Introduction

 The Air Pollution Index (API) is a

simple and generalized way to describe
the air quality rather than in terms of a
series of concentrations of several
individual pollutants.
 Definition: An ‘Air Pollution Index’ can be
defined as scheme that transforms
the(weighted) values of individual air
pollution related parameters (e.g. SO2,
SPM)into single number or set of numbers
Parameter X1
TRANSFORMATION
Parameter X2 G(X1,X2,X3………Xn) INDEX

Parameter X3
 Uses of Air Pollution Indices

1. Helps informing public about air pollution

levels in particular area
2. Helps in comparing air pollution levels in
different cities
3. Use in development of a system for
avoidance or management of a severe
episode of air pollution
 Types of Indices

1. Short term indices – inform about daily

changes
2. Long term Indices – Inform about changes
of several years or more.
 Parameters

SPM
SO2
CO
NO2
Photochemical oxidant(O3)
Hydrocarbons
 Criteria for standard Index
1. Easily understood by public
2. Include major pollutants
3. Calculated in a simple manner
4. Rest on a reasonable scientific basis
5. Consistent with perceived air pollution levels
6. Spatially meaningful
7. Exhibit day to day variation
8. Relate to ambient air quality standards and
goals
9. Relate to episode criteria
10.Can be forcast a day in advance
 Determination of Index

i=6
I = 1/6 ∑ Ai
i=1

Ai=Ci/Si x 100

Ci= Concentration of pollutant i

Si = Air quality standard for pollutant i
I= Air pollution Index
 Determination of Index

API =1 (PM) x (SO₂) x (CO) x 100

3 (SPM) (SSO₂) (SCO)

Rating Scale for Indices

Index Value Remarks
0-25 Clean Air
26-50 Light air pollution
51-75 Moderate air pollution
76- 100 Heavy air pollution
>100 severe air pollution