A comprehensive high-resolution gridded emission inventory of anthropogenic sources of air pollutants in Indian megacity Kolkata

In this study, we present a first-ever effort made to develop an ultra-high-resolution gridded emission inventory (i.e.- 0.4 km x 0.4 km) for the Indian megacity Kolkata. As the rising demand for fossil fuels based energy along with the spread of urban corridors have forced the anthropogenic activities to a mounting level, therefore determining the sources responsible is of paramount importance. This has worsened not only the regional air quality but also has an indirect effect on the global air quality. The spatial and temporal variation of the source requires an accurate estimation of the surface emission which is the most essential parameter to study the air quality, that positively has been fulfilled in this study. The annual emission for 2020 is calculated to be 37.2 Gg/yr of PM2.5, 61.4 Gg/yr of PM10, 222.6 Gg/yr of CO, 131.3 Gg/yr of NOx, 60.3 Gg/yr of SO2, 120.4 Gg/yr of VOC, 9.5 Gg/yr of BC and 16.8 Gg/yr of OC that prevails in the toxic air of megacity Kolkata. The present surface chemistry dataset will be the first line of detailed information regarding emission hotspots in the megacity that could be used as important tool for clean air mitigation strategies, input into the air quality modeling study to tackle environmental issues, and public health.

Automated summary

This study presents the development of an ultra-high-resolution gridded emission inventory for the Indian megacity Kolkata, which is crucial for understanding and addressing the air pollution and health issues in the city.