Prevalence of plastics and other chemical constituents in PM2.5 close to major pollution sources in Delhi-NCR

Project description

Most air pollution sampling in India and around the world occurs at fixed and designated Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMSs). This approach does not capture the disproportionate impact of highly polluting sources to the city or region’s overall air quality. This project will use IIT Delhi’s Mobile Air Pollution Laboratory to sample gaseous pollutants and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) close to major air pollution sources such as power plants, industries, landfill sites, major highways and ascertain their impact on the nearby areas.

The major constituent of PM2.5 to be analyzed in this project would be plastic particles; an as yet unquantified contributor to particulate air pollution.

High volume samplers will be used for collecting particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) samples from the ambient air at a number of specific locations. Plastics analysis will be carried out using a quantitatively technique developed by the University of Queensland. Isolated particles will be analyzed by pyrolysis coupled to gas chromatography-mass spectrometry allows the mass concentrations of seven of the most commonly used plastics as well as tire wear particles.

The overall outcome will be an improved understanding of the contribution of major air pollution point sources to overall air quality, including for the first-time plastic particles.

Outcomes

Overall outcome of the project will be an improved understanding of the contribution of major air pollution point sources to overall air quality, including for the first-time plastic particles.

Specific deliverable from the project are:

1. Concentration and contribution of common plastics (including tire wear particles) in PM2.5 close to major air pollution sources, including highways and traffic intersections.
2. The levels of gaseous pollutants, particular number concentrations and total PM2.5 at the same locations as above.
3. Relationship between the level of plastics at the various locations with physico-chemical characteristics of the PM2.5, specific gaseous pollutants sampled, traffic and population density in the region.

Essential capabilities

Background in Mechanical, Chemical or Environmental Engineering. Sound practical skills in both field and laboratory.

Desireable capabilities

Proven track record of research output. Quantitative analysis, statistics, good written and communications skills.

Expected qualifications (Course/Degrees etc.)

Baseline to quality for PhD program at both Universities.

Candidate Discipline

Air pollution Nano- and micro-plastic pollution Source tracking.