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Characteristics of ambient ammonia over Delhi, India

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Abstract

In the present paper, we have characterized the ambient ammonia over Delhi along with other trace gases (NH3, NO, NO2, SO2 and CO) and particulates (PM2.5 and PM10) measured during December 2011 to June 2012. The average mixing ratios of ambient NH3, NO, NO2, SO2 and CO were recorded as 21.2 ± 5.4, 19.5 ± 4.9, 17.4 ± 1.4, 1.7 ± 0.5 ppb and 1.6 ± 0.7 ppm, respectively, during winter, whereas the average mixing ratios of ambient NH3, NO, NO2, SO2 and CO were recorded as 20.8 ± 4.7, 21.7 ± 6.3, 16.8 ± 3.1, 2.2 ± 0.8 ppb and 1.8 ± 0.9 ppm, respectively, during summer. In the present case, non-significant seasonal and diurnal variations of NH3, NO, NO2, SO2 and CO were observed during both the seasons. The average monthly NH3/NH4 + ratios varied from 0.28 to 2.56 with an average value of 1.46 in winter. The higher NH3/NH4 + ratio (3.5) observed in summer indicates the abundance of NH3 in the atmosphere during summer. The higher fraction of particulate NH4 + observed in winter than summer attributes to the conversion of gaseous NH3 into NH4 +. The results emphasized that the traffic could be one of the significant sources of ambient NH3 at the urban site of Delhi as illustrated by positive correlations of NH3 with traffic-related pollutants (NO, NO2 and CO). Surface wind analysis and wind directions also support the roadside traffic and agricultural activities at the nearby area indicating possible major sources of ambient NH3 at the study site.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are thankful to the Director, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi and Head, Radio and Atmospheric Sciences Division, NPL, New Delhi, India for their constant encouragement and support. The authors thankfully acknowledge the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, New Delhi (Grant No: SR/S4/AS: 12/2008) for financial support.

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  1. Radio and Atmospheric Sciences Division, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K S Krishnan Road, New Delhi, 110 012, India

    S. K. Sharma,  Rohtash,  Saraswati, Mohit Saxena & T. K. Mandal

  2. University School of Environment Management, GGS Indraprastha University, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110 078, India

    Manish Kumar & N. C. Gupta

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  1. S. K. Sharma
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Correspondence to S. K. Sharma.

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Sharma, S.K., Kumar, M., Rohtash et al. Characteristics of ambient ammonia over Delhi, India. Meteorol Atmos Phys 124, 67–82 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-013-0299-8

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