AN ENVIRONMENTAL-POLLUTION STUDY OF INDIAN METROPOLITAN CITIES AND INDUSTRIAL SURROUNDINGS BY INAA

The process of urbanization and industrialization during last two deca des has resulted in increased level of air pollution causing hazards t o human health. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using short and lone term irradiation has been employed for the determinatio n of more than 30 elements in suspended particulate matter (SPH) from six metropolitan cities and three industrial surroundings. A compariso n of mean elemental contents in dust particulates from commercial, ind ustrial and residential zones of Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Cochin, Bomb ay and Nagpur cities has shown wide variation in toxic pollutant (As, Br, Cr, Cu, Mg and Sb) concentrations. Coastal areas have shown higher concentrations of Na, K, Cl and Br. Highly industrialized Bombay show ed highest levels of Br, Cl, Cr, Fe, Mg, P, Rb and Sc. Mean elemental contents in fugitive and ambient dust of a cement factory and thermal power station (both in central India) are widely different. SPM levels in fugitive duet of the two industrial surroundings are higher by an order of magnitude compared to ambient air. Analysis of ambient air du st from a paper mill showed highest concentrations of HE, Sb and Zn. E lemental data have been compared with those of Urban Particulate Matte r (SRM 1648), Coal Fly Ash (SRM 1633a) and Vehicle Exhaust Particulate (NIES No.8) which were analysed for quality control. An attempt has b een made to attribute the elemental contents to possible sources of or igin.