Comparative studies on arsenic, nickel & lead levels in ambient air repairable suspended particulate matter (p.m10) in and around Tirupati

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the most important concerns in these present atmospheric conditions. Owing rapid industrialization, increased vehicular pollution and other manmade activities, the present atmospheric conditions are changed. It is very important to study the air pollutants on regular intervals in all cities and urban areas. Every year the pollution rate may increase rapidly depending upon the surrounding environmental activities of surrounding areas. In this study we made an attempt to study of the three inorganic hazardous air pollutants / trace carcinogenic metals (Arsenic, Nickel and Lead) concentration levels in AAQ in Tirupati in the years February 2011 and February 2012. For this study we were identified 5 sampling locations in Tirupati. Sampling was carried out 24 hourly and twice a week for P.M.₁₀ in the years February 2011 and February 2012. For this study 15 P.M₁₀ samples were collected. These samples were digested and subjected to analysis for Arsenic, Lead and Nickel using Inductively Coupled Plasma -Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) based on USEPA Compendium method IO 3.5.The concentration levels of present study (Arsenic, Nickel and Lead) in different areas of Tirupati are summarized, discussion and these results are compared with NAAQS amended by MoEF on November 14^th, 2009.