health due to malnutrition, lowered fertility, reduced milk production, and
growth retardation.

27
Arsenic from dust and in pesticide sprays falling on the plants can similarly be accumulated by
the plants, and when such contaminated vegetation is eaten by cattle, they may suffer from
arsenic poisoning, with leading symptoms like salivation, thirst, vomiting, uneasiness, feeble
and irregular pulse and respiration.

Lead contamination of the atmosphere occurs on account of various industries, such as

smelters, coke ovens, and other coal-based industries. The lead fumes absorbed by the
vegetation from the atmospheric air, contaminants the vegetation, which accumulates lead
within itself. The lead-contaminated vegetation when eaten by livestock animals may cause
lead poisoning which may cause symptoms like in ability to stand and staggering, prostration.
etc.; besides complete loss of appetite, paralysis of digestive tract, and diarrhea.

 Effects of Air Pollutants on Materials and Services:

Air pollutants cause deteriorating effects on metallic surfaces, glass surfaces painted
surfaces, building stones, rubber surfaces, etc. along with damaging the paper and fabric.

Oxides of Sulphur and nitrogen react in the atmosphere with water vapour to form acidic fumes,
which attack and damage the metal surfaces, a problem that has been particularly acute for the
computer, switch gear, and communications industries.

Fluorine is highly reactive, and at high atmospheric concentrations, may even cause etching of
glass on windows, etc.

Hydrogen sulphide (HS) in the ambient air reacts with lead oxide in white paint, to form lead
sulphate, due to which white painted surfaces in doors windows, walls in buildings tend to
acquire brownish tint overnight.

Accelerated aging of rubber sand synthetic fabrics due to exposure to the atmospheric oxidants
have been causing very quick cracking of rubber tyres, and ageing and discolouration of
synthetic fabrics. This was, in fact, actually observed in 1940s in Los Angeles city of USA,
where the air became so polluted that people started complaining for formation of cracks on
their car tyres within a year, and the clothes worn by them started to wear out quickly along
with showing discolouration in a short time.

Another peculiar impact of air pollution was noticed on electric cables and electricity poles,
resulting in power leakage from high voltage electric cables. This was caused due to deposition
of particles, which are good conductors of electricity, on insulators on electrical poles, resulting
28
in leakage from high tension lines. In places like Winds or and North York, Ontario, it,
therefore becomes necessary to pressure-wash the insulators during extended dry periods, as to
prevent electricity leakages, which in extreme cases, may even cause fire.

It is extremely difficult to estimate the financial loss caused by air pollution due to accelerated
deterioration of materials and aesthetic items, such as the exteriors of the buildings, statues,
monuments, or horticulture planting; or the cost of materials or service loss. It is, however,
generally agreed that the annual damage from the atmospheric pollution runs into billions of
dollars.

 Effects of Air Pollutants on Aquatic Life:

Air pollutants mixing up with rain can cause acidity in fresh water lakes, affecting aquatic life,
especially the fishes. Some of the fresh water lakes have experienced total extinction of fish
life.

 Effects of Air Pollutants on Global and Regional Environment:

Air pollutants may cause acid rains, ozone depletion, and global warming, thereby
adversely affecting the environment at regional or global level.

29
2.4Comparison of pollution in metro cities in India with Mumbai
Table 6: Comparison table of cities
Sr. No. CITY NAME AQI MUMBAI AQI
1 Delhi 85 54
2 Gurgaon 83 54
3 Kothrud, Pune 74 54
4 Kanchanwadi, Aurangabad 301 54
5 Nagpur 33 54
6 Ahmedabad 86 54
7 Paris 62 54
8 New York 62 54
9 Beijing 45 54
10 Gaoling, Xian 93 54
11 Singapore 30 54
12 Tokyo 35 54

Comparison of Mumbai AQI with other cities AQI

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

MUMBAI AQI AQI

Fig. 2.7 AQI Comparison chart

The above comparison is about the AQI rankings of some of the leading cities of in the world
with the Mumbai air pollution which is quite satisfactory. The above data is recorded on 29th
August 2019. As per the table and graph the Mumbai AQI is quite good than Nagpur, Singapore
and many other cities while some cities have high level of pollution

30
2.5 Naturally available air pollution controller:
1. Dispersion;
2. Gravitational settling with or without flocculation of particles;
3. Absorption including washout and scavenging;
4. Rainout; and
5. Adsorption.

 Dispersion: Dispersion of pollutants by winds reduces the concentration of Air

pollutants at one place, although in the strict sense, it does not remove them from the
environment as a whole. This mechanism is therefore, a diluting mechanism only.
Ironically, we have been stressing extremely hard on providing long chimneys for
causing effective dispersion of pollutants, although however in the strict sense, these
long chimneys are only a means of spreading our own pollutants around our neighbors.
The dispersion through long chimneys, therefore, helps us in diluting the air pollutants
near their source only, and does not reduce their long-term undesirable effects on the
community aa whole. For example, it has been estimated that SO2 emitted in other
countries, particularly in Great Britain, lead to acid rains in Sweden, whose
environment is found to obtain 15 to 50% of transported outside SO2.

 Gravitational settling: Gravitational settling is the most important natural mechanism,

under which large heavy particles from the ambient air settle down on buildings, trees
and other objects. This generally happens for the particles which are larger than 20
micro millimeter in size.
This process also helps in removing flocculated particles formed by uniting of smaller
particles over larger particles, till a floc particle, large and heavy enough to settle out
under gravity, is formed.

 Absorption: In the natural absorption process the gaseous as well as particulate

pollutants from the air get collected in the air or mist, and may settle out with that
moisture. This phenomenon takes place below the cloud level, when falling raindrops
absorb pollutants, and is also known as washout or scavenging. The process, however,
does not help in removing particle smaller than 1 micro millimeter in size.

31
 The gaseous pollutants are removed in dissolved state with moisture, either with or
without chemical changes.

 Rainout: Rainout is the process involving precipitation above the cloud level, where
submicron particles present in the atmosphere in the clouds, serve as condensation
nuclei, around which drops of water may from, and fall out as raindrops. This
phenomenon helps in increased rainfall and fog formation in urban areas, containing
huge quantities of such particles, rising high above the cloud level.

 Adsorption: Adsorption is the phenomenon in which the gaseous, liquid or solid

pollutants present in the ambient air are kept attracted, generally electrostatically, by a
surface, where they are connected and retained. Natural surfaces, such as soils, rocks,
leaves. Blades of grass, buildings, and other objects a can absorb and retain pollutants.
The particles may come in contact with such surface either by gravitational settling or
by internal impaction, under which the pollutants are carried to such surfaces by winds.
Impaction is particularly effective for particles of size 10 to 15 micro millimeter.

2.5.1 Trees as a pollution controller

Trees are able to clean the air and absorb harmful airborne particles and gaseous pollutants.
The world’s forests absorb a third of global emissions every year. Particles, odours and
pollutant gases such as nitrogen oxides, ammonia and sulphur dioxide settle on the leaves of a
tree. Trees absorb these toxic chemicals through their stomata, or ‘pores’, effectively filtering
these chemicals from the air and reduce the level of pollution slightly. This improves the air
quality in the microclimate around the trees and contributes to a healthier and cleaner
environment overall. Trees also soak up the harmful carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. In one
year, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same volume of carbon monoxide as produced from
a 26,000mile car journey! Aside from cleaning the air for us, trees supply us with fresh oxygen
to breathe.

But trees and other vegetation also restrict airflow in their immediate vicinity, preventing
pollution from being diluted by currents of cleaner air. In particular, tall trees with thick
canopies planted alongside busy roads can act like a roof, trapping pockets of polluted air at

32
ground level. To reliably improve air quality, city planners need to give careful consideration
to how trees are placed.

Unfortunately, in urban areas, due to lack of availability of land, plantation of tree is not that
easy. Many environmentalists focus too much on plantation of trees only. In that case, focus
on greening the environment. Plant small plants in flower pots, plant few climbers, put there in
your living room, balcony, roof, but do contribute by increasing green cover.

2.5.2 Experiment Done in Delhi: -

A team of researchers from the Delhi University have zeroed in on five trees, which they claim
are the biggest contributors to clean the national capital’s air.

Plants have always been known to clean our air not just by sucking up and trapping harmful
gases, such as carbon dioxide, but also by trapping the particulate matter.

“But not all plants have the same ability to bring down pollution and clean the air. Our research
shows that there are some trees such as peepal, saptaparni and jamun which help to clean the
city’s air more than others,” said Dr. Vijay Kumar, assistant professor of botany at Shivaji
College under Delhi University.

A 16-member team comprising three assistant professors and 13 students collected data on air
pollution and dominant tree colonies from five areas — Mandir Marg, Civil Lines, Anand
Vihar, RK Puram and Punjabi Bagh — from September 2015 to September 2016.

The five spots were chosen as the air quality monitoring stations of the Delhi Pollution Control
Committee are located in these areas. The sixth station could not be accessed because of
security issues as it is located inside the Indira Gandhi International Airport.

“We compared the levels of five pollutants — PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO4 and ozone — in these
areas as measured by the monitoring stations and then studied the dominant tree colonies,” he
added.

It was found that while areas such as Mandir Marg and RK Puram have lower pollution levels,
others such as Anand Vihar and Civil Lines are highly polluted.

“On inspection, it was found that areas which were dominated by trees such as peepal,
saptaparni, jamun, devdar and champa registered lower levels of pollution. Some areas such as
the Civil Lines, which are dominated by trees such as the vilayti kikar, registered high levels
of pollution,” said Kumar.

33
Several parameters such as the tree’s height, its canopy size, leaf size, shape and orientation of
leaves, leaf characteristics such as texture, stomata, trichomes (leaf hairs), dust accumulation
over unit area were considered and studied in laboratories.

“We found that these five trees were able to trap more pollutants, including PM2.5 and PM10,
than others. Their leaf structures were such that they helped to trap more dust and other
pollutants,” said Dr. Kumar.

2.5.3 From Maharashtra Pollution Control Board: -

Plants and plant communities are very important to humans and their environment. Here are
some of the important things’ plants provide to our environment. The oxygen in the air we
breathe comes from the photosynthesis of plants. The quality of the air can be greatly
influenced by plants. Plants can stop the movement of dust and pollutants. Through the intake
of carbon dioxide, plants can also lessen the greenhouse effect caused from the burning of fossil
fuels like coal. Plants are extremely important to the quality of the water we use. A diverse
cover of plants aids in maintaining healthy watersheds, streams, and lakes by holding soil in
place, controlling stream flows, and filtering sediments from water. Regional climates are
impacted by the amount and type of plant cover. Forest and marshes, for example, can cool
local climates. Natural disasters, such as drought, have been blamed on the destruction of
forests and other critically important plant communities.

Smoke shield: -

1.Dust, heat and auto emission:

Neem, Banyan, peepal, ashoke, silver, oak, kachnaar and jacaranda

2.Benezene, hydrocarbons, methane, CO, oxides of sodium and nitrogen

Krishnachura and radhachura

3.Oxides of nitrogen and sulphur

Tamarind, neeium and tibetia

4.Oxides oil sulphur

Chhatim

34
5.SPM (suspended particulate matter)

Shimul

6.The SUPPER – SOPPER

Banyan and Sall- With their broad, fleshy leaves are best in controlling SPM and RPM. Banyan
leaves suck in pollutants and capture them permanently in their stomata. For years this goes on
but the tree kills itself in the process. Sall has better endurance even simul is useful during its
leafing season.

35
2.6 STEPS TAKEN BY MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT TO
REDUCE AIR POLLUTION:
2.6.1 The Maharashtra Star Rating Program:
As one of India’s leading and most productive industrial state, Maharashtra knows all too well
that industrial pollution is an unfortunate and harmful by-product of growth. Cities like
Chandrapur, Dombivali and Navi Mumbai are known to be some of the most polluted areas in
Maharashtra amongst other areas. Yet, if India met global air quality standards, people in these
cities could live 3.5 years longer, according to the Air Quality Life Index.

To confront this challenge, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is focused on
tackling the heart of the problem. It is doing so by pairing technological breakthroughs with an
all-encompassing effort to build capacity, share knowledge and improve information. Among
its most innovative endeavors is a new Star Rating Program. The program allows common
people to access and analyze air pollution in the areas where they live and work through an
interactive and informative website. A map in the website provides the location of industrial
plants in various parts of the state and rates them based on the concentration of fine particulate
pollution coming from their smoke stacks. Those with the lowest levels of pollution receive
five stars. Those with the highest concentrations receive only one star.

Highlights of The Star Rating Program Launch (5th June 2017):

The Maharashtra Star Rating Program is a transparency initiative by the Maharashtra Pollution
Control Board (MPCB). The program discloses information on industrial particulate
matter emissions in an understandable manner. The least polluting industries are rated 5-stars
and the most polluting industries are rated 1-star. In this manner, the general public can easily
find out the polluting industries in their city/district.

The Star Rating website was launched on 5 June 2017 by the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.

“We are working on finding new solutions to confronting the issue of air pollution. People
must be aware of the air quality in their area and must have easy access to air pollution data
collected by state regulators. This exemplary effort by MPCB will engage civil society,” said
Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, who launched the program on World Environment
Day by unveiling a new section of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board’s (MPCB) website
where the information is available on an interactive and user-friendly platform.

36
“MPCB’s program is path-breaking by providing the public with critical information and
rigorously testing its impact on pollution emissions,” said Professor Michael Greenstone, one
of the principal investigators on the project and director of the Energy Policy Institute at the
University of Chicago (EPIC). “We are excited to partner with MPCB, a global leader, to
measure the benefits of this program for the people of Maharashtra.”

“This is an opportunity for Maharashtra—which is one of the fastest-growing industrialized

states in India and also one that has in recent years been extremely keen on good governance—
to take the lead on defining how a star-ratings scheme can function, and to show how just
providing information and possibly positive role models in terms of 5-star industries can lead
to better performance,” said Rohini Pande, another principal investigator on the project and
director of Evidence for Policy Design (EPoD) at Harvard University.

Earlier, MPCB conducted workshops with industries to introduce them to the program, and
their response was encouraging. “The industry stakeholders were keen to learn more about their
rating and requested guidance on how to decrease their pollution emissions,” said Shri Satish
Gavai, Additional Chief Secretary of the Environment Department of the Government of
Maharashtra and Chairman of MPCB. “We think this will also improve the ease of doing
business, as information on industry environmental performance will be more easily available.”

“We look forward to initiating more creative ways of environmental stewardship, and are
working with academic partners to test the effectiveness of programs like this one,” said Dr.
P. Anbalagan, Member Secretary, MPCB. The MS, MPCB; Dr. VM Motghare, Joint
Director, Air Pollution Control and Shri SC Kollur, Scientific Officer shaped the program and
organized various activities such as workshops in Nagpur, Pune, and Mumbai to orient
industries across Maharashtra and solicit feedback from them.

The program has been developed in collaboration with Tata Trusts, the International
Growth Centre (IGC), Private Enterprise Development in Low-Income Countries
(PEDL) and USAID.

About The Star Rating Program:

The Maharashtra Star Rating Program is the first initiative in India that makes available data
from approximately 20,000 industrial stack samples over multiple years. Users can now log

37
onto the MPCB website to access the report cards for each industry. They can then filter
industry information by sector, region and star-rating.

Under the new scheme, industrial facilities are rated from one to five stars based on their
emissions. Industries with one star are out of compliance with MPCB air pollution standards,
and industries with five star are low polluting in terms of air pollution. Industry, government
and the public can log onto the MPCB website to access the report cards for industrial plants
in their area. They can filter industry information by sector, region and star-rating.

Similar programs have been launched in the United States, Canada, China, Ghana, Philippines
and Ukraine. But, the Maharashtra program will be the first to measure the impact on emissions
with the help of researchers from The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL), the
Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), Evidence for Policy Design
(EPoD) at Harvard University, and the Tata Centre for Development.

WHY IS THE ‘STAR RATING PROGRAM’ NEEDED?

MPCB has previously posted the results of ambient air sampling for public viewing and
analysis. Public disclosure of industry ratings based on stationary stack samples is the next
step. The star rating scheme brings transparency in environmental performance of industries.
Sharing this information has two primary benefits;

First, it will help plant managers improve environmental quality and sustain regulatory
compliance. Informing plant managers of their relative performance with respect to similar
units allows managers to identify scope for improvements, and motivates them to invest in
these improvements. Industries that have better ratings can share their best practices with their
peers who may not be performing as well.

The second benefit is that the public will be able to easily access information on the
performance of industries in their area. This will help bring about transparency and raise
awareness among the public around industrial emissions and the impact of this on air pollution
in their area.

38
WHY WAS MAHARASHTRA CHOSEN FOR THIS PROJECT?
The star-rating program deals specifically with industrial air pollution emissions. Maharashtra
is a perfect fit for the program as it is the most industrialized state in India with over 75,000
industries. Out of these, 12,500 industries have been identified as having high pollution
potential. The star rating program has begun as a pilot amongst some of these industries, with
the intention to expand as MPCB updates the database.

HOW WILL IT CURB POLLUTION LEVELS IN MAHARASHTRA?

Information disclosure initiatives have been implemented in different parts of the world.
Examples including the US Toxic Release Inventory initiative, the Program for Pollution
Control, Evaluation, and Rating (PROPER) in Indonesia, as well as initiatives in China,
Philippines and Vietnam. Studies suggest that this type of “light touch” regulation can be very
effective. Disclosure and rating schemes work by:

 Systematically making industries aware of their own performance relative to peers. This
information is otherwise difficult to access and therefore management is unaware of the
potential for improvement.
 Informing the public and workers about the environmental performance of industries in
their neighborhoods such that they take action against poor performing industries.

HOW ARE INDUSTRIES SELECTED FOR THE PROGRAM?

Industries would have to satisfy the following two criteria to be eligible for inclusion in the
rating program:

1. Industry should belong to the Consent Committee or Consent Appraisal Committee

categories as defined by MPCB. Industries in these categories are identified as having
high pollution potential.
2. Industry should belong to one of the following 8 sectors, identified by MPCB as sectors
with high pollution potential:
a) Cement
b) Chemicals
c) Metal Works
d) Paper

39
 e) Pharmaceuticals
f) Power
g) Sugar and Distilleries
h) Textiles

In order to guarantee a high-quality rating process, the star-rating program will begin by rating
only those industries with at least four recent stack samples. Additional data will be collected
from the remaining industries, and they will be included in subsequent phases of the program.

HOW ARE INDUSTRY STAR RATINGS CALCULATED?

The proposed rating system takes into consideration PM emission levels from industrial
smokestacks in comparison to the typical limit of 150 mg/Nm3. Ratings are allocated from 1
star (most polluting) to 5 stars (least polluting). Stars are assigned to industries based on the
median concentration of the latest 4 PM samples. Industries with median emissions above 150
mg/Nm3 are divided into three quantiles and assigned stars 1, 2 and 3. Similarly, industries
with median emissions below 150 mg/Nm3 are divided into two quantiles and assigned stars 4
and 5. The cut-offs used to assign star-ratings are rounded off to the nearest multiple of
25mg/Nm3.

WHY HAS ONLY PARTICULATE MATTER BEEN CONSIDERED TO

RATE INDUSTRIES?
Particulate matter (PM) pollution is widely believed to be the deadliest form of air pollution.
Some sizes of particulate matter are small enough to penetrate our windpipe and lungs. Their
harmful effects are well documented: Respiratory and cardiovascular conditions such as
aggravation of asthma, bronchitis and high blood pressure; and higher rates of death from
cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.

MPCB extensively collects information on particulate matter pollution emissions of industries

around Maharashtra and its sampling methodology is most advanced in India, ensuring accurate
pollution emissions from all industries. The program has the potential to be scaled up to other
pollutants.

40
WHAT SHOULD WE CAN DO IF WE COME TO KNOW THAT WE ARE
LIVILNG NEAR 1-STAR RATED INDUSTRY:

The star-rating program covers some of the largest industries in Maharashtra. These industries
have tall stacks of 50 meters, 100 meters or above, which spread pollution emissions over a
wide area. If we come to know that we are living near a 1-star industry, we should approach
the MPCB regional office and industry officials, requesting for action to be taken. We can also
connect with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board office located in Mumbai on 022-
24020781 / 24014701 / 24010437 and find out about how to connect with a regional
Pollution Control office in our area. We can also write to the MPCB at – Maharashtra
Pollution Control Board, Kalpataru Point, 3rd & 4th Floor, Opp. Cine Planet, Sion
Circle, Mumbai 400022.

WHAT ARE THE DATA ACCURACY REQUIREMENTS FOR A

ROBUST RATING SCHEME AND HOW DOES THE MPCB DATA
COMPARE?

The stack sampling activity is done by MPCB. The PM concentration levels in the samples
collected are then measured by a third party MPCB lab, which does not know which industry
the sample belongs to, ensuring an unbiased measurement of the PM concentration levels.

The data on PM concentration levels is digitized, extracted from the relevant MPCB databases
and compiled. Data is then extracted for industries identified by MPCB as eligible for the
information disclosure program. Multiple levels of verification to confirm data accuracy have
been successfully completed - after the data was compiled from the relevant MPCB databases,
it was put through two levels of scrutiny: first, the data was verified by Field Officers at the
MPCB headquarters, following which the data was sent to MPCB’s regional offices for a
second round of data verification. Industries that were identified in this verification process as
closed, or did not belong to the 8 selected sectors for the program, were excluded from the
rating program. Lastly, placing industries in 5 coarse bins (or stars) accounts for any noise that
might be present in the data collection process.

41
WHY DOES MPCB NOT JUST RELEASE ALL SAMPLING DATA ON
INDUSTRIES?
Air pollution sampling from an industry stack is a complex technical exercise that, like all
scientific measurements, can involve sampling error. Therefore, in order to smooth out this
error and give accurate reports on industry pollution emissions, MPCB summarizes pollution
readings using the star-rating scheme. Star-ratings are based on the median of recent pollution
readings, where the median is the number where half of the industry’s readings fall above, and
half below. Therefore, the star-rating gives a good sense of the industry’s performance on
average.

HOW WERE INDUSTRIES NOTIFIED OF THEIR STAR RATING?

Three workshops were conducted in Nagpur, Mumbai, and Pune in 2016 to cover industries
across Maharashtra. The objective of the workshops was to orient industries about star rating
program, share their report cards and solicit their feedback. We received an overwhelmingly
positive response from industries during the workshop. They were receptive of the program,
and have a better understanding of their placement with respect environmental compliance and
management. Industries were excited for their peers and MPCB to share best practices on
reducing industrial emissions.

WHY ARE THERE SOME INDUSTRIES IN MAHARASHTRA THAT

ARE NOT RATED?
In order to guarantee a high-quality rating process, the star-rating program will begin by rating
only those industries with at least four recent stack samples. Industries with high pollution
potential will be targeted for inclusion in subsequent rounds of star-rating.

WHAT MEASERUES IS MPCB TAKING TO ENSURE BETTER AIR

QUALITY IN THE STATE?
MPCB has dramatically expanded its program for air pollution stack sampling in the last
several years, with the goal of uniform compliance with National Ambient Air Quality
Standards. MPCB’s sampling program is among the most advanced in India, ensuring accurate
pollution emissions from all industries, but no trend analysis has yet been completed due to

42
refining the sampling design and expansion of industry coverage. MPCB would continue to
work with CPCB and other parties to bring down air pollution emissions over time. In working
towards this goal, the star-rating scheme is a landmark as one of the first SPCB-run pollution
rating programs in all India. MPCB is also working with a research group to rigorously
measure the benefits of star-rating in terms of reduced pollution from industries.

WHAT ARE THE OTHER INITIATIVES MPCB HAS TAKEN TO

MITIGATE AIR POLLUTION IN MAHARASHTRA?

1) The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) monitors ambient air quality using
real-time monitoring stations which ease tracking regulatory actions.
2) In a joint effort with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI)
and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, MPCB developed the Wind
Augmentation and Air Purifying Unit (WAYU).
a) The device is an active air pollution mitigation technology that works on the principle
of breaking down carbon monoxide and Volatile Organic Carbon (VOC) into carbon
dioxide, also works as an air filter that captures PM2.5 and PM10.
b) An indigenous technology like WAYU can prove to be a simple, effective, and low-
cost tool to provide relief to the commuters from the gritty roadside pollution.
c) Initial results showed the device brought down the pollution levels significantly.
3) Under the direction of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), MPCB has directed
high pollution potential industries to install Continuous Emissions Monitoring System
(CEMS) that aims to improve emissions monitoring infrastructure in Maharashtra.
CEMS represents a drastic change in the way regulators and industries have historically
viewed their emissions; by providing access to real-time pollution data, CEMS
encourages self-regulation by improving data transparency and quality of information.
4) MPCB is also working to supplement technology change with building capacity,
sharing knowledge and aligning incentives through better information. The Emissions
Trading Scheme project is one such endeavor by CPCB and the Ministry of
Environment, Forests and Climate Change. Regulators and research institutes affiliated
with Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University and the University of
Chicago are working together to evaluate the impact of a pilot emissions market in
heavily industrialized states in India - Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

43
 HOW DOES THE PROPOSED RATING SCHEME COMPARE TO
RATING PROGRAMS IMPLEMENTED ELSEWHERE?

The MPCB disclosure program uses uniform PM emissions data and an objective rating
system that makes it more robust, in many respects, than existing ratings programs. The
following table places the proposed rating program in the context of other rating programs
that have been implemented in India and abroad.

Table 7: The proposed rating program of MPCB

Purely
Does not involve Gives info
Rating Objective
Sr. No. Rating Program subjective combination on relative
Scheme Rating
of multiple factors performance
Procedure

US Toxics Release Inventory

1 NO NA NA NO
(TRI) (1986-present

Indonesia PROPER-Program
for pollution control
2 YES NO NO YES
evaluation & rating (1995-
present)
India centre for science and
3 environment star rating YES NO NO YES
project (1999-present)

Ghana AKOBEN (2009-

4 YES NO NO YES
present)

Proposed MPCB information

5 YES YES YES YES
disclosure program

44
 2.6.2 Latest air quality report for Maharashtra (07 Jun 2019):

Fig. 2.8 Latest Air Quality Report

Air Quality Status Report of Maharashtra 2018-19 was unveiled on 4th June, on the occasion of World
Environment Day. From L-R: Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Yuva Sena Chief Shri
Aditya Thackeray, Minister for Environment Shri Ramdas Kadam, Minister of State for Environment
Shri Pravin Pote Patil, along with Shri Sudhir Shrivastava (Chairman, MPCB), Shri Anil Diggikar
(Principal Secretary, Environment), Shri E. Ravindran (Member-Secretary, MPCB) and Mrs. Jyoti
Thackeray.

The Air Quality Status Report of Maharashtra 2018-19 released on World Environment Day
this year states that 65% of the daily air quality observations for the state fell under the 'Good'
and 'Satisfactory' categories, which is a 5% upward jump from the observations recorded in
2016-17. This displays a positive trend, seeing as it is an increase from the 53% recorded in
2015-16 and 54% recorded in 2014-15.

The highlights of the report Air Quality Status Report of Maharashtra 2018-19 are as follows:

 6% reduction in PM2.5 levels and 9% reduction in PM10 levels have been observed this year,
as compared to last year (2017-18).

 All regions were found to be clean with regard to SO2, seeing as the concentrations recorded
were under the permissible limit of 50 µg/m3.

45
 Out of the 72 Active Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations established across Maharashtra,
NOx concentrations exceeded the standard limit (40 µg/m3) at 29 stations, primarily in the
Mumbai, Kalyan and Pune regions.

Out of the following pollutants considered for the report, SO2, lead, CO, NOx, O3 and RSPM,
the concentration levels of Repairable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM) were observed to
be above the standard permissible limit (60 µg/m3) prescribed by the Central Pollution Control
Board (CPCB). Over the past few years, the RSPM levels recorded in Maharashtra have been
considerably high, especially in the regions of Chandrapur, Kalyan and Mumbai. This could
be attributed to the heavy presence of industries and an increase in the number of automobiles
in these regions.

While the overall air quality displayed by the Air Quality Index may have gone up, the
concentration levels of harmful chemical compounds in some pockets of the state are still
undesirable. These could pose both short-term and long-term hazards for human health, thus
making it essential to practise and promote air conservation efforts.

The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) has been preparing the annual Air Quality Status
Report of the state for Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) since 2013. Based on the
data provided by the MPCB, TERI analyses the parameters listed under the general Air Quality
Index, determines their values, compares it to the previous years, and gives a general consensus
on the implications of these figures. Apart from giving an overview of the current Air Quality
in Maharashtra, this report also provides graphs on the ambient air quality monitoring sectors,
as well as trends of pollutant concentrations in the air. For further information, the Air Quality
Reports of the past few years could be accessed on the MPCB's online portal.

National and state governments have been making constant efforts to reduce the pollution
levels, a few of which are mentioned below:

 National Clear Air Programme launched by the central government earlier this year attempts
to cover 43 smart cities and 102 non-attainment cities, with the primary goal of reducing the
concentration of Particulate Matter (PM) in the air. Although NCAP has been subject to
scrutiny, appropriate planning and modifications can ensure that it lives up to its intentions.

46
 Adoption of Bharat Stage VI – the most advanced emission standard for automobiles to go into
effect on or after 1st April, 2020 – is another positive step to reduce the health hazard caused
by vehicular emissions.
 Bharat stage Emission Standards (BSES) are emission standards instituted by
the Government of India to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion
engines and Spark-ignition engines equipment, including motor vehicles. The standards and
the timeline for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control Board under
the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
 Daily pollution checks by authorities, efforts for increasing tree and vegetation cover as well
as treatment of domestic waste by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board are efforts
representative of the interest expressed by the state government to reduce the pollution levels
in the state.

There are several initiatives that could be taken by citizens, too, which would go a long way in
improving the quality of the air we breathe. Citizens' groups can undertake the initiative of
making sure that industries and factories are functioning in adherence with government-
prescribed environmental regulations. These could include making appeals to curtail the
volume of harmful emissions released by them – especially around densely populated areas –
and to adequately treat their sewage before draining it into water bodies.

The general populace must also be aware of the possible ways in which clean energy and energy
efficient devices can be introduced in their day-to-day life. They must advocate their use in
their communities. Less use of fossil fuels and greater adoption of renewable energy will have
a positive impact on the environment in the near and distant future.

NATIONAL AIR MONITERING PROGRAMME BY CENTRAL

POLLUTION CONTOL BOARD:

Central Pollution Control Board is executing a nation-wide programme of ambient air

quality monitoring known as National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP). The
network consists of 779 operating stations covering 339 cities/towns in 29 states and 6 Union
Territories of the country. The objectives of the N.A.M.P. are to determine status and trends of
ambient air quality; to ascertain whether the prescribed ambient air quality standards are
violated; to Identify Non-attainment Cities; to obtain the knowledge and understanding
necessary for developing preventive and corrective measures and to understand the natural
47
cleansing process undergoing in the environment through pollution dilution, dispersion, wind
based movement, dry deposition, precipitation and chemical transformation of pollutants
generated.
Under N.A.M.P., four air pollutants viz, Sulphur Dioxide (SO2), Oxides of Nitrogen as NO2,
Repairable Suspended Particulate Matter (RSPM / PM10) and Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
have been identified for regular monitoring at all the locations. The monitoring of
meteorological parameters such as wind speed and wind direction, relative humidity (RH) and
temperature were also integrated with the monitoring of air quality.

The monitoring of pollutants is carried out for 24 hours (4-hourly sampling for gaseous
pollutants and 8-hourly sampling for particulate matter) with a frequency of twice a week, to
have one hundred and four (104) observations in a year. The monitoring is being carried out
with the help of Central Pollution Control Board; State Pollution Control Boards; Pollution
Control Committees; National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI),
Nagpur. CPCB co-ordinates with these agencies to ensure the uniformity, consistency of air
quality data and provides technical and financial support to them for operating the monitoring
stations. N.A.M.P. is being operated through various monitoring agencies. Large number of
personnel and equipment’s are involved in the sampling, chemical analyses, data reporting etc.
It increases the probability of variation and personnel biases reflecting in the data, hence it is
pertinent to mention that these data be treated as indicative rather than absolute.

48
2.6.3 WAYU (Wind Augmentation and Purification Units)
Delhi is among the most polluted cities in the world, and with 17 million inhabitants, is also
the fifth most populated. A report by the WHO (World Health Organization) stated the air in
the capital city has a high presence of PM10 (particulate matter). PM10 in Delhi's air is around
292 micrograms per cubic metre, as against the safe limit of 60 micrograms per cubic metre set
by WHO, making breathing in Delhi equal to smoking 44 cigarettes a day.

While there have been many policies, ranging from banning unauthorised industries releasing
harmful chemicals, to bringing electric mobility, only a few have been successful.

To combat the worsening air quality, National Environmental Engineering Research Institute
(NEERI), the Nagpur-based laboratory of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR), has developed the WAYU (Wind Augmentation and Purification Units) device.
This device, designed in collaboration with Industrial Design Centre at IIT Bombay, can tackle
air pollution at high traffic zones.

In an official statement, Prashant Gargava, member secretary, Central Pollution Control

Board said,

“WAYU, designed by NEERI and IIT (Bombay), works by converting pollutants such as
dangerous PM2.5 and PM10 particles, carbon monoxide and volatile organic compounds into
carbon dioxide using a filter. Its creators claim it can reduce pollution at busy traffic junctions
by 40-60 %.”

NEERI Director Rakesh Kumar said,

Filters were made of non-woven fabric and their removal efficiency for particulate matter was
80 to 90 percent and of the poisonous gases 40 to 50 percent. the device is 5.5 feet tall and one
foot wide.

The purification process:

The WAYU device works in two stages. The first stage uses a fan to suck in air around the
device, which contains all kinds of pollutants like dust and particulate matter. These are
separated using three blades of different dimensions.

Post this, the air enters into a specially designed chamber where oxidation takes place using
activated carbon coated with titanium oxide. The oxidation is supported by two ultraviolet
lights. The purified air is then pumped out into the atmosphere.

49
Places:

Prototypes of the WAYU device have been installed at the ITO Junction in central Delhi, and
Mukarba Chowk in north Delhi and were unveiled by Minister for Science and Technology Dr
Harsh Vardhan, on Tuesday.

Impact on the environment:

The device uses half a unit of electricity for 10 hours of operation, and can provide purified air
to an area of 500 square metre.

The device can bring down the PM10 values from 600 micrograms per cubic metre to 100
micrograms per cubic metre. It also brings down PM 2.5 values from 300 micrograms per cubic
metre to 60 micrograms per cubic metre.

Work is in progress to make the device compatible to serve an area of 10,000 square metre.
Work is also underway to make the device treat other atmospheric pollutants such as nitrous
and sulphur dioxides. The National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad, will work on the aesthetic
design for the purifier.

Fig. 2.9 Inlet for pollutants in WAYU Fig. 2.10 Outlet in WAYU

50
2.6.3.1 New Versions of WAYU
Cigarette butts, bidi packets, chewing gums and wires these are some of things that you would
normally expect to find in a garbage bin but certainly not in air purifying units installed on
Delhi roads. But that is exactly what officials found while inspecting WAYUs (Wind
Augmentation Purifying Units) at different places in the city.

Now, scientists have begun replacing many of these pilot project units with ones, which, apart
from promising almost double the efficiency in cleaning air, will also be tamper proof.

“The older version had more openings through which people sometimes used to insert cigarette
and bidi ends and other garbage,” said Rakesh Kumar, director of National Environmental
Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), a research institute under the Council of Scientific
and Industrial Research (CSIR). “This would damage the filter systems and we had to
frequently change them. The new machines are covered to prevent people from putting in such
garbage.”air

Hindustan Times found a chewing gum stuck in one of the machines installed at ITO
intersection. Cigarette and bidi end and gutka packets were scattered near the machines.

More than 70 such WAYU machines were installed last year at some of the most polluted road
intersections such as ITO, Anand Vihar, Wazirpur Chowk, Shadipur and Bhikaji Cama. At
least 19 old machines have already been replaced by the new version.

Fig. 2.11 Improved versions of WAYU

51
Better efficiency of New Versions:
While the old devices could clean 1,250m3 air per hour, the new version can clean 2,500m3
air per hour. The new version is also sleek and will occupy less space.

“Preliminary results showed that the older version could bring down up to 60% of PM10 and
40% of PM2.5. The new versions are being installed and it would take at least two months to
check their performance,” said S Gulia, scientist from NEERI’s Delhi zonal centre who
monitors the devices in the national capital.

Scientists said that different versions of WAYU — one that can clean up to 10,000 sq.m of air
and a shorter version intended to be used in parking lots and basements — are being developed.

On certain winter days, when the air quality breaches the ‘severe’ mark, concentration of PM10
and PM2.5 in the air shoots up to more than five times the safe standard.

The pilot project is being funded by the central government.

What you need to know about WAYU?

A 10-day pilot study in 2014 showed the device brought down pollution levels considerably.
For the study, one unit was set up near the main entrance of IIT-Bombay, Powai.
· PM2.5 levels dropped from above 100 micrograms per cubic metre (ug/m3) to as low as 40
ug/m3. The safety limit is 60 ug/m3.
· Similarly, PM10, which was more than 160ug/m3 as against the safe limit of 100ug/m3,
dropped by half to 50ug/m3.
· According to Padalkar, a single instrument costs between Rs30,000 and Rs40,000 and the
total project cost would approximately be Rs70 lakh, excluding cost of solar panels and specific
designs required for different traffic junctions.
“The device has five ducts that suck in air, trap particulate matter and release clean air using
the principle of dilution. However, for CO and VOCs, the air is heated inside the instrument
and thermal oxidisers break down the pollutants at high temperatures into simpler forms like
carbon dioxide (CO2),” said Vinayak Padalkar, IIT-B alumnus and the brain behind the
instrument.

52
2.6.4 BBMP to install 500 air purifiers at busy traffic junctions in order to
reduce air pollution in Bengaluru.

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is looking to tackle air pollution in
Bengaluru by installing 500 air purifiers at busy traffic junctions. This comes after the first air
purifier was installed in Hudson Circle as a pilot test in February.

The civic body has entered into an agreement with ATechTron, a software firm and a
manufacturer of air purifying devices which filters PM 10 and PM 2.5 particulate matter
including dust, smog and petroleum fumes. According to the manufacturers, the device can
cover a radius of 70 to 90 feet.

Preliminary findings from the pilot run at Hudson Circle showed alarming results. According
to the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, PM2.5 concentrations should not be above 60
µg/m3 and PM 10 concentrations should not be above 100 µg/m3 over a period of 24 hours.
The measured concentration of PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels during the pilot at Hudson Circle
were found to be 89.51 µg/m3and 47.6 µg/m3 respectively during 8 hours of peak traffic alone.
The data showed that particulate matter was at least 2.5 times more than the limit in the city.

The makers of the air purifier device believe that this offers a technological solution to the
problem of filtering fine dust particles from the city's air.

"The results from the dust collected in the pilot run in Hudson Circle showed that the dust
contained particles such as PM 10 and PM 2.5 and heavy metals such as Cadmium, Chromium,
Lead, Zinc, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Barium and other harmful pollutants. On an average,
20-25 grams of fine dust particles were collected every day," stated Rajeev Krishna, founder
of ATechTron

In a month, over 650 grams of fine dust particles were collected by the device. ATechTron now
plans to install 500 such devices in the next year, including multiple devices in busy traffic
junctions like Silk Board, Marathahalli and South End Circle.

53
Fig. 2.12 Air Purifier in Bengaluru.

54
2.7 Our suggestion to reduce Air Pollution i.e. Air Purifying Tower
The government is using air filtering devices like WAYU and purifiers in Bengaluru. But as a
matter of principle it is difficult to clean air like this because volume of air in the atmosphere
is large. Experiments like this are yet to give significant results in some sq. kilometre area,
there is a huge volume of air and the purifier will we working on a minuscule part of it.

So to clean such a high volumes of air for a big city big purifiers will be needed to clean it. Air
purifying tower is a tower which can be used to clean the environment by cleaning out PM2.5
and PM10 and other pollutants.

Trees can also be used to clean the environment in a natural way but the main problem in urban
areas pollution is the area needed for plantation of trees. The metro cities like Mumbai in India
is already facing space problems for living. So it is important to develop such systems like
purifying tower to reduce air pollution in an effective way.

55
2.8 Air Purifying Tower
2.8.1 Introduction
A 100-metre high air purification tower in Xian in Shaanxi. An experimental tower over 100
metres (328 feet) high in northern China dubbed the world’s biggest air purifier by its operators.
has brought a noticeable improvement in air quality, according to the scientist leading the
project, as authorities seek ways to tackle the nation’s chronic smog problem.

The tower has been built in Xian in Shaanxi province and is undergoing testing by researchers
at the Institute of Earth Environment at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

The head of the research, Cao Junji, said improvements in air quality had been observed over
an area of 10 square kilometres (3.86 square miles) in the city over the past few months and
the tower has managed to produce more than 10 million cubic metres (353 million cubic feet)
of clean air a day since its launch. Cao added that on severely polluted days the tower was able
to reduce smog close to moderate levels.

2.8.2 Working

To clean the air, polluted smog is drawn in through a series of greenhouses surrounding the
base of the tower and heated by solar energy. This newly hot air then rises up the tower through
multiple scrubbing filters before it is released back into the atmosphere. This method allows
the air to be cleaned using relatively minimal electric power, which in China is provided mainly
by solar panels.

At the base of the tower is the greenhouse. The greenhouse consist of four filters walls that
shift harmful airborne substances particularly PM2.5. the filters which are used in the purifying
tower are electrostatic filters, particulate air filters, nanomaterial filters. The greenhouse roof
is made of glass coated with a membrane that helps to degrade and remove nitrogen oxides, air
pollutants considered crucial in smog formation.

The purifying tower built with US$ 2 million in funding from the provisional government. The
estimated cost of the pilot project to be about $30,000 per year.

56
Fig 2.13 Air Purifying Tower from top

Fig 2.14 Air Purifying Tower

57
 Fig 2.15 PM Filters Fig 2.16 PM Filters with Greenhouse.

Fig 2.17 Internal View of Chimney of Tower Fig.2.18 Filters in Tower.

58
2.8.3 Types of Filters Used in Air Purifying Tower

1. Nanomaterial air filter: -

Invention, efficiency and use:

The rapidly increasing industrialization in many parts of the world comes with economic
benefits, but also serious long-term health and environmental consequences. Stanford professor
Yi Cui had become increasingly concerned about the air quality in Beijing during his frequent
visits in recent years, so he set to work developing a potential solution. His team has succeeded
in creating a new type of high-efficiency filter that removes harmful particulates from the air.

The starting point for Cui’s team was to find a material that would be able to attract the most
dangerous microscopic particles in air pollution, those less than 2.5 micrometers. They’re so
expensive to filter out of indoor environments. The researchers eventually settled on
polyacrylonitrile (PAN), which is used to produce non-latex surgical gloves. PAN can attract
these tiny particles and as a bonus, it’s extremely strong.

A process called electrospinning was used to convert the liquid PAN into a bundle of solid
fibers like a spiderweb. The individual fibers are about one thousandth the width of a human
hair, but when integrated into a crisscrossing network with other fibers, it effectively filters
particulate matter out of the air. The filters made from electrospun PAN are still 70%
transparent to visible light, but can capture more than 99% of particles blown through it.
Perhaps most importantly, they don’t impede air flow.

To test the new material, the team first set up two glass chambers separated by the filter. Incense
was burned in one side of the system, but it didn’t make it through to the other despite good
airflow. The 99% figure above is based not only on this lab test, but a field test conducted in
Beijing. Cui estimates the PAN fibers making up these filters will be able to accumulate about
10-times their weight in pollution before they need to be replaced. That would give them a
useful life of around a week in a highly polluted region like Eastern China.

Even with frequent filter swaps, the PAN fibers created by the Stanford team are cheap to
make. They could be integrated into face masks for personal use, or in the existing ventilation
system of buildings. The filters might even be added to windows — a gentle breeze is enough
for the filters to do their work.

59
 2. HEPA FILTERS:

The dust particles which because respiratory problems can be solved with the use of HEPA
Filter aka HEPA air purifier.

Fig. 2.19 HEPA filters.

What exactly is a HEPA filter?

HEPA stands for High-Efficiency Particulate Air. Thus it is a filter which is generally included
as a part of air purifying machines or vacuum cleaner to entrap minute dust elements or
microorganism. HEPA air purifier not only trap the dust particles but they also prevent them
from spreading other bacteria and viruses which can damage our organs. Exactly HEPA air
filter is approximately 99.97% successful in trapping particles as small as 0.3 microns. Thus,
it is the most efficient filter.

HEPA air purifier was initially manufactured by the nuclear industry to capture hazardous
radioactive particles. But now it is majorly used in all vacuum cleaners and air purifiers.

The invention of HEPA Filter:

The fibre-like filters were first used during the Manhattan Project to trap exceptionally
hazardous minute radioactive particles. Slowly and gradually the HEPA air purifier developed
basically for industrial use. Later on, they are now commonly used in residential apartments
and commercial offices to clean the large and small dust particles.

60
How does HEPA Air Purifier Work?

The basic type of filter works as a strainer which has small holes to capture large particles like
dust, dirt, and hairs, but the small particles cannot be captured with the help of basic filters.
Thus, HEPA air purifier was introduced mainly to trap the smaller particles from the air. HEPA
filter in the vacuum cleaners makes use of two diverse types of machinery. First, the outer layer
works as a basic filter which acts as a strainer to prevent the big dust particles. Secondly, the
inner layers which materialize similar to a folded material with opaque glass fibre mat finish.
This layer does not work like a strainer; instead, it traps the particles in different techniques.
The heavy particles which move slowly and gradually stick to the fiberglass (Diffusion).
Lightweight particles travel faster either have a collision straight with fibres (impact) or get
fascinated by them while passing (Interception).

Fig. 2.20 Working of HEPA

61
Types of HEPA Filter:

An ideal HEPA filter for the best air purifier is the one that captures 99.97% of minute dust
particles as minute as 0.3 microns. Only a real HEPA Filter can achieve the above-mentioned
objective. HEPA Filter is classified with A to E stickers depending on their efficiency. Type A
is considered to be the least efficient and Type E the most efficient appropriate for defense-
grade applications. Vacuum Cleaners generally have Type A filters which work efficiently
within our house.

How often does the HEPA Filter need be replaced in air purifiers?

If the purifiers include a HEPA Filter and a carbon filter, then the carbon filter needs to be
replaced within 6 months and HEPA Filter once in 24 months. These replacements also depend
on factors like the filter manufacturer, a total surface area of HEPA Filter and environment in
which the HEPA Filter functions.

Advantages of HEPA Filter:

 It captures both large and small particles in the air, thus, giving fresh and clean air.

 Highly recommended for the individuals suffering from asthma and allergies.

 They are available in different sizes and budget to match your requirements

 It has a higher level of work efficiency. It captures around 99.97% of minute dust.

Disadvantages of HEPA Filter:

 HEPA Filters cannot be cleaned or washed to remove the dust particles. They can just
be replaced which can be quite an expensive task.

 HEPA Filters are tremendously delicate and hence could damage easily while cleaning,
installing or moving the purifier to do the cleaning. Hence it needs utmost care while
using.

 Replacing HEPA filters which are of branded quality will shell out your huge money.

 Some HEPA Filters can even produce ozone or ions which could be harmful

62
The need of HEPA Filter:

Though the filters are expensive, they offer a great advantage to the individuals suffering from
asthma, allergies or any other respiratory problem. The HEPA Filters work efficiently to
provide you dust-free clean air to breathe in.

Conclusion:

The main function of HEPA Filter is to remove contaminated viruses from the air and provide
clean and pure air. Thus, HEPA Filter is a crucial purchase element for the one suffering from
dust or pollen allergy. Strict standards have been set for the filters to be classified as HEPA. A
HEPA Filter should be able to remove 99.97% particles being small as 0.3 microns.

3. Electrostatic filters:

Electrostatic Filters – The Principle

These filters clean the air by using static electricity. It is a safe and naturally occurring
phenomenon.

The air flows through a maze of static prone fibres and generates an electrostatic charge
whereby it attracts the airborne particles. The charge holds these particles until it is washed
away.

Electrostatic Filters – The Working

The electrostatic filters have multiple layers of vented metal through which the air passes. The
impending friction between the filter and the air molecules when it crosses the first layer of
filtration charges them positively.

63
These positively charged molecules attach to the subsequent layers of the filter thereby
ensuring that the output is nothing but pure air bereft of all contaminants.

Electrostatic Filters – Pros & Cons

Table 8: Pros and Cons

PROS CONS

The replacement cycle is lower than the

The cleaning process is quick and easy. activated carbon filters, but these filters take
a long time to clean.

Due to the principle of static electricity,

The dust loading patterns are such that it the dust particles tend to stick inside the
improves airflow while providing maximum duct line. It becomes challenging to
filtration. clean them as these particles are charged
ions tending to stick to the surface.

These filters can remove contaminants

like pollen, dust, bacteria, moulds,
spores, and animal dander. Most of These filters tend to block the airflow more
these contaminants are PM 10 and less. as compared to the other filters

These electrostatic filters do not need

frequent replacement as the activated
carbon filters do.

64
How to clean Electrostatic Filters

Regular cleaning of these filters is essential as the accumulation of dust can hamper the air
flow. The ideal frequency should be around once in 4 to 6 weeks. The process is a
straightforward one.

Steps:

 The filter is removed.

 Then it is flushed with water from the opposite direction. The higher the pressure, the
better is the cleaning.
 After that rinse the filter from the opposite side.
 Specified cleaners are used to remove stubborn stains.
 Then rinse thoroughly to remove the remaining dirt.
 At the end drain the excess water and leave the screen to dry before reinstalling it.

Fig. 2.21 Electrostatic Filters

Different Types of Electrostatic Filters

Different types of electrostatic filters are available on the market depending on the arrestance
capacity. The standard range is the 82% arrestance whereas 94% arrestance capacity filters are
used in heavy-duty AC units.

65
However, these filters require constant maintenance. The advantage of using these filters is that
we can clean them, unlike the activated carbon filters that become useless after the clogging of
the pores. We have to replace the activated carbon filter whereas it is not necessary in the case
of electrostatic filters.

66
2.9 Need of Air Purifying Tower in Mumbai
Table 9: GRAPH OF AQI IN JULY 2019

DATE AQI DATE AQI

1 103 16 102
2 108 17 102
3 105 18 102
4 106 19 103
5 103 20 106
6 101 21 108
7 101 22 107
8 101 23 107
9 101 24 11
10 156 25 25
11 102 26 103
12 102 27 103
13 101 28 103
14 102 29 103
15 102 30 104
31 104

AQI
180
156
160

140

120 108105106 108107107

103 103101101101101 102102101102102102102102103106 103103103103104104
AQI INDEX

100

80

60

40 25
20 11

0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

DATES OF MONTH JULY 2019

67
Table 10: AQI RANKINGS ON A TYPICAL DAY IN JULY (16 JULY)

TIME AQI
0 35 TIME AQI
1 34 13 324
2 31 14 325
3 30 15 326
4 32 16 77
5 225 17 77
6 319 18 78
19 82
7 320
20 88
8 320
21 72
9 325 22 61
10 327 23 69
11 325 24 56
12 327

GRAPH OF A NORMAL DAY

350 319 320 320 325 327 325 327 324 325 326

300

250 225
AQI INDEX

200

150

100 77 77 78 82 88 72
61 69 56
35 34 31 30 32
50

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24

HOURS

68
 2.10 Comparison between trees and Air Purifying Tower
2.10.1 Trees

Trees are nature's soldiers in the fight against global warming. As they feed themselves, they
absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in the form of carbohydrates. The stored
carbon remains locked inside the body of tree, keeping it out of the atmosphere. Since carbon
dioxide is one of the most common greenhouse gases, planting trees can help put the brakes on
the greenhouse effect. One mature tree can absorb approximately 22 kilos (or 48 pounds) of
carbon dioxide each year... so, when our forest is complete and the trees have matured, it will
soak up approximately 1,010,000 kilos (or 2,400,000 pounds) of carbon dioxide annually.

Additionally, the canopy of the new forest will help improve the air we breathe. Trees not only
soak up carbon dioxide, they also absorb other harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide,
sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. The leaves and tiny twigs of the canopy catch larger
particulates as well, much like a giant air filter. When it rains, these particles are washed down
to the ground. In urban areas, trees have been shown to reduce ozone pollution significantly.
Ozone is fine when it's in the ozone layer of the atmosphere, but at ground level it is a
respiratory irritant as well as a key component of smog.

Trees also improve air quality by producing oxygen as a by-product of photosynthesis. One
full-grown tree puts out enough oxygen each year for two human beings. In time, our forest
will produce enough oxygen to fill the lungs of 100,000 people on an annual basis!

In addition to cleaning up the air, trees also clean up the soil and surrounding groundwater.
There is even a scientific term for using trees to clean contaminated land-phytoremediation.
The roots help clean and filter the rainwater that eventually runs off into our waterways. They
also absorb unwanted chemicals from the surrounding soil. Trees can help clean up farm
wastes, heavy metals, and sewage, among other waste products. Our trees will help absorb
waste products left in the soil as a result of the coal mining process. Trees also provide a source
of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife. Many different types of animals live in or around
trees- for example, birds and squirrels nest in the branches, and burrowing animals such as
rabbits sometimes live amongst the roots. The type of tree, as well as its age, size and physical
characteristics, determines what kind of wildlife it can support. Trees are also an invaluable
food source, providing fruit, nuts, leaves, berries and insects to many different types of
creatures.

69
Trees provide all of these benefits, and then some. It's easy to see why they are intrinsic to the
health of our planet!

2.10.2 Air Purifying Tower

The air purifying tower can clean over an area of 10 square kilometres (3.86 square miles)
the tower has managed to produce more than 10 million cubic metres (353 million cubic
feet) of clean air a day. The average reduction in PM2.5 – the fine particles in smog deemed
most harmful to health – fell 15 per cent during heavy pollution. on severely polluted days
the tower was able to reduce smog close to moderate levels. The above information
regarding the reduction in pollutants is from Xian, China, But the pollution in Mumbai is
less than China’s air pollution so this will effectively work in Mumbai.

70
 2.11 Cost Comparison Between Methods Adopted by Government and
Us.
Cost of Methods Adopted by Government

WAYU: a single WAYU instrument costs between Rs30,000 and Rs40,000 and the total
project cost would approximately be Rs 70 lakh, excluding cost of solar panels and specific
designs required for different traffic junctions.

Our method

Air Purifying Tower: A single tower costs about US$ 2 million.

Comparison:

 The initial cost of the air purifying tower project is much higher than the other methods
adopted by government but the capacity of purifying the pollutants of tower is also very
much higher than the other methods. The capacity of tower is about 10 million cubic
metre in one day and it covers area of about 10 square kilometre which is much higher
than 2500 m3 per hour by WAYU.
 Although the method adopted by government are used only on roads where the
pollution levels are high. The air purifying can be used for a whole town as a purifier
or we can use it in industrial areas of city to reduce air pollution from them.

71
2.13 Air Volume Sampler and other Air Quality Monitors

Air volume samplers are the instruments used to find the amount of TSP (Total suspended
particles), PM10 & PM2.5 in a pre-determined volume of air.
There are two types of air samplers i.e. High Volume Sampler & Low Volume Sampler.
The difference between high and low volume air samplers is the amount of air sampled.
High volume air samplers typically sample more than 1500 cubic metres (m3) of air over a 24-
hour period, while low volume air samplers draw through only 24m3 of air, or less.
Total suspended particulate matter (TSP)
Total suspended particulate matter (TSP) monitoring measures the total amount of particles
suspended in the atmosphere.
TSP samples may also be used to determine the levels of chemical elements and compounds in
the particles which may pose a risk to human health.
An instrument called a high volume air sampler is used to collect TSP samples. The high
volume air sampler draws a large known volume of air through a pre-weighed filter for 24
hours.
As shown in the illustration, the sampler filter traps the TSP particles as air passes through the
instrument.

Fig. 2.22 Diagram of TSP Sampler

72
Illustration of a total suspended particulate matter sampler

After sampling, the filter is re-weighed and the difference in filter weight is the collected
particulate matter mass. Dividing the mass by the volume of air sampled gives the
concentration of TSP.

The design of the air inlet means that a TSP high volume air sampler is unlikely to collect
airborne particles with diameters greater than 100 micrometres (µm) in diameter.

This type of sampling usually takes place at 6-day intervals due to the need to manually
change the filters.

Particles less than 10 micrometres in diameter (PM10)

Particles smaller than 10µm are especially concerning as these particles can enter the human
respiratory system and penetrate deeply into the lungs, causing adverse health effects.

Motor vehicles and other combustion processes that burn fossil fuels such as power stations,
industrial processes and domestic heaters, generate PM10. Dust storms and smoke particles
from bushfires can also be another source of PM10 missions.

Instruments used to measure PM10 are either a high or low volume air sampler or a tapered
element oscillating microbalance (TEOM).

The PM10 high or low volume air sampler is similar to that described above for TSP, except
that the air sample passes through a size-selective inlet.

The inlet removes particles larger than 10µm by using their greater inertia to trap them on a
greased plate, while smaller particles pass through the instrument onto the pre-weighed filter.

The Figure of a high volume sampler shows this.

Measuring the volume of air sampled and weighing the filters before and after sampling
determines the concentration of PM10 particles in the air.

73
Fig 2.23 Diagram of a PM10 sampler.

74
 CHAPTER 3
MODEL MAKING AND SOLIDWORKS DESIGNING

Fig 3.1 solidworks designing

Fig 3.2 Dummy Model of Air Purifying Tower

75
 CHAPTER 4
Conclusion

The results obtained after studying the air quality of different regions of Mumbai, says that the
Mumbai is slowly falling into the danger zone as far as air quality of Mumbai is concerned.
The majority of air pollution that is occurring from industrial areas of Maharashtra may make
the air quality of Mumbai and entire Maharashtra worse in future. If it’s not controlled now.
We studied that Maharashtra government has made efforts and still trying to control the air
pollution in the state. But most of their scheme are facing problem in exact implementation
except star rating program. we have done AQI analysis of July 2019 of Mumbai specially on
16th July whose AQI is reaching to 327 such air is harmful for humans and after studying the
china’s air purifying tower we can say that if such tower is constructed near the industrial areas
the harmful pollutants emitting through them can be reduced before it reaches to the citizens.
This may not be the permanent solution but it can improve the air quality to such extinct this
may be implemented in other state of India also.

Future scope

The future scope for this study can be the exact designing and implementation of the air
purifying tower in the state particularly in Sion region of the Maharashtra where we found the
most hazardous condition of air which is reaching upto 500 AQI in most of the days this air
may cause lung and heart dieaseses very quickly.

76
 Acknowledgement

With all reverence, we take the opportunity to express our deep sense of gratitude and
wholehearted to our respected guide, Prof. K.P. Jayateerth., Department of civil engineering,
Shri Bhagubhai Mafatlal Polytechnic, Mumbai. From the day of conception of this project his
active involvement and motivating guidance on day to day basis has made it possible for us to
complete this challenging work in time.

We would like to express gratitude ton our respected Head of the Department Prof. Vinod B.
Vanvari. Who went all the way out to help us in all genuine cases during the course of doing
this project. We wish to express our sincere thanks to Prof. Vinod B. Vanvari, Principal, Shri
Bhagubhai Mafatlal Polytechnic, Mumbai and would like to acknowledge specifically for
giving guidance, encouragement and inspiration throughout academics.

We would like to thank all the staff of civil engineering department who continuously
supported and motivated during our work. Also, we would like to thank our colleague’s foe
their continuous support and motivation during the project work. We would not be where we
are today without your support and encouragement.

Jay Mhapankar

Nikhil Pandere

Gaurav Parmar.

77
 REFERENCES

1. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/05/china-air-pollution-solutions-
environment-tangshan/#preparingEmail
2. https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-02704-9

3. http://www.mpcb.gov.in/node

4. https://www.cpcb.nic.in/?pno=4
5. Air Pollution and Water Disposal Engineering, S.K. Garg
6. Pollution Control And Waste Disposal, M.N.Rao.
7. https://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/xian-smog-tower-china-builds-worlds-biggest-air-
purifier-01201851817.html
8. https://yourstory.com/2018/09/wayu-delhi-population-csir-environment

78