Observation on Particulate Matter over a Period of 3 Years at Kaikhali (22.022°N and 88.614°E) inside a Special Mangrove Ecosystem: Sundarbans

Measurement of particulates [respirable particulate matter (RPM or PM10 ), fine RPM (PM2.5) , non-RPM (NRPM), and total suspended particulate matter (TSPM)] were carried out on a campaign basis over a period of 3 years (2003–2006) at Kaikhali (22.022°N and 88.614°E) inside one of the world’s largest mangrove delta region—“The Sundarbans.” Considering the toxic potential of the particulate fractions, the foremost objective of this study was to determine the particulate concentrations during different parts of the year as well as to ascertain the trend of occurrence of the particulate fractions in an area of rich and unique biodiversity. Moreover, as the area had no past records on particulate data over a decade, the other important objective of the study was to prepare substantial database for the area for the present time. The average range of PM10 , PM2.5 , NRPM, and TSPM for the period from 2003–2006 has been found to be (57–118), (35–80), (10–25), and (73–135) μg m−3 respectively. The data obtained for the finer particulate fractions have been compared with some previous studies in India. In addition to the particulate fractions, meteorological parameters such as wind speed, wind direction, and temperature were also recorded to accomplish proper interpretation of the data. The requisite statistical parameters (standard deviation, average, and range) for the particulate fractions have also been calculated.