Spatio-temporal variation in the concentration of atmospheric particulate matter: A study in fourth largest urban agglomeration in India

Exposure to atmospheric particulate matter is still a serious concern in the developing countries, as the incremental concentrations of PM10 continues to exceed. Limited literature has been reported on spatial - temporal variability of PM10 and its relationship with vegetation using remote sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) techniques. The data for the study were collected in four geographically distinct areas (i.e., Adyar, Anna Nagar, Kilpauk and T. Nagar)in the fourth largest urban agglomeration, Chennai city, India during 2013 to 2018. The spatial variability has been identified for PM10 in selected locations, as well as concentration variation in different seasons was also investigated. It was observed that the levels of PM10 pollution were higher within vicinity of the industrial zone. However, the seasonal variation especially dry monsoon season effect makes the level higher in concentration. The changes in vegetative cover in the study area were studied using Landsat-8 imageries for the period 2013-2018. The Landsat-8 imageries were used to obtain the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which aids in studying the vegetative cover. The study shows that with increase in NDVI values there is a decrease in the concentration of particulate matter. This shows that measures need to be taken in the study area to increase the vegetative cover, so that the effect of pollutants can be alleviated in the atmosphere. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.