Measurement of Particulate Pollution in Jabalpur City during Diwali Festival

The ambient air quality monitoring network involves measurement of a number of air pollutants. A variety of methods exist to measure particulate matter in air. This study evaluates the effects of particulate air pollution associated short-term exposure of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Diwali festival. Fireworks display during festive celebrations can cause acute short term air pollution. Concentration of air pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 was monitored for six consecutive days during Diwali in, a densely populated residential area near, Jabalpur, India for assessing the impacts of fireworks on ambient air quality. The study was conducted for two consecutive years i.e. 2012 and 2013. The result shows that air quality deteriorates during Diwali festival is due to the use of excessive amount of firecrackers. A comparative account of two years air quality data is also presented. Keyword: Particulate Matter (PM10, PM2.5), Air Quality, Meteorological Parameter, firework comparison of air quality, Diwali festival, ozone.