Exposure of PM2.5 and Carbonaceous Matter Amongst Rural Inhabitants in and Around Durg District of Chhattisgarh, India

This study was carried out in Durg District of Chhattisgarh, comprising of 83 villages. It was the need for monitoring and analysis of PM2.5 to perceive the scenario and exposure of particulates over region located in rural areas of agricultural state of Chhattisgarh, dominated with anthropogenic activities related to heavy biomass fuel burning. Three rural areas, Achhoti (AC), Anjora (AN), Chandkhuri (CH) were selected and monitoring of PM2.5 and carbonaceous matter were carried out during winter and summer seasons in 2014–2015. The average seasonal variations of PM2.5 concentrations for winter and summer seasons for all sampling locations were recorded in the following order; Chandkhuri (CH) 611.37 ± 112.57 µg m−3 and 428.74 ± 80.64 µg m−3 ˃Achhoti (AC); 533.13 ± 98.5 µg m−3 and 380 ± 74.19 µg m−3 ˃ Anjora (AN); 524.36 ± 99.42 µg m−3 and 317 ± 59. 77 µg m−3, respectively. As per the annual standards given by CPCB and USEPA, the concentration of PM2.5 is higher in all sampling sites. The higher OC/EC ratio indicated the formation of secondary organic carbon (SOC), which was emitted from various primary sources. It is found in the study of high loads of fine particulates along with carbonaceous fractions purposes that it is obligatory and instant action in reduction of the emissions of carbonaceous particulates in Durg district, Chhattisgarh.