Short-term concentration of CO2 in the ambient air of Nagpur city.

Abstract

Carbon dioxide concentration is an index of total amount of combustion and natural ventilation in an urban environment and therefore required more careful attention for assessment of CO2 level in air environment. First time, an attempt was made to monitor CO2 levels in Ambient Air of Nagpur during August 2001-December 2001 at Industrial, Commercial and Residential sites. The largest amount of CO2 occurred at night due to darkness which depresses the photosynthesis to its lowest level. The lowest concentration of CO2 was showed in afternoon hours when photosynthesis is at its maximum. The average concentration of CO2 was found to be 361, 366 and 339 ppm at Industrial, Commercial and Industrial sites respectively. This generation of database of ambient CO2 will help to formulate the strategy for prevention of global warming phenomenon.