Statistical evaluation of PM10 and distribution of PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 in ambient air due to extreme fireworks episodes (Deepawali festivals) in megacity Delhi

Temporal variation of PM10 using 2-year data (January, 2007-December, 2008) of Delhi is presented. PM10 varied from 42 to 200 mu g m(-3) over January to December, with an average 114.1 +/- A 81.1 mu g m(-3). They are comparable with the data collected by Central Pollution Control Board (National Agency which monitors data over the entire country in India) and are lower than National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) standard during monsoon, close to NAAQ during summer but higher in winter. Among CO, NO2, SO2, rainfall, temperature, and wind speed, PM10 shows good correlation with CO. Also, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 levels on Deepawali days when fireworks were displayed are presented. In these festive days, PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 levels were 723, 588, and 536 mu g m(-3) in 2007 and 501, 389, and 346 mu g m(-3) in 2008. PM10, PM2.5, and PM1 levels in 2008 were 1.5 times lower than those in 2007 probably due to higher mixing height (446 m), temperature (23.8A degrees C), and winds (0.36 ms(-1)).