Characterization and impact of airborne particulate matter over Varanasi: A year-long study on concentration, morphology, and elemental composition

Air pollution is an important worldwide issue, especially pronounced in metropolitan and suburban regions, significantly affecting both public health and surroundings. This study investigates the particles' morphology and elemental analysis in Varanasi, a highly inhabited metropolis in the Indo-Gangetic Plain. The research was conducted over a year, from April 2019 to March 2020, utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Ion Chromatography, and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy to analyse particulate matter. Results indicated that mean values of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were 106.5 ± 67.2μg/m³ and 180.8 ± 71.4 μg/m³, respectively. Often, these amounts exceeded the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. SEM-EDX analysis revealed diverse particle morphologies, with significant contributions from both manmade sources including industrial activities and vehicle emissions, and natural sources, like soil dust. Elemental analysis identified major components, including Carbon, Oxygen, Fluorine, Aluminium, and Silicon. IC analysis highlighted dominant ionic species, such as Ca⁺⁺, SO₄^−-, NO₃⁻, and Cl⁻, with monthly variations reflecting different emission sources. Heavy metals concentrations such as Ni, Cd, Cr, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Fe were quantified, with concentrations varying significantly across months. The findings underscore the complex nature of aerosols in Varanasi and highlight the immediate need for targeted control over air quality measures to minimize the particulate matter's detrimental effects on the local population and ecosystem.