Modeling and monitoring of suspended particulate matter from Badarpur thermal power station, Delhi

The present work focuses on the seasonal evaluation of suspended particulate matter (SPM) produced by Badarpur thermal power station (BTPS) within a radius of 5 km of its source. The study was carried out using both monitoring and modeling; experimental measurements were obtained from a monitoring network in and around the power station. Numerical simulations were carried out employing a Gaussian plume point source model. SPM is considered to be the main pollutant emitted by the power station. Two years (1998–1999) of wind speed, wind direction and cloud cover data recorded by India Meteorological Department (IMD) were used for concentration computations. These computed values of particulate matter at six receptors, in and around BTPS, were used to evaluate the seasonal impact of BTPS on air quality. Comparison of numerical results with experimental data show a marked seasonal trend along the study period which is characterized by SPM levels that were higher in winter and decreased progressively through the pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and monsoon seasons.