Pollution peaks in winter

Hyderabad: The air pollution in the city, which had touched alarming levels, is becoming worse as winter sets in.

While sulphur and nitrogen oxides (So2 and NO2) are within the standard limits, the main air pollutants are particulate matter (PM10, i.e. 10 micrometer size) and ammonia.

The PM10 content in different parts of the city recorded was beyond 90 micro gram/cubic meter against a standard 60 micro grams/cubic meter.

Meanwhile ammonia content has crossed 109 against the standard permitted limit of 100 u gram/cubic meter.

In 2013, PM10 was 87 micro grams/cubic meter, while ammonia was 105 micro grams/cubic meter.

However, by the end of January (the winter season) it is going to double, say officials of the State Pollution Control Board.

“Compared to any other season, air pollution worsens in winter due to non dispersion of these pollutants; they are found in thick quantities in the air.

In summer, the air is usually dry and the pollutants spread according to the flow of air,” said P. Veeranna, a scientific officer with the Telangana state PCB.

“The rising pollution levels are due to the rise in construction activities in the city, increased vehicular pollution with more vehicles, and Metro Rail works in the middle of the city leading to bottlenecks,” said the environmental scientist of TS PCB.

The reports on air quality in the city has been compiled between the month of February and  September 2014 with data  from 21 pollution tracking centre across the city.

The reports suggested that the air was most polluted in Paradise, Punjagutta, Charminar, Kukatpally and Jeedimetla with the highest PM10 content.

Areas like MGBS, Uppal, Langer Houz, Sainikpuri are next on the list with PM10 content more than the standard level set by the Central Pollution Control Board.

“Ammonia in the atmosphere leads to the formation and increase of particulate matter,” said a scientist of TS PCB. TS PCB suggested that vehicular pollution contributed 50 per cent, biomass burning 8-10 per cent, industrial emission, cooling systems including air conditioners and others 32-40 per cent to the air pollution.