Air Quality Analysis – February 2023

Below is a brief representation of data captured by portable devices installed in multiple locations in Korba, Delhi and Ranchi. The analysis has been done for two reporting periods – 1 February to 28 February 2023 and Jan 2022 to February 2023

Section 1 – Data Analysis for period Jan to February 2023

Table above show the Average Monthly AQI in different Cities. The graph and data clearly showcase the winter months when AQI comes under dangerous levels and summer and monsoon months when the air quality is Satisfactory. It is clear that AQI is showing an increasing trend with the onset of winter and has started decreasing as summer progresses. During this period, Delhi recorded the worst AQI in the month of January 2023. Out of 14 months, for 10-months AQI in Delhi was above 100 while Korba had AQI above 100 for 12 months. February 2023 Air quality has improved over the previous month figures. The overall data for Korba shows that Korba Air is more polluted than Delhi for longer durations in the year.  February 2023 AQI is higher in Delhi while it has improved in Korba as compared to February 2022. The different colour bands in the graph respond to the AQI categories as stated in the NAAQs (More later in the document)

 The above table shows the Monthly Average Heat Index for different cities.

Particulate Matter – Paniculate matter or PM is the amount of dust particles in the air. These particles can be of different types i.e. organic, metallic etc. There are different sizes for these particles. Particles of size 10 micron are called PM 10. Those between size of 2.5 and 10 micron are called PM 2.5. those between 1 and 2.5 micron are labelled as PM1. The smaller the size of the particles, the easier for it to enter the air stream of the body and cause more impact. NAAQS and WHO (Word Health Organisation) have both set limits for amount of such particles in the air for PM 2.5 and PM 10. Below are the limits set. It is clear that the Indian standard is higher then the WHO ADQ standard. There are no standards yet for PM 1 which is considerably more harmful.

Below is the table and graph showing Monthly Average PM 2.5 values in different cities. In none of the months did any of the cities meet the higher Indian standard. In both Delhi and Korba, the values were more than 4 times the values in some of the months. Only during the monsoon period were the values closer to the standard but were still above. In Delhi the PM 2.5 particles have increased in comparison to December 2022. Even when compared to Jan 22, the values are higher. This is a matter of concern as smaller particles can cause more harm. Both Korba and Delhi had higher concentration of PM 2.5 as compared to Feb 2022 which is of concern.

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