Air pollution concentrations of PM2.5, PM10 and NO2 at ambient and Kerbsite and their correlation in metro city--Mumbai.

Ambient concentrations of PM2.5 and PM10 are of concern with respect to effects on human health and environment. Increased levels of mortality and morbidity have been associated with respirable particulate air pollution. In India, it is not yet mandatory to monitor PM2.5 levels therefore very limited information is available on PM2.5 levels. To understand the fine particle pollution and also correlate with PM10 which are monitored regularly in compliance with ambient air quality standards. This study was carried out to monitor PM2.5, PM10, and NO2 for about one year in a residential cum commercial area of Mumbai city with a view to understand their correlation. The average PM2.5 concentration at ambient and Kerbsite was 43 and 69 microg/m3. The correlation coefficients between PM2.5 and PM10 at ambient and Kerbsite were 0.83 and 0.85 respectively thus indicating that most of the PM2.5 and PM10 are from similar sources. TSP, PM10 levels exceeded Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) standard during winter season. PM2.5 levels also exceeded 24 hourly average USEPA standard during winter season indicating unhealthy air quality.