Studies on Seasonal Variation in the Dispersion of Suspended Particulate Matter from a Point Source

The present study focuses on the seasonal evaluation and short range dispersion of suspended particulate matter (SPM) emitted by a detergent manufacturing industry in Vadamangalam near Puducherry within a radius of 1.5 km of its source. The study was carried out using monitoring followed by modelling. Experimental measurements were obtained by conducting a spot sampling analysis during different seasons in and around the detergent manufacturing industry. Analytical calculations were carried out by employing the Gaussian plume point source model. SPM is considered to be the main pollutant emitted by detergent industry. Five years (1999-2003) of wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover data, recorded by Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), were used for concentration prediction. The predicted values of particulate matter in and around the industry, were used to evaluate the seasonal impact of detergent manufacturing industry on air quality. Comparison of modelling results with experimental data showed a marked seasonal trend in the study period, which is characterized by SPM levels that were higher in summer and decreased progressively through the monsoon, post-monsoon and winter seasons.