Assessment of Ambient Air Quality in Different Areas of Jaypee Cement Plant, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India

Abstract

The term air quality means the state of the air around us. Ambient air quality refers to the quality of outdoor air in our surrounding environment. It is typically measured near ground level, away from direct source of pollution. The paper present air pollutants (such as particulate matter 10, particulate matter 2.5, sulphur dioxide SOX, oxide of nitrogen NOX and carbon monoxide CO) emitted from Jaypee cement plant, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh. This study was undertaken to investigate the air quality around the cement plant within 5 km radius. The air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and predominant wind direction were studied for the sampling days. Data for all five air pollutants were collected for a study period at four different stations (Near Washing Ramp, Near Narmada Gate, Near Estate Office, Near Bhagirathi Gate). Results indicate that both particulate matter (PM10 and PM 2.5) and gaseous pollutants (SOx, NOx & CO) are within the permissible limit prescribed for industrial, residential and rural uses by CPCB, New Delhi. The average value of concentration of all the air pollutants under the permissible limits due to industry have installed air trapping devices which control air pollution and helps to minimize the dust in the surrounding area.

Introduction

The study investigates the ambient air quality in and around the Jaypee Cement Plant in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, focusing on the environmental and health impacts of industrial air pollution from cement manufacturing.

Air pollution from cement plants is significant due to the emission of particulate matter (PM??, PM?.?) and gaseous pollutants like SO?, NO?, and CO. This study assesses pollutant levels, their seasonal and spatial distribution, and compares them with the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) established by India’s Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

Objectives

1. Measure ambient concentrations of PM??, PM?.?, SO?, NO?, and CO near the cement plant.

2. Examine spatial and seasonal variations in air quality.

3. Compare results with CPCB’s NAAQS to assess compliance.

4. Analyze environmental and human health impacts.

5. Propose air pollution control strategies for sustainable operations.

Study Area

• Location: Jaypee Cement Plant, Jaypee Nagar, Rewa, M.P.

• Sampling Stations:

  • S1: Near Washing Ramp (industrial zone)

  • S2: Near Narmada Gate (residential zone)

  • S3: Near Estate Office (administrative/residential)

  • S4: Near Bhagirathi Gate (plant outskirts)

Methodology

• Pollutants Measured: PM??, PM?.? (gravimetric method), SO? (West-Gaeke method), NO? (Jacob & Hochheiser method), CO (NDIR).

• Sampling Duration: 24-hour sessions, twice per week.

• Meteorological Data: Collected to understand pollutant dispersion patterns.

Key Findings

All measured pollutants were within CPCB-prescribed limits, but variations were observed depending on the location:

1. PM??:

   • Range: 28.99–71.89 µg/m³

   • Highest: Washing Ramp

   • Lowest: Estate Office

   • Limit: 100 µg/m³

2. PM?.?:

   • Range: 15.50–43.67 µg/m³

   • Highest: Washing Ramp

   • Lowest: Estate Office

   • Limit: 60 µg/m³

3. SO?:

   • Range: 4.67–9.56 µg/m³

   • All values within limit: 80 µg/m³

4. NO?:

   • Range: 8.21–17.32 µg/m³

   • All values within limit: 80 µg/m³

5. CO:

   • Range: 57.51–113.98 µg/m³

   • All values within limit: 2000 µg/m³

Conclusions

• The Washing Ramp (S1) consistently showed highest pollutant concentrations, attributed to intense material handling and industrial activity.

• Estate Office (S3) had the lowest levels, reflecting its relative distance from active industrial operations.

• Though current levels meet regulatory standards, continued monitoring is essential due to cumulative and long-term effects on health and environment.

Recommendations

• Install effective dust suppression systems (e.g., water sprays, enclosures).

• Use low-emission fuel technologies in kilns and generators.

• Implement green buffers (vegetation) around the plant.

• Introduce real-time air quality monitoring systems.

• Raise public and worker awareness on pollution health impacts.

Conclusion

The analysis of pollutants such as PM??, PM?.?, SO?, NO?, and CO provides insights into the current status of air quality in the industrial and residential areas surrounding the plant. Based on these findings, this section presents a concise conclusion that reflects the environmental condition of the area and proposes actionable strategies and future research avenues for improving air quality management and sustainability. The assessment of ambient air quality in the vicinity of the Jaypee Cement Plant, Rewa, reveals significant environmental concerns, particularly with respect to particulate matter (PM?? and PM?.?). gaseous pollutants near various station.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Vivek Kumar Upadhyay, Dr. Atul Sharma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.