L-31

1. NAAQS and
2. Air Pollution Indices
Air Pollution and Control
(elective--I)
(elective

Understand Air Quality Standards

An air quality standard is the
maximum level of atmospheric pollution
allowed at one time in a geographical
area.
These standards, which are called the
National Ambient Air Quality
Standards (NAAQS), are set by the
CPCB.
These are designed to set limits on the
amount of pollution allowed in the air
and to force those who pollute the air to
stop.

NEW NAAQS 2009

What is the Air Quality Index?

The Air Quality Index (AQI) is an
indicator of air quality, based on air
pollutants that have adverse effects on
human health and the environment.
The pollutants are ozone, fine
particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide,
carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide.

Definition
Air pollution Index is defined as a
scheme that transforms the
(weighted) values of individual air
pollution parameters in to a single
number or set of number
As a result we get an equation which
transforms the parameter values by
means of numerical manipulation
into simple and precise form

Use of AQI
1. It helps in informing public about air
pollution in a particular area.
2. It helps in comparing air pollution
levels in different cities
3. It may be used for development for
a system for avoidance or
management of a severe air
pollution episode

Types of Indices

Short term indices :- These are

usually intended to inform the public
about daily changes in air pollution
levels.
Long term Indices:- These are
intended to evaluate changes in air
quality over periods of several years
or more.
These are useful for assessing
effectiveness of enforcement of
policies

Air Pollution Parameters

SPM
SO2
CO
NO2
O3

Criteria for standardised index

1. Easily understood by public
2. Includes major pollutants
3. Calculated in simple manner
4. Rest on reasonable scientific basis
5. Spatially meaningful
6. Consistent with perceived air
pollution levels

7. Exhibit day to day variation.

8. Relate AAQS and goals
9. Relate to episode criteria.
10. Can be forecast a day in advance
(If possible)

Determination of index
1) In this method we try to relate the existing
pollution levels of various pollutants
related to their ambient air quality
standards, with the standards being
assumed as the reference base line for
each pollutants into a percentage of the
standard.
The air pollution index is then obtained by
adding percentages for several pollutants
considered.

2)

2.

3) In the third method, air pollution

index is calculated from five subindices.
Each sub-index is obtained by
assigning sub-index values for
particular ranges of pollutants.

4) In fourth method, known as the

maximum type, only one pollutant index
(the highest one) among the several
pollutants is reported.
5) In the fifth method only two pollutants
i.e. PM and SO2 are taken into account
while calculating the air pollution index.
6) In sixth method , only one major
pollutant e.g. ozone concentration is
taken as basis for reporting air pollution
index

Rating scale for indices

Index value

Remark

0-25

Clean air

25-50

Light air pollution

50-75

Moderate air pollution

75-100

Heavy air pollution

> 100

Severe air pollution

Other rating scales

1. Good , acceptable, unsatisfactory,
unhealthy
2. Good, satisfactory, unsatisfactory,
unhealthful
3. Light , moderate, heavy, alert
4. Good, normal, moderate, heavy,
severe

Air Quality Index

Theory questions
Q1. Write short notes on
1. NAAQS
2. Air Quality Index (AQI)