Wintertime Meteorological Influence on Coarse and Fine Particulate Matter at Mesra, Ranchi – Jharkhand India

Abstract

Abstract The present study primarily focuses on comprehending the meteorological influence on Particulate Matter (PM) of different sizes, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0, at a regional site of carbonaceous aerosol emissions, source Apportionment, and climate impacts (COALESCE) network site in Mesra, Ranchi. PM10 mean concentration was 120.53 μg m−3, and PM2.5 was 98.36 μg m−3, exceeding the daily limit of 100 μg m−3 and 60 μg m−3 prescribed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). It is the first report of PM1.0 mean concentration (44.66 μg m−3) for this region. Meteorological parameters such as dry relative humidity (Mean = 71.30%), lower temperatures (Mean = 15.92°C), and lower planet boundary layer during winter enhance the particle phase partitioning. In addition, the wind was predominantly from the Southwest (SW) direction, where brick kiln manufacturing is located, carrying particles to the site. PM10 and PM1 had a strong correlation (r2 = 0.92), suggesting that the particles that form in the coagulation mode (PM1) come mainly from the combustible sources and the coarse mode PM10 largely comes from the non-combustible sources might have a possible chemical relationship. However, a detailed source apportionment study can suggest the potential sources and causes for the elevated concentration.