Impact analysis and Prediction on vehicular pollution on ambient air quality of Asian highway 47 at Indore city

Abstract

The exponential increase in vehicular traffic on AH 47 in the Indore region, now reaching up to 1 newlinelac vehicles per day, has led to a significant escalation in vehicular pollution. Despite this alarming newlinetrend, there has been a lack of studies addressing vehicular pollution along this corridor. This newlineresearch aims to fill this gap by conducting a detailed assessment of vehicular pollution on AH 47. newline4 high traffic IDTL Toll Manglia, Bicholi Mardana, Tejaji Nagar and Rau Circle were selected for the newlinestudy conducted from November 20, 2022, to February 12, 2023. Various analytical methods were newlineemployed to quantify air pollutants, including the Modified West and Gaeke method for SO2, the newlineSodium Arsenite method for NO2, and Respirable Dust Sampling for RSPM. Sampling was newlineperformed during peak traffic hours in the morning and evening, adhering to CPCB. The findings newlinedemonstrated a strong correlation between increased vehicular volume and elevated pollutant newlineconcentrations. RSPM levels were particularly problematic, frequently exceeding CPCB permissible newlinelimits. While SO2 and NO2 levels remained below regulatory thresholds, there were indications of newlinepotential exceedances during evening peaks if current trends persist. The AQI ranged from moderate newlineto severe across all locations, with Rau Circle exhibiting severe pollution during peak hours. A linear newlineregression multiple attribute model was developed to predict pollutant concentrations based on newlinemultiple variables, allowing for forecasts of concentration bands and percentage changes throughout newlinethe day. The study underscores the urgent need for mitigation measures to address vehicular pollution newlinealong AH 47 in the Indore region.