Title: Weekend–Weekday differences in near-surface ozone concentrations in Chennai, South India

Authors: M. Pulikesi, V.N. Rayudu, V. Ramamurthi, S. Sivanesan

Addresses: Petroleum Technology Research Center, University of Regina, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4S 0A2, Canada. ' Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board, Chennai 600 025, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, A.C. Tech., Anna University, Chennai 600 025, India. ' Department of Chemical Engineering, A.C. Tech., Anna University, Chennai 600 025, India

Abstract: The paper describes the weekend–weekday differences in near-surface ozone (O₃) concentration in Chennai, South India. The O₃ data measured during 18 January 2006 to 28 February 2006 has been analysed. The result indicated no major difference between the weekdays and weekend profiles for the O₃ concentrations. Further, oxides of nitrogen (NO_x), carbon monoxide (CO), Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM), wind speed and direction data has also been analysed for the same period. It has been observed that the 24-hour average SPM concentrations exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) on 26 January 2006 (Thursday), which is a national holiday.

Keywords: surface ozone; precursor gases; air pollution; weekdays; weekends; traffic islands; India; air quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEWM.2009.026893

International Journal of Environment and Waste Management, 2009 Vol.4 No.1/2, pp.213 - 224

Published online: 28 Jun 2009 *

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