International Journal of Environment, Ecology, Family

and Urban Studies (IJEEFUS))

ISSN(P): 2250–0065; ISSN(E): 2321–0109
Vol. 11, Issue 1, Jun 2021, 1-10
© TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

AMBIENT AIR QUALITY PARAMETERS: A CASE STUDY OF SOPHIA GIRLS’

COLLEGE, AJMER (INDIA)

Dr. SR. PEARL1, Dr. DEEPMALA2 & Ms. SHIVANI INDORA3

1
Principal, Sophia Girls’ College (Autonomous), Ajmer (Rajasthan), India
2
Associate Professor & Head, Dept. of Physics, Sophia Girls’ College, Ajmer (Autonomous), Rajasthan, India
3
Assistant Professor & Head, Dept. of Mathematics, Sophia Girls’ College, Ajmer (Autonomous), Rajasthan, India
ABSTRACT

Measurement of air quality parameters is an important step to evaluate and analyse the actual air pollution of an area.
This paper mainly focuses on the ambient air quality parameters inside Sophia Girls’ College campus. It is the duty of an
organisation that air components like Suspended Particulate Matter, Oxides of Nitrogen, Oxides of Sulphur, Carbon-Di-
Oxide and Carbon-Mono-Oxide should not cross the threshold as air pollution is a slow poison. In this study, we have
analysed and evaluated three parameters, suspended particulate matter (PM10), Sulphur dioxide and oxides of Nitrogen.
Ambient air quality index is one of the major aspects in Green Audit. The quality of air has both short term and long term
effects on the physical as well as mental wellbeing of the stakeholders as polluted air may cause many diseases such as

Original Article
allergy, headache, eye irritation particularly related to our respiratory system. This paper also deals with the perceptive
causes of air pollution inside the college campus besides the actual pollution levels which are measured by Rajasthan
State Pollution Control Board. These three parameters are compared with standards given by National Ambient Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS). The entire index inside the college is much below permissible limits. Green landscaping and
vegetation like deciduous trees and shrubs over one third area of the college contributes to cleanliness of air inside the
campus.

KEYWORDS: Air Quality Parameters, Pollution, Institution, Particulate matter & Sulphur dioxide and Oxides of
Nitrogen

Received: Mar 17, 2021; Accepted: Apr 07, 2021; Published: Apr 15, 2021; Paper Id.: IJEEFUSJUN20211

1. INTRODUCTION

Air is not a mere a mixture of gases, solid suspended particles and water vapours but it means life for all living
organisms including human beings present on the earth as their survival depends directly or indirectly on the
cleanliness of air. Ambient Air Quality Index is the imperative parameter that is to be emphasized in educational
Institutions because young minds are shaped in these places. Air Quality Index is one of the major components in
green audit. If we lose quality of air on the galaxy, then one day our survival will be in danger. According to IQ Air,
a normal healthy person can take on an average 25000 breaths per day, which is the necessity for the existence of
life. In earlier times, most of the temples of education were located at a very calm and at serene places which were
free from not only chaos but also from air pollution. In an educational institution, growth of young minds takes
place physically as well as mentally hence, it should be pollution free.

According to Sushma, R. And Shilpa, Seth, in colleges, the amount of carbon-dioxide in canteen and
computer labs were reported higher than in open space area1. In one survey of oziom.com, it is concluded that bad
air quality can put both short term and long term negative effects on the health of students and staffs. Verma, A.,

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2 Dr. Sr. Pearl, Dr. Deepmala & Ms. Shivani Indora

mentioned in one paper that Asthma, cough, allergy, headache, eye irritation are some of the common problems arises due
to polluted air 2. According to Zenghang Yang in colleges, the library is a place where air gets polluted due to bacteria of
books, furniture and also by use of disinfectants3. Jin, J. Stated that electromagnetic radiation arises due to E-technology
acts as “invisible Killer”, plays an equal contribution in air pollution4. According to Erlandson, G., Magzamen, S. &
Schaeffler, W., “occupancy status and building zones are major predictors of air pollution inside the college campus 5”.

According to Chithra, V. S. & Nagendra, S.M., “In all pollutants, Particulate Matter has maximum concentration
found in schools6”. According to Thatcher and Layton, airborne particles having a size more than 5µm can be produced by
small disturbance. According to Chan, there is lot of difference between Particulate matter and NO2 in the measurement of
indoor and outdoor ratio. According to EPA, even short term exposure to sulphur dioxide can negatively affect our
respiratory system leading to breathing problems, especially for those who are suffering from asthma.

2. STUDY AREA

Sophia Girls' College is situated in Ajmer which is the heart of Rajasthan, a state of India. It is spread over an area of about
9.9 acres and located on 26028’20.24” N latitude & 79039’20.24’’E longitude. It is one of the most beautiful places for staff
and students as more than one third of its area is covered with greenery.

3. OBJECTIVES

The main aims and objectives of this study are

 To evaluate the air quality parameters of the institution.

 To compare these parameters with standard ones.

 To find out the effects of different air pollutants on the stakeholders.

 To find out various outdoor and indoor factors responsible for the air pollution in the campus.

 To suggest some methods to lower pollutant level to minimum possible limits.

4. METHODLOGY

The Methodology is divided into two parts

I Preparation of Questionnaire: A questionnaire on the perception of stakeholders on air quality inside the campus
and possible causes was prepared and given to students and teachers. On the basis of this survey, results were finalized and
shown by simple statistical methods like percentage and simple bar diagram.

II Checking of Air Quality Parameters of Sophia Girls’ College (Autonomous) by Rajasthan State Pollution
Control Board: Air Quality Indexes of Sophia Girls’ College (Autonomous) were measured by a team of RSPCB Regional
Office, Kishangarh using different instruments at three places – Quadrangle (Within the premises, Open area), Canteen
area and Playground on 29th December, 2020.

Certified results given by RSPCB were examined and analysed. These results were also compared with air quality
standards given by National Ambient Air Quality Standards in India. (NAAQS). The results are shown in tabular form and
by simple bar diagrams.

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.8083 Rating: 3.58

Ambient Air Quality Parameters: A Case Study of Sophia Girls’ College, Ajmer (India) 3

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

Air Quality Index of an organisation mainly depends on the location factor, whether it is situated in a rural area or urban
area. If it is situated in the centre of a city that is near bus stand, industrial area or railway station, then invariably its
Ambient Air Quality Index will be high. Sophia Girls’ College (Autonomous), Ajmer is one of the most beautiful places in
the city due to its location and fascinating panorama. The college is situated at the foothills of Aravallis and has a very rich
biological diversity. There are 44 types of trees, 30 types of medicinal plants, 24 types of ornamental plants, 20 types of
vegetables, 13 varieties of cacti, 14 varieties of insects, 41 types of birds, 2 types of reptiles and 3 types of mammals. It is
spread over 9.99 acres of land. Out of this, one third area has green cover. It is located on the main road connecting Ajmer-
Jaipur hence slightly exposed to exhaust gases from vehicular traffic. The College is surrounded by a school in the north,
central jail in the west, government bungalows in the east and residential Colonies in the south.

Table 1: Shows Perceptive Causes of Air Pollution

S. No Perception Of People Percentage
1 Location of an Organisation 35.7
2 Living Habits of Surrounding People 26.7
3 Habits of Stake-holders 14.4
4 Nature of building and infrastructure 5.2
5 Action plan of Management 4.9
6. Others 13.1

Table-1 depicts that 35.7 percent (more than one third) people think that institutional location plays a great role in
the air quality parameters. If an institution is very near to a crowded market place or near an industrial area such as oil
refineries, then outdoor activities will certainly increase the air pollution of an institution. Habits of people living in the
surrounding area and habits of stake-holders also put a great impact on the air quality of an institution as 14.4 percent
people think that it is a major cause of air pollution inside the campus. Also, this survey shows that in Sophia College,
Management has put a complete ban on smoking inside the campus and also parking of vehicles strictly at the designated
area only which is located near the entrance of the main gate, so pollution caused by emissions from vehicles inside the
campus is minimized. Secondly, the College runs environmental awareness programmes for people living in surrounding
areas.

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4 Dr. Sr. Pearl, Dr. Deepmala & Ms. Shivani Indora

Table 2: Levels Of Suspended Particulate Matter (Spm)

Area Canteen Play ground Quadrangle Permissible Limits (NAAQS)
Particulate
Matter 64 60 58 100
PM10(µg/m3)

Table-2 represents suspended particulate matter present in air in the canteen area, playground and quadrangle.
According to NAAQS, particulate matter concentration [PM10(µg/m3)] should be less than 100. The above table shows that
inside the College campus, this index is much below the permissible limit. In an organisation, the main cause of this
pollution is road traffic of surroundings, emission from vehicles, LPG, chalk dust due to black board teaching and dust due
to soil and building construction activities and also incomplete combustion of garbage. According to Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency, suspended particulate matter can have short term as well as long term effect on the respiratory system and
they produce deep effect on the lungs also9. According to Przbysz, Nersisyan and Gawronski, a very simple way to remove
suspended particulate matter is via vegetation 15.

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.8083 Rating: 3.58

Ambient Air Quality Parameters: A Case Study of Sophia Girls’ College, Ajmer (India) 5

Table 3: Concentration of Sulphur Dioxide (µg/M3)

Permissible
Area Quadrangle Canteen Play ground
Limits(NAAQS)
Sulphur
dioxide 4.89 4.58 6.05 80
(µg/m3)

Table-3 represents Sulphur dioxide, one of the major pollutant these days, is mainly produced by thermal power
plants, smelters and a number of industries such as fertiliser, sulphuric acid manufacturing, paper and pulp and oil
refineries. It is also released in the air by mobile sources like ships and locomotives. This type of pollution is responsible
for acid rain. As Sophia Girls’ College (Autonomous) is not in the catchment area of any of these two, therefore, inside the
campus, this type of pollution is very less. According to Kapil, S., India is the main generator of sulphur dioxide in the
world. Out of 10 hotspots, 5 hotspots which produces sulphur dioxide are located in India 10.

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6 Dr. Sr. Pearl, Dr. Deepmala & Ms. Shivani Indora

Table 4: Concentration of Oxides of Nitrogen (µg/m3)

Play Permissible
Area Quadrangle Canteen
ground Limits(NAAQS)
Oxides of
10.26 9.16 17.05 80
nitrogen(µg/m3)

According to Green Facts on the health and environment, road traffic and energy production are the main source
of Nitrogen dioxide11. From the Table-4, it is clear that inside the college campus levels of oxides of Nitrogen is much
below the permissible limit given by NAAQS. Inside the College campus, these levels of oxides of Nitrogen are due to
indoor as well as outdoor sources. The College building is not very far from the national highway and hence road traffic
puts a great impact on the concentration of Nitrogen oxide level12. Long term exposure to Nitrogen dioxide may decrease
the lung function and increase the risk of respiratory symptoms. Several studies have shown that children and those who
are suffering from asthma are more susceptible to Nitrogen dioxide pollutants. According to American lung association,
Nitrogen dioxide is released in atmosphere when coal, gas, oil or diesel is burned at high temperature. These oxides of
Nitrogen are mainly responsible for the formation of Ozone13. According to USEPA, Nitrogen dioxide is responsible for
the lower birth weight in newborns and also causes increased risk of premature death 14. Thus, presence of oxides of
nitrogen in air is very dangerous to human health.

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.8083 Rating: 3.58

Ambient Air Quality Parameters: A Case Study of Sophia Girls’ College, Ajmer (India) 7

6. RECOMMENDATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS

According to “The Hindu Survey of the Environment”, air pollution is a slow poison. In Sophia Girls’ College
(Autonomous), all parameters of air pollution is much below the permissible range. Covid-19 epidemic and the demand of
modern lifestyle certainly leave us speechless. To maintain all these parameters much below the permissible limit and to
fulfil our duty towards our mother earth, the following suggestions can be followed. Conduction of Programmes like
seminar, rallies and workshops for staff, students and community living near the institution to create awareness towards
environmental sustainability.

 Minimum use of Air-Conditioners when required.

 More emphasis should be given to petrol vehicles as vehicles running on diesel create more air pollution.

 Encourage the staff and students to use bicycles.

 Encourage students who live near the institution to come on foot.

 Motivate staff and students to use shared pooling.

 Don’t burn wood, tree leaves or any other type of solid waste.

 Plant more deciduous trees and shrubs to minimise suspended particulate matter in the air.

7. CONCLUSIONS

The Sophia College Management always takes keen interest and also implements their sense of responsibility towards the
wellbeing of its stakeholders. It is a password of success for Sophia College since 1959. Activities conducted by different
clubs, forums and add on courses running in the college related to environmental sustainability have successfully achieved
their goals as levels of various air pollutants are successfully maintained much below the permissible limit. It is also due to
the fact that one third part of college campus is covered by greenery and there are no industrial areas in the vicinity of the
College. Now, it is a challenge for the staff and students of the college to maintain and further minimize air pollutants level
in future.

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8 Dr. Sr. Pearl, Dr. Deepmala & Ms. Shivani Indora

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Our sincere and heartfelt thanks to Dr. Kirti Sharma, Analyst, Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board for taking air
samples and providing the Ambient Air Quality report on time.

REFERENCES

1. Sushma, R. & Shet, S. (2015), “Indoor Air Quality Monitoring in College Campus”, international journal of innovative
Research in science, Engineering and technology, vol4 (7), pp 5931-5936.

2. Verma, A. (2020), ozium.com/air-quality monitoring in schools.

3. Yang, Z. (2017), “Indoor air pollution and preventions in college libraries”, IOP Conf. Series: Earth and Environmental
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4. Jin, J. (2011), “The indoor air quality status analysis and optimizing strategy in the university library”, Journal of university
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5. Erlandson, G., magzamen, S. & Schaeffler, W. (2019), “Characterization of Indoor Air Quality on a College Campus: A Pilot
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6. Chitra, V.S. & Nagendra, S. M. (2000), “A Review of Scientific Evidence on Indoor Air of School Building: Pollutants,
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8. Chan, A. T. (2002), “Indoor–Outdoor relationship of Particulate Matter and Nitrogen Oxides under different outdoor
metrological conditions”, Atmospheric environment, vol36 (9), 1543-1551.

9. www.pca.state.mn.us

10. Shagun, K., (2019), India emit the most sulphur dioxide in the world, Down to Earth.

11. Greenfacts.org/en/nitrogen, Air Pollution Nitrogen Dioxide.

12. Kodema Y, et al. (2002), “Environmental No2 concentration and exposure in daily life along main road in Tokyo”.
Environmental Research, vol89, pp236-234.

13. Lung.org/clean-air/outdoor, American Lung Association, Nitrogen Dioxide.

14. U.S, EPA, 2016.

15. Przbysz, A., Nersisyan, G., and Waldemar Gawronski, S. (2018), “Removal of particulate matter and trace elements from
ambient air by urban greenery in the winter season’’, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Vol 26, pp 473-482

Impact Factor (JCC): 5.8083 Rating: 3.58