STUDY ON CARBONACEOUS SPECIES AND CARBONYLS AT MULTINATIONAL FOOD COURT (INDOOR ENVIRONMENT) IN DELHI, INDIA

Abstract

Atmospheric aerosols are gaining considerable importance in present-day scenario in urban areas in India due to growing anthropogenic activities as well as in terms of their effects on human and climate. Recent interest has centered on particulate matter and chemical species, particularly carbonaceous fractions as they act as both air pollutants and climate agents. The precise sources and chemical composition of carbonaceous species till now are not well known in India. Atmospheric aerosols are released in both indoor and outdoor environment. Aerosol released indoors is approximately one thousand times more likely to reach people‟s lung than a pollutant released outdoors. The present study aims at indoor air quality during the winter season at selected Multinational Food Courts (MFC‟s) in Delhi, India. Assessment of outdoor air quality is carried out for investigation on sources of pollutants. The study included the assessments of concentrations of particulate matter (PM10), organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), total carbon (TC) and carbonyl compounds. The meteorological parameters e.g., temperature, wind speed, wind direction and relative humidity were also collected during the study period. The study revealed the indoor air quality of MFC‟s in Delhi during the winter season and probable sources of pollutants. Study revealed that the concentrations of PM10, OC and EC at MFC – Rohini West stand higher in comparison with MFC – Netaji Subhashh place. I/O of PM10, OC, EC and TC were 1.35, 1.1, 1.14 and 1.1 respectively; indicating sources of pollutants lying Indoor. Analysis on Carbonyl compounds revealed that Acetaldehyde and Acetone contribute 31% each of all fifteen compounds identified. Recommendations were made to reduce the concentration levels of pollutants at indoor environment.