Abstract

Introduction: Air pollution is a major health hazard. This study aims to investigate the concentration of the pollutants nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and respirable Particulate Matter (PM10) generated from various sources like automobiles and industries near the center of the cities in Mysuru and Madikeri.

Methods: The major pollutants, as suggested by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) in industrial areas include oxides of nitrogen (NOX), sulfur dioxide, and respirable particulate matter (PM10). The concentration of these gases in the ambient air was studied for about three months, from February to April 2017.

Results: The results showed that the concentration of emissions of the above-cited gaseous and suspended solid pollutants is higher than that of permissible concentrations as per the standards provided by KSPCB for an industrial area.

Conclusion: The major precautions can be taken to reduce the concentration level of these pollutants.

Keywords: Air pollutants, air quality, concentration, particulate matter, urbanization.