Air toxics in ambient air of Delhi

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are major group of air pollutants which play critical role in atmospheric chemistry. It contributes to toxic oxidants which are harmful to ecosystem human health and atmosphere. Data on levels of VOCs in developing countries is lacking. In India information at target VOCs as defined in USEPA compendium method TO-14 is almost totally lacking. The present work deals with estimation of target VOCs at 15 locations in five categories namely residential, industrial, commercial, traffic intersections and petrol refueling stations in Delhi, the capital of India. The monitoring was carried out during peak hours in morning and evening each month for a year in 2001. Ambient air was adsorbed on adsorbent tubes, thermally desorbed and analyzed on GC–MS. The results show that levels of VOCs are high and stress the need for regular monitoring programme of VOCs in urban environment.