Abstract
This study investigates the truth behind conversations on stubble burning (SB) contribution to Delhi’s air pollution (DAP) using ground observations, geophysical models, and satellite-based measurements during 2019 and 2020. Pieces of evidence from ground-based measurements showed a drastic increase in the pollutant concentration during the SB episode (October–November of each year), which leads to the increased air quality index (AQI), confirming the significant contribution of SB in DAP along with internal sources. Geophysical models, including Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) back trajectories and Navy Aerosol Analysis and Prediction System (NAAPS), also indicated the contribution of regional SB in DAP. Measurements from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Visible Infrared Imagine Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), and Sentinel-P5 satellites further strengthen our findings on the regional contribution of SB, majorly from Punjab and Haryana in DAP. Nevertheless, the meteorological conditions (derived both from ground and satellite) worsen the situation of pollution in Delhi during winter.
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Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Government of India for providing data access. Director, HARSAC is acknowledged for providing a lab facility for this research.
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Highlights
• Ground, model, and satellite data showed traces of burnt biomass.
• The highest pollution level was observed during the peak stubble-burning period.
• Stubble burning contributes significantly to Delhi’s seasonal air pollution.
• Satellite-based observations showed the flow of pollutants towards Delhi.
• Meteorological conditions worsen the pollution level during winter.
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Kundu, N., Hooda, R.S. & Sandeep Does Stubble Burning Really Contribute in Delhi’s Air Pollution? Evidences from Ground, Model, and Satellite Data. Water Air Soil Pollut 235, 320 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-024-07062-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-024-07062-z