Rapid Air Quality Assessment and Modelling of an Educational Institute Located in a Coastal Region near National Highway

Abstract

The study investigated the variation in air pollutant concentrations at different sampling points within a higher educational institution located near a coastal region and a national highway in India. From January 2023 to March 2023, air pollutants including Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), and Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂) were sampled and analyzed using standard procedures at three distinct locations: the Main Entrance Gate (S1), Administrative Building (S2), and Sports Complex (S3) of the National Institute of Technology, Karnataka (NITK). A simple box model was employed to estimate the potential impact of emissions on atmospheric concentration. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated to explore relationships between air pollutants and meteorological parameters. The study revealed higher concentrations of gaseous pollutants and TSPM during the winter season, with the highest levels observed at the main entrance facing National Highway 66. Various factors such as meteorological variations, construction activities, local traffic conditions, and fuel consumption were identified as potential contributors to pollutant concentration fluctuations. Car, jeep, van, and motor vehicle traffic predominated, comprising 89.96% of the observed vehicles. Notably, a significant correlation was found between NO₂ levels and temperature at the sampling sites. The investigation underscores the environmental challenges faced by educational institutions, highlighting the imperative for sustainable practices and pollution control measures within campus boundaries. This study contributes valuable insights into the complex interplay between air pollutants, meteorological factors, and human activities, emphasizing the importance of proactive environmental management strategies in educational settings.