IIT Kanpur researchers reveal major sources of air pollution in North India

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), led by Professor Sachchida Nand Tripathi from the Department of Civil Engineering and Sustainable Energy Engineering, have delved into the primary sources of harmful air pollutants in North India and their impacts on public health.

IIT Kanpur researchers study air pollution sources

Their investigation, outlined in a press release, underscores the role of local emissions, particularly from incomplete combustion of various fuels, in exacerbating air quality issues in the region, posing significant health risks.

Despite widespread awareness of the subcontinent's polluted air, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports a staggering 1.3 million annual deaths in India attributable to air pollution.

While past studies have shed light on the severity of air pollution in India, pinpointing its precise sources has proven challenging. Professor Tripathi's team, collaborating with national and international researchers, analyzed air quality data from five locations across the Indo-Gangetic plains, including Delhi and its environs, to unravel the issue's complexities.

Quoting the press release, Prof. “The important information our research provides about the sources of air pollution in North India and their health impacts will help us develop more effective strategies to improve air quality and protect public health,” Tripathi said.

The research helped determine pollution caused by local emissions and improper burning. The research, published in Nature Communications, found that local sources and activities are responsible for the bulk of air pollution across the region. Inside Delhi, ammonium chloride and organic aerosols emitted from traffic, home heating and industrial activities are the main causes of pollution.

Burning residues and fuels worsen pollution

Beyond Delhi, the research pinpointed emissions from burning agricultural residues and the formation of secondary organic aerosols from these emissions as significant contributors to air pollution. 

Additionally, incomplete burning of fuels such as wood, cow dung, coal, and petrol exacerbates the issue by generating harmful particles that pose risks to respiratory health and can lead to various health problems. Notably, the study identified organic aerosols resulting from incomplete burning of biomass and fossil fuels as a key factor amplifying the oxidative capacity of air pollution, thereby exacerbating its detrimental health effects

Prof. Manindra Agrawal, Director of IIT Kanpur, commended the research, stating, “This study exemplifies IIT Kanpur's commitment to finding solutions for the critical challenges that India is facing. Professor Tripathi's research provides valuable insights and knowledge that can guide policymakers and stakeholders in their efforts to mitigate air pollution and its detrimental effects on our health. I congratulate Prof. Tripathi and his team who have been doing outstanding research to address the serious problems caused by air pollution.”

"Oxidative capacity measures the likelihood of air pollution causing harmful reactions, leading to health issues like respiratory and heart diseases, as well as premature aging," explained the press release. Urgent action is required to address this issue and reduce emissions by improving burning efficiency across various sectors.

Quoting the press release, Prof. Manindra Aggarwal, Director of IIT Kanpur, emphasized the importance of the research in finding solutions to India's major challenges. He stated, "Professor Tripathi's research provides crucial information that can guide policymakers and stakeholders in efforts to mitigate air pollution and its adverse effects on our health."

The research underscores the necessity for comprehensive strategies focusing on local emission sources and advocating for clean technologies, particularly in traffic, residential, and industrial sectors. Enforcing strict emission standards, promoting renewable energy sources, and raising public awareness about the health impacts of air pollution are crucial steps toward achieving clean air and a healthy future not only for North India but for the entire country.

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