Assessment of ambient air quality in the industrial areas of Ahmedabad, Gujarat (India)

Air pollution stands as the paramount global environmental menace, casting its shadow over public health and claiming a staggering estimate of 7 million lives prematurely each year. The intertwining relationship between air pollution and climate change cannot be ignored, as their shared sources and impact on the climate reveal a profound connection. The battle for improved air quality holds the key to unlocking not only health benefits but also developmental progress and a sustainable environment. In our pursuit to comprehend the state of ambient air quality, our study zoomed in on the peripheral industrial areas of Ahmedabad city in Gujarat, India. These areas, representing the bustling industrial zones of Ahmedabad, became the focal point of our analysis. With utmost care, we strategically selected five sampling sites, alongside a control site, based on traffic density — a pivotal factor shaping our investigation. Our gaze then shifted towards the concentration of key pollutants NO x , SO x , PM 10, and PM 2.5 measured in the ambient air. The range of these pollutants varied between 22.63 µg/m 3 and 112 µg /m 3 for NO x , 10.78 ug/m 3 and 88.50 µg /m 3 for SO x , 8.70 µg /m 3 and 51.30 µg /m 3 for PM10, and 13.53 µg /m 3 and 38.50 µg /m 3 for PM 2.5. These figures serve as tangible evidence, shining a light on the concerning state of pollution plaguing the region. However, our endeavour transcended the mere numerical analysis. We dived deeper, exploring the intricate relationship between weather conditions and air quality. In deciphering general patterns, average values, and trends of wind direction and seasonal variations, we unearthed hidden insights. This holistic approach granted us a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between varying weather conditions and the quality of the ambient air. To provide a meaningful context, we compared our findings with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), allowing us to interpret the state of the ambient air quality in the context of established guidelines. The results and subsequent discussion shed light on the implications of our findings, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and potential interventions to address this pressing issue.