ABSTRACT

The purpose of my project was to find the concentration of

release of particulate matter into the environment. The
project also tried to identify which day of the week the
pollution levels are maximum. To determine this I put double
sided tape at different places in the city for a period of one
week. The particulate matter that settled on the tape was
examined and analyzed.
Introduction
Air pollution is something often experienced, rather than
seen. In the most extreme cases the presence of smog can
overwhelm all the senses. Air pollutants such as vehicle
emissions, industrial byproducts, and landfills produce
greenhouse gases. These gases absorb energy from the sun
thereby heating the earth, global warming. This temperature
increase is predicted to lead to rises in sea level, changes in
seasonal timing, and a decrease in biodiversity. Scientists use
particle counters to classify and count the pollutants in the
air.

Atmospheric particulate matter, also known as particulate

matter, or PM, describes solids and/or liquid particles
suspended in a gas, most commonly the Earth's
atmosphere. Particles in the atmosphere can be divided into
two types, depending on the way they are emitted. Primary
particles, such as mineral dust, are emitted into the
atmosphere. Secondary particles, such as ammonium nitrate,
are formed in the atmosphere through gas-to-particle
conversion.
What is PM, and how does it get
into the air?
PM stands for particulate matter (also called particle
pollution): the term for a mixture of solid particles and liquid
droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt,
soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the
naked eye. Others are so small they can only be detected
using an electron microscope.

Particle pollution includes:

 PM10 : inhalable particles, with diameters that are

generally 10 micrometers and smaller; and
 PM2.5 : fine inhalable particles, with diameters that are
generally 2.5 micrometers and smaller.

Sources of PM

Some are emitted directly from a source, such as construction

sites, unpaved roads, fields, smokestacks or fires.

Most particles form in the atmosphere as a result of complex

reactions of chemicals such as sulfur dioxide and nitrogen
oxides, which are pollutants emitted from power plants,
industries and automobiles.
What are the Harmful Effects of
PM?
Particulate matter contains microscopic solids or liquid
droplets that are so small that they can be inhaled and cause
serious health problems. Some particles less than 10
micrometers in diameter can get deep into your lungs and
some may even get into your bloodstream. Of these, particles
less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter, also known as fine
particles or PM2.5, pose the greatest risk to health.

Fine particles are also the main cause of reduced visibility

(haze) in parts of the United States, including many of our
treasured national parks and wilderness areas.
What are PM standards?
With regard to primary (health-based) standards for fine
particles (generally referring to particles less than or equal to
2.5 micrometers (mm) in diameter, PM2.5), the EPA is revising
the annual PM2.5 standard by lowering the level to 12.0
micrograms per cubic meter (mg/ m3) so as to provide
increased protection against health effects associated with
long- and short-term exposures (including premature
mortality, increased hospital admissions and emergency
department visits, and development of chronic respiratory
disease), and to retain the 24-hour PM2.5 standard at a level
of 35 mg/m3.
Study points to rising air
pollution in Tirupati
The temple city of Tirupati, a cultural centre and a major
pilgrimage destination in southern India, might be succumbing to
a phenomenon common to urban areas. There has been steady
rise in population and the usage of vehicles here, which in turn
contribute to increasing pollution levels of the city. Air dust
samples from ten busy locations in the city are collected and
analyzed. Pollutants(less than one micron) like arsenic, beryllium,
benzene, benzo pyrene, cadmium, chromium, nickel, lead and
manganese have been found in the ambient air.

Increased construction activities, vehicular emissions, road dust,

burning of wood/biomass, emissions from diesel generators etc.,
were blame for the rising pollution levels. Though some elements
are found in low concentrations, they can exert considerable
influence on a range of health issues and environmental
processes.
How can we reduce particle
pollution?
 Diesel vehicles, including trucks, are a key source of fine
particles. Reduce diesel emissions by replacing older
engines with newer and cleaner engines
 Walk, cycle, take public transit and carpool whenever
possible
 Pay attention to recommended maintenance schedules for
your vehicle
 Limit the use of fireplaces and wood stoves. When using
these appliances, make sure that wood is burned properly.
Use wood that is well seasoned instead of wet or green.
Stoves should also meet CSA (Canadian Standards
Association) or EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
emission standards
 Switch to cleaner burning appliances. For example, pellet
stoves produce less particulate matter than traditional
wood stoves
 Take action to reduce wildfires. Practice safe backyard
burning and careful use of campfires
Observation
Double sided tapes are stuck at different places in different
days of the week and the particulate matter in the air is
collected with daily analysis.

It was noticed that the particulate matter released into the

atmosphere is maximum during the weekends i.e., Saturdays
and Sundays.

The major reason behind the particulate pollution in Tirupati

is due to increased construction activities and vehicular
exhausts.

Being a pilgrimage city, the majority of the people visit the

temple during their weekends.

The increasing population of tourists to Tirupati is becoming a

concern to control particulate pollution in the urban
atmosphere.