ANALYSIS OF PARTICULATE MATTER POLLUTION IN VIDARBHA REGION OF MAHARASHTRA

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅) samples were collected across three seasons at 11 sampling sites distributed in 11 districts of the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra during 2023–2024. Ambient air particulates were obtained using a fine dust sampling method, with particular emphasis on thermal power plants and other major pollution sources in the region. Sampling campaigns were conducted during three seasonal phases: summer, monsoon and winter. Winter consistently exhibited the highest values, reflecting pollutant accumulation under stable atmospheric conditions, whereas monsoon recorded the lowest levels, largely attributable to the scavenging effect of precipitation. Among the study locations, Chandrapur and Nagpur emerged as critical hotspots, with winter concentrations substantially exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), while Wardha maintained the lowest values across all seasons. Districts such as Amravati, Akola, Bhandara, Gadchiroli, and Gondia demonstrated moderate levels, with winter concentrations approaching or marginally exceeding permissible limits.