SANHITA DE, A. BAJPAI, D.D.MISHRA AND JAIN BHARTI
Abstract
Urban air pollution is worsening due to upward trends in power consumption, industrialization, vehicle use and scores of other development activities taken up by human beings. There are five major harmful substances, i.e. carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, particulates, sulphur dioxide and nitrogen compounds released into the atmosphere in sufficient quantities as a result of natural events or by human activities. The quality of air with respect to SPM, SO2 & NOx around thermal power station in Sarni, district-Betul, M.P. has been assessed. Air quality deterioration due to large-scale coal mining, transportation and small scale utilization in the coal belt area of M.P. near 'Sarni' has become matter of concern like any other industrial area in India. India is world's third largest coal-producing country. Hence, it is necessary to assess the air quality of the study area using air quality data. The air quality survey was carried out covering three seasons, i.e. summer, monsoon and post-monsoon during the year 2006. Results indicate that, ambient air quality levels are within permissible limits.