Air quality status in fast developing city of Western Himalayan State of India

A study was carried out to assess the status of air pollutants in Solan city and to find out the air quality index (AQI). The concentration of PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂ and VOCs was found highest at commercial area while the minimum concentration was found at state highway except VOCs which was lowest at industrial area. The air quality index during post monsoon and pre monsoon seasons was “Moderately polluted” at three locations while at other two locations it was found to be “Fairly clean”. The investigation found that the maximum concentration of Fe was observed in the city followed by Mn while the concentrations of As, Pb, Ni and Cu was found in less concentration.