AIR POLLUTION AT AUTOCOMPLEX AREA: A CASE STUDY

By,
Raksha Ninjoor
6 th sem
J.N.N.College of Engineering
Shimoga
ninjoor10@gmail.com

&
Neeraja G Hebbur
6 th sem
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF
J.N.N.College of Engineering
Shimoga
neera.heb27@gmai l .com
UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF

Dr.M.N. Shesha Prakash

Professor
Civil Engineering Department,
Jawaharlal Nehru National College of Engineering, Shimoga-577 204
Email: dr_prakash@sancharnet.in

ABSTRACT
The major source of atmospheric emissions from automobiles vary from petrol to
diesel driven vehicles. The most hazardous gasses among the emitted one are Carbon
monoxide (CO) and Hydrocarbons in case of petrol driven vehicles and emission of
smoke in diesel driven vehicles. These emissions will effect ambient air quality and
inturn affect the human health in and around the area of the auto-complex.
Considering this a study has been carried out in Shimoga city Auto-complex area
where such auto-activities are considered to be more frequently taking place, as different
types of vehicles visit the area for repairs and services, since a long time. This activity
results in pollution of ambient air due to emissions from all the visiting vehicles
throughout the day. Unfortunately, the Auto-complex in Shimoga has been located
amidst the residential area which has been causing greater damage to the inmates.
High volume sampler equipment has been used to measure the ambient air quality
in this area as per the standard procedures. The experiment has been carried out for a

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duration of over 6 months at various stations in all directions of the study area. The
obtained data has been analysed and the results are tabulated along with the pictorial
representation.

Introduction

Air is an essential source for the sustenance for life on earth. The pollution of
such important essential ingredient has been continuously occurring due to man made
activities, which has to be reviewed seriously. Such pollutions can occur from different
sources due to smoke emitted by major industries or even from a domestic oven,
including vehicular emissions1 . The major sources of different elements identified by the
earlier researchers are soil, coal and refuse burning, motor vehicle emissions, oil burning
and salt aerosols2.

The scientific monitoring of the environmental pollution is important for many

reasons. It is necessary to have some idea of the different methods used for pollution
abatement. The information about the desired limit is essential for calculating the extent
to which the pollution control is required. To study the pollutants discharged through
industrial emissions and from certain human contributions, live traffic, burning of wastes
etc., which affects the health and natural habitants3
When assessing the primary resources that are needed to sustain life, one must
consider air as being one of the most (if not the most) critical resources. What makes air
quality particularly vulnerable is that air, unlike water or other wastes, cannot be
reprocessed practically at some central location and subsequently distributed for use.
To reduce the air particulate pollution, development of air control strategies4
require an accurate understanding of the - Physical and Chemical characteristics of air
particulate, their origin and contribution of each source to air particulate levels.
To assess the impact of various activities on the air quality, the major elements of
the air pollution problem may be examined. These are
(1) The presence of a source,
(2) Means of transporting the pollutant to a receptor,
(3) The receptor.
If any of these elements are removed the problem ceases to exist.

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 The clear air act of 1970 was established to protect and enforce the quality of the
nation’s air resources so as to promote public health and welfare and productive capacity
of its population5. In 1971 the Environmental Policy Act (EPA) set fourth National
Primary and Secondary Ambient Air Quality Standards, under section 109 of the clear air
act. The Indian standards for ambient air quality are as below.6

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 Table 1. Indian Standards for ambient air quality
Concentration in Zone SPM SO2 CO NO
μ gm/m3
Industrial area 500 120 5000 120
Residential area 200 80 2000 80
Sensitive area 100 30 1000 30

Vehicular pollution :
The various undesirable effects of large vehicular traffic on our city roads are as
indicated below6 :
(a) High levels of noise on all of our roads in major cities.
(b) Pollution of our urban atmospheric environment.
Large particle emissions (soot) are obvious from diesel vehicles (both from light
and heavy duty). From this and from the fact that the lead content in fuel is rather high, it
can be inferred that the problem of vehicular pollution is associated with particles and
lead rather than carbon monoxide.8 In this article, it is intended to examine in detail the
air pollution, pollution of the general environment and noise pollution due to automobile
traffic on our roads .

Study area :
Shimoga is a district head quarters located on Bangalore-Honnavar Road lies at a
distance of 272 Km from Bangalore (Fig. 1 Map of the Study area). It is situated at the
latitude of 13o 15' North and longitude of 75o 35' East. It is at an altitude of 579 m above
MSL and on the banks of Tunga river. It is one of the fast developing cities of Karnataka
State. It is a commercial centre also known for its scenic beauty. The total population of
the Shimoga city as per the 1996 census is around 3.5 lakhs with floating population of
10 % of this. The number of vehicular movement is about 10565 daily (both 4 wheelers
and 2 wheelers).
Air pollution is caused by discharging of contaminates such as dust, fume, gas,
mist, colour, smoke or vapour in atmosphere.

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Analysis :
Sampling of Air : The sampling is carried out in the selected locations like, behind
Modern theatre, Maruthi Nursing Home, Garden area (Auto-Complex area) and Manasa
Nursing Home, by using high volume air sampler.9
Parameters involved :
(i) Suspended particulate matter (SPM)
(ii) Gaseous pollutants- SO2, CO2 , CO, etc..
Apparatus (High volume air sampler) High volume air sampler is used for air sampling
purposes. The sampler unit consist of three parts -
a) Face plate and gasket,
b) Filter adapter assembly and
c) The motor or blowing unit.
Selection of Sampling Site : The sampling stations are located at a height of 3 to 4 m
above the ground level avoiding the nearby chimneys and high rise buildings in the
vicinity such that free exposure of the sampler for the collection of samples by gravity
settling is maintained.
Method of Sampling :
a) Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) : The clear and dried micro glass fibre filter
paper of size 200 mm x 250 mm is placed on the stainless steel perforated sheet which is
fitted to the suction pump and the motor is operated for a required time of 8 hours. The
gable roof of the equipment is closed and motor is run and the dust concentration can be
calculated as follows1 :
The glass fibre filter paper is initially weighed and placed on the perforated plate
which is fitted to the suction pump. The filter paper is taken out after the required time
and is again weighed. The difference between the initial and final weight gives the
amount of SPM in the volume of air sucked. The volume of air sucked can be measured
by means of flow measuring device which is fitted to the equipment by knowing weight.
SPM can be calculated and is expressed in μg/m3.
b) Gaseous Pollutants : The high volume air sampler consists of fine glass impinger
tubes, using specific absorbing media placed in them and these tubes are connected to
the main fold controlling device for air flow through impinger and the main fold is

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 connected to the nozzle and the suction throat for better results. The flow through the
impinger tube should be maintained as 1.5 m3/min.9
This can be measured by rotometer which is connected to the sulphur dioxide
(SO2) impinger tube having mercuric chloride and sodium chloride absorbent. This is
analysed in the laboratory by titration method.

Table 2. Survey Data of Vehicles in Garden Area and Modern Theatre

Surrounding.
Present Future
(1997) (2017)
1.Total No. of vehicles registered up to 21-03-97 as in R.T.O. Shimoga
(No. of three, four and six wheelers) 70213 127147
(i) Total no. 2 wheelers 48533 89632

(ii) Total no. 3 wheelers 2333 4898

(iii)Total no. 4 wheelers (Tempos, cars and trucks only) 3256 4997

(iv) Total no. 6 wheelers (Bus) 336 1317

(v) Total no. of goods vehicle 2528 5763

(vi) Other vehicles 13129 20540

2. Approximate no. of vehicles coming to auto-complex / day for 600 1045

repairs
3. Approximate no. of vehicles outgoing from auto-complex / day 340 748

Table 3. Air Sampling Results at Various Stations.

Station particulars at Commercial Area.

Sl. Date Sampling station details SPM SO2 CO Remarks Temperature

No. μgm/m3 μgm/m3 μgm/m3

1 7-6-97 Behind Modern Theatre 527.78 16.66 B.D.L Sunny Day 33.5o C

2 10-3-97 Maruthi Nursing Home. 545.00 13.10 B.D.L Sunny Day 34.0o C
Garden Area
3 6-6-97 (Auto-Complex area) 680.56 12.77 BDL Sunny Day 34.0o C

4 12-4-97 Manasa Nursing Home. 600.50 12.20 B.D.L Sunny Day 35.0o C
B.D.L → Below Detective Level

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Table 4 Health Survey
In this project, Health interviews ( face to face ) Survey method is adopted.

Age of Morbidity Variates

Sl. Name of Workers Chronic Bronchitis Primary Eye Pr- Duration Remarks
No. Shop * Asthma lung cancer oblem of diseases
(yrs)

1 S.L.N. Service Stn. 25 √ - - - 02

2 Renuka Tractor 30 - √ - - 05

Garage.

3 H.M.Tractor Garage. 40 √ - - - 12

4 Kala Printers. 39 - √ √ √ 14

5 Ejaz Scooters. 36 - - - - - BDL **

6 Willies Auto Service. 45 - - - - - DNA

7 Amba Auto Works. 50 - - - - 20 Gastritis

8 Karnataka Engg. 52 - √ - - - B. P.

Works

9 Velu Engg. Works 55 - - - - -

10 Kiran Auto Works 58 √ - - √ 30

11 Nagin Battery Works 48 √ - - √ 10

12 Ganesh Industries 62 - - - - 12 Ulcer, Gastritis

13 Auto Machine Shop 38 - - - √ 04 Heart Trouble

14 Modern Engg. Works 37 - - - - -

15 Ratnakar Paints 26 √ - - √ 21/2 Skin Disease

16 Sreenivasa Auto Works 20 - √ - - 01

17 Ranganatha 44 - - - √ 08 Hyper Tension

Engg.Works

18 Maruthi Service Stn. 51 √ - - √ 11

19 Venkatagiri Auto 53 √ - - √ 18 B. P., Gastritis

Works

20 R.S. Engg. Works 49 - - - √ 13 Head ache

21 Shankar Engg. Works Headache and

59 - - - √ 17 Sleepless nights

22 Diamond Auto Works 34 √ √ - - 05

23 Vinayaka Auto 29 - - √ - Heart Problem

Works

24 I.W. Welding Works 31 - - √ √ 03 Head ache &

Cough

25 Shimoga Garage 47 - √ - √ 09 B.P.

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Discussions and Conclusions :

• It can be concluded that the auto activities will be enhanced further steeply at the
auto-complex area. This increase in activities are expected to increase by two or three
folds at the end of 2015 AD. Due to this increased auto activities, there will be an
impact on the ambient air pollution.
• The study on ambient air quality at the study area indicates that SPM and SO2 are
680.5 μg/m3 and 16.6 PPM respectively. This increase in particulate matter and SO2
are purely because of auto activities like transportation and repair of vehicles.
Similarly with increase in the activities at the proposed auto-complex area, the
emission of air pollutants into atmosphere will also be more and more resulting in
effect on human health, plants and buildings, soil etc..
• The health survey shows that, the people in the vicinity of the auto-complex area who
are exposed continuously to the polluted air, are suffering from asthma / bronchitis,
eye irritation, head ache, etc. The health problem is mainly due to air pollution in the
form of higher concentration of SPM, SO2 and also noise pollution.
• These health hazards from air pollution may be over come at the auto-complex area
by providing necessary safety measures like creating awareness among the workers
and owners of vehicles, garages etc. Also, buildings and garages are to be constructed
scientifically with proper ventilation. The trees should be planted along the shoulders.
• The garage owners and workers should be properly trained regarding tuning of
vehicles and repairs so that it leads to the minimisation of air pollution and noise
pollution.
• The smoke emission checking equipment should be installed at the proposed auto-
complex area and should make it mandatory for all types of vehicles to check their
smoke emission. The deterioration of health of the garage workers can be reduced by
providing nose filters and mufflers etc.
• Funds should be generated to provide free medical facilities to all the workers of the
auto-complex area. This facility is to check the health of people once in a month and
suggest the remedial measures.

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• The overall study reveals that, unless the above suggested impact management
remedies are not taken for the proposed auto-complex area, there will be an increase
in environmental impact due to auto activities.

80
700
70
600
60
500
50
400
40
300
30
200 20
1 2 3 4 5
100 10
1
0 2 3 4 5
0

Fig. 2 Comparison of SPM and SO2 at different

locations with that of the permissible value
1 Permissible Limit
2. Behind Modern Theatre
3. Maruthi Nursing Home
4. Garden Area
5. Manasa Nursing Home

EyeIrritation Chronic Bronchitis

41% 28%

Lung Cancer Asthma

10% 21%

Fig. 3 Pie Chart showing the health problems resulting from

Air Pollution in the Study area

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 References :

1. Kenneth Wark and Ceil F Warner, “ Air Pollution in Origin and Control”, Vol. 2,
Dun-Dunnelley, New York 1976.

2. Kowalczyk, G.S., Gordan. G.E. and Rheingroven. W.S., “ Environmental Science

Technology”, 16,79, 1982

3. Suess, M.J., Grefen, K and Reinisseh, D.W., “Ambient air pollutants from Industrial
sources”, WHO Regional office for Europe, Elsevier, New York. 1985

4. “National Air Quality and Emission Trends report”, US Environmental protection

agency, EPA 450 / 1-77-002, Research triangle park, NC, 1977

5. Jain. R.K., “Environmental Impact analysis”, Mc-Graw Hill, International Book

Company, New Delhi. 1985

6. Ambient Air quality standards, , Central Pollution Control Board, New Delhi. 1986

7. Trivedi. R.K., “Encyclopaedia of Environmental pollution and control”,

Environmental Publications, Karad, India. 1995

8. Burgess, W.M., Diberardinis, L and Speizer, F.E “Health effects of exposure to

automobile exhaust” Am Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J., 38-184-191, 1971

9. The Quality Assurance Handbook for air pollution measurement system “Ambient
air” / USEPA / 600 / 4 - 77 - 027 - A 1973

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to the Principal and the Management of J.N.N. College of
Engineering for their constant encouragement and the Laboratory facilities. The authors
wish to express gratitude to all the persons who helped them to get the data for the above
paper.

Key Words : Air, Auto-Complex, Environment, Vehicular pollution, SPM (Suspended

Particulate Matter)

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