ASSESSMENT OF AIR QUALITY AND IDENTIFICATION OF POSSIBLE SOURCES IN AND AROUND ANGUL-TALCHER AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA

Abstract

Air pollution represents a profound global environmental challenge, particularly intensified within rapidly urbanizing and industrializing nations such as India [21]. This study embarked on a comprehensive assessment of ambient air quality and the identification of potential pollution sources within the Angul-Talcher region of Odisha, India, a designated critically polluted industrial cluster [19]. Conducted over a one-year period from March 2022 to February 2023, the research encompassed six strategically chosen sampling stations: Jindal Steel & Power Limited (JSPL), Industrial Estate (IE), and National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) in the Angul area, and Talcher Thermal Power Station (TTPS), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), and National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in the Talcher area. The methodology involved the meticulous sampling and analysis of key particulate matter (PM_10 and PM_2.5) and gaseous pollutants (SO_2 and NO_2) in strict adherence to the guidelines established by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) [24]. Subsequent data interpretation employed the Air Pollution Index (API) for an aggregate assessment of pollution severity [25]. Furthermore, advanced multivariate statistical techniques, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA), were applied to discern underlying patterns, reduce data dimensionality, and identify primary pollution sources [12]. A windrose diagram was also generated to understand prevailing wind patterns and their influence on pollutant dispersion [9].

The findings revealed alarmingly high concentrations of particulate matter, with both PM_10 and PM_2.5 significantly exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) [29]. Nitrogen dioxide (NO_2) levels also consistently surpassed the allowable limit, indicating substantial anthropogenic contributions. Conversely, sulfur dioxide (SO_2) concentrations remained within the prescribed limit. Critically, the computed API values categorized all sampling stations within the “Severe Air Pollution” category, underscoring the severe air quality degradation in the region. Principal Component Analysis robustly identified that the predominant sources of air pollution stemmed from widespread industrial emissions, extensive mining activities, vehicular exhausts, and significant seasonal and meteorological influences. The Cluster Analysis further demonstrated a striking similarity (97.92%) among all stations in terms of their shared pollution sources, suggesting a common regional pollution landscape. These comprehensive results strongly advocate for the immediate implementation of holistic, region-wide pollution control strategies.