Aditya Patra | IIT Kharagpur (original) (raw)

Papers by Aditya Patra

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Feb 20, 2019

Ground-level ozone (GLO) is a secondary air pollutant, and thus the quantification of the causal ... more Ground-level ozone (GLO) is a secondary air pollutant, and thus the quantification of the causal factors is a challenging task. The present study aims to quantify the effect of primary air pollutants (NO 2 , NO, PM 2.5 , PM 10 , SO 2 , CO, NEPH) and meteorological factors (solar radiation, air temperature, wind speed, wind direction, standard deviation in wind direction, rainfall and humidity) on GLO concentration near coal-mining area. Path analysis approach is used to estimate both the magnitude and significance of causal connections between dependent and independent variables. The results indicate that the direct effects of NO, NO 2 , NEPH, wind speed, humidity, SD1 and RNF on GLO concentration are significant (p < 0.05). It is interesting to note that GLO is significantly influenced by two primary air pollutants (NO and NO 2) in all the three locations (Wallsend, Beresfield and Newcastle). The influences of NEPH, wind speed, humidity, standard deviation in wind direction and rainfall on GLO were also found to be significant (p < 0.05) but not for all the locations. The level of direct effects of NO on GLO is found to be maximum, and the values are − 0.497, − 0.456 and − 0.461, respectively, for Wallsend, Newcastle and Beresfield monitoring stations. Majority of the significant primary pollutants and meteorological parameters show a consistent trend in terms of positive and negative influences on GLO concentration. These findings contribute to the control of GLO concentration which is mainly driven by primary causal factors in the atmosphere.

Science of The Total Environment, Apr 1, 2018

Personal pollutant exposure on a national highway was measured in car and bus. • Highest PM 2.5 a... more Personal pollutant exposure on a national highway was measured in car and bus. • Highest PM 2.5 and CO exposures were obtained in car and car (ac), respectively. • Travel modes and ventilation settings significantly influenced the exposure levels. • In-city mass exposure levels were up to 1.3-2.2 times that of the open highways. • Exposure studies on highways for passenger health risk assessment are emphasized.

Science of The Total Environment, Aug 1, 2022

Abstract This paper analyzes the Cuban model of sustainable development and explains the causes t... more Abstract This paper analyzes the Cuban model of sustainable development and explains the causes that made Cuba the only country that meets the conditions of sustainability according to the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). The Human Development Index has three main components: quality of life (health indicator measured as life expectancy at birth), knowledge (education indicator measured as adult literacy) and the standard of life (economic indicator measured by the Gross Domestic Income). This paper analyses the aspects of the educational and health system of Cuba and also of its energy policies that explain the excellent scores of the Human Development Index. Cuba shows a Human Development Index of 0.8 with an Ecological Footprint of 1.8 gha. This is achieved with a Gross Domestic Income lower than other countries with similar Human Development Index. The Ecological Footprint of Cuba is mainly determined by the CO2 and the agricultural land footprint. The paper shows how the economic transition, after the economic crisis of the early 1990s, was realized without significantly increasing the Ecological Footprint.

Advances in economics, business and management research, 2021

The measurement study of the generation, dispersion and retention was carried out at Kiriburu (KI... more The measurement study of the generation, dispersion and retention was carried out at Kiriburu (KIOM) and Meghahatuburu (MIOM), iron ore mines, Odisha state of India. The six days' average concentrations of particulate matter (PM) with two wide size ranges (PM10-20, and PM0.23-1) were monitored in two iron ore opencast mines. Monitoring was done for three days at the same location at each mines. The increment average concentrations ranged from 15.48-16.74 µg m-3 for PM10-20 and 13.03-29.35 µg m-3 for PM0.23-1 in KIOM and 88.65-92.8 µg m-3 for PM10-20 and 7.89-9.54 µg m-3 for PM0.23-1 in MIOM respectively. Require them to reach the surface are monitored on average 1-2 minute for PM. The retention time of fine PM varies 4-8 minute for KIOM and 1-12 for MIOM, while coarse PM varies 4-5 minute for KIOM and 1-10 for MIOM. The good relationship was obtained between retention time and retention fraction in both KIOM and MIOM. Fine PM shows the higher retention time as compared to coarse PM. The results of this study reveal that relationship between retention time and retention fraction with mining activity and gives the roughly information about time require by PM to reach the surface.

CRC Press eBooks, Dec 3, 2021

International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology

This paper deals with an account of occurrences and causes behind disaster due to explosions in I... more This paper deals with an account of occurrences and causes behind disaster due to explosions in Indian mines. Principal causes and mechanism s of explosion, and precautions against explosion are also discussed. The review indicated that although frequency of occurrence of explosion inducted disasters have reduced over the years in coal mines of India, there is a need of implementation of modern technologies such as environmental tele-monitoring system in fire prone mines in general, and in degree II/III gassy mines in particular, to arrive at the zero-disaster regime. There is a need for an additional categorization of gassiness of seam such as degree IV gassy seam for the seam where rate of gas emission is more than m3 per tonne of coal raised. Arrangement for methane drainage or coal seam degasification or cal bed methane recovery should be given top priority on degree III and proposed degree IV mines

Science of The Total Environment, 2020

• COVID-19 pandemic triggered lockdown events in India greatly reduced the AOD level. • Nearly 45... more • COVID-19 pandemic triggered lockdown events in India greatly reduced the AOD level. • Nearly 45% AOD level dropped over Indian Territory during lockdown periods. • A significant negative anomaly in mean AOD level was observed in most of the states. • Metropolitan cities showed negative mean AOD anomaly for entire lockdown period. • No significant reduction in mean AOD level over coal mining regions was observed.

Environment, Development and Sustainability, 2020

The current study aims to characterize and estimate the particulate matter (PM) exposure level of... more The current study aims to characterize and estimate the particulate matter (PM) exposure level of the population near an opencast coal mine. PM concentrations of different sizes were monitored at 32 locations distributed uniformly in the study area for spatial profiling and at 1 location for analysing the temporal variations and characterization of dust. Health impacts of PM to nearby residents were estimated using the air quality index (AQI) values and were cross-validated using the health survey data. The monitoring results indicated that the 15 min average concentrations of PM 10 and PM 2.5 were 2.3-2.4 times of the corresponding 24 h National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) in all the monitoring stations. Low wind speed during monitoring campaign that resulted in little PM dispersion is suggested to be the reason for this. AQI levels at five villages surrounding the mine were "moderate to severe" during morning-hours that improved to "satisfactory to moderate" during daytime. Eye irritation and respiratory problems were the two most adverse effects experienced by the residents living nearby to the mine. The health survey data and the corresponding AQI values indicate that respiratory problem is well correlated with the AQI values. The dust contains mainly six major elements in the order of O > C > F > Si > Al > Fe > Ca, accounting for 95% of the weight percentages of the 20 elements for which the characterization was carried out.

Atmospheric Pollution Research

International journal of occupational safety and ergonomics, Jun 24, 2021

Introduction. The combined role of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure and awkward posture on mus... more Introduction. The combined role of whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure and awkward posture on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) problems experienced by the dumper operators in two metalliferous mines in India was evaluated through a cross-sectional study.Methodology. The frequency-weighted root mean square (rms) acceleration was used for WBV exposure assessment. Anthropometry and Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) were used for static and dynamic posture assessment, respectively. Prevalence of MSD was assessed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnaire. Logistic regression model was used to assess the factors contributing to MSD problems.Results. The RMS values revealed that the operators exceeded the lower limit of Standard No. ISO 2631-1:1997. Dynamic posture study revealed that majority of the dumper operators were taking awkward postures and among them 58-74% of the operators were subjected to high and medium level of MSD risk. The adjusted odds ratio (ORa=7.96, 95% CI [1.24, 41.35] for most awkward postures revealed that WBV exposure as the significant risk factor for MSD problems among the operators.Conclusion. The WBV exposure and posture of operators should be regularly monitored and corrective actions should be implemented to reduce their MSD problems. Ergonomic design of seat based on the anthropometry of the operators should be assessed at the time of procurement of new equipment.

Stochastic Environmental Research and Risk Assessment

The onset of the second wave of COVID-19 devastated many countries worldwide. Compared with the f... more The onset of the second wave of COVID-19 devastated many countries worldwide. Compared with the first wave, the second wave was more aggressive regarding infections and deaths. Numerous studies were conducted on the association of air pollutants and meteorological parameters during the first wave of COVID-19. However, little is known about their associations during the severe second wave of COVID-19. The present study is based on the air quality in Delhi during the second wave. Pollutant concentrations decreased during the lockdown period compared to pre-lockdown period (PM 2.5 : 67 lg m-3 (lockdown) versus 81 lg m-3 (pre-lockdown); PM 10 : 171 lg m-3 versus 235 lg m-3 ; CO: 0.9 mg m-3 versus 1.1 mg m-3) except ozone which increased during the lockdown period (57 lg m-3 versus 39 lg m-3). The variation in pollutant concentrations revealed that PM 2.5 , PM 10 and CO were higher during the pre-COVID-19 period, followed by the second wave lockdown and the lowest in the first wave lockdown. These variations are corroborated by the spatiotemporal variability of the pollutants mapped using ArcGIS. During the lockdown period, the pollutants and meteorological variables explained 85% and 52% variability in COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths (determined by General Linear Model). The results suggests that air pollution combined with meteorology acted as a driving force for the phenomenal growth of COVID-19 during the second wave. In addition to developing new drugs and vaccines, governments should focus on prediction models to better understand the effect of air pollution levels on COVID-19 cases. Policy and decision-makers can use the results from this study to implement the necessary guidelines for reducing air pollution. Also, the information presented here can help the public make informed decisions to improve the environment and human health significantly.

Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health

Vertical profile of PM concentration is crucial for understanding PM dispersion and improving air... more Vertical profile of PM concentration is crucial for understanding PM dispersion and improving air quality forecasts. The paper presents a critical review of different techniques, viz., meteorological tower/buildings, aircraft, balloons, remote sensing and UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) used in the past to get the vertical profile of PM. Irrespective of the technique used, the PM concentration was found to be heavily influenced by meteorology, particularly temperature inversions above the ground. Low-altitude vertical profile studies used UAV (< 1000 m) and meteorological towers and buildings (≤ 400 m). The studies with the objective of understanding long range transport of PM and climate change associated with PM in the atmosphere used remote sensing, aircraft and balloons to get the vertical profiles. Vertical concentrations were found to be decreasing, increasing or a combination of both depending upon the site-specific factors. Many of the high-altitude studies reported stratified layers of higher PM concentration several kms above the ground level. Chemical compositions of PM were obtained by using buildings at lower altitudes and aircraft at higher altitudes which provided information on the source of the pollution. The applicability of each technique has been discussed, highlighting their limitations and specific applications.

New Prospects in Environmental Geosciences and Hydrogeosciences, 2022

Atmospheric Pollution Research, 2022

Work, 2022

BACKGROUND: Dumper operators in mines worldwide are subjected to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)... more BACKGROUND: Dumper operators in mines worldwide are subjected to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) due to whole-body vibration exposure. This study evaluated the working-life-Whole-Body Vibration (WBV)-exposure and their association with various MSDs among dumper operators in mines which remains poorly addressed. METHODS: This case-control study in Indian iron ore mines was conducted to compare randomly selected 65 dumper operators and 65 office workers. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and were analysed using logistic regression models. RESULTS: The study revealed that majority of the dumper operators were exposed to WBV exceeding the ISO-2631 limits. Compared with controls, the dumper operators had a much higher risk of upper back pain (age-overweight-adjusted odds ratio ORao = 5.37, 95% CI = 1.78–16.20), lower back pain (ORao = 2.72, 95% CI = 1.25–5.94), knee and leg pain (ORao = 3.68, 95% CI = 1.22–11.11), an...

Adverse impact of particulate matter on health of human being is being studied since long. The re... more Adverse impact of particulate matter on health of human being is being studied since long. The research interest is shifting form total particulate matter (PM) to PM10 and to PM2.5 or even finer particles. The source of these particles essentially consists of primary aerosols generated due to anthropogenic activities such as transport, industry, construction and secondary aerosols. In major cities traffic on paved roads is significant contributor to this. Empirical models have been tried to explain the emission of particulate matter from paved road surfaces. Subsequently these models have been criticized and found to be inadequate in explaining the observation. The lack of mechanistic basis is the real flaw of these models. This book therefore provides a process based modelling to explain the paved road particulate matter emissions and gives a new direction in identifying the processes involved in the emission process. An attempt has been made to identify parameters that control the...

Exposure of mine workers to particulate matter (PM) in opencast mines is of major concern because... more Exposure of mine workers to particulate matter (PM) in opencast mines is of major concern because of associated adverse health impacts. Dispersion studies of PM generated during opencast mining until now have mostly been confined to estimation of emissions from individual mining operations as well as total emission from an opencast mine. No literature could be found on PM dispersion inside the mine since its generation until it escapes the mine. However, this is important particularly for deep mines where mine workings are confined to bottom benches and emission from it passes across all benches before it reaches surface, thus affecting the exposure level of workers at higher benches. The proposed research works have been conducted in three non-coal opencast mines in India: (i) Kiriburu Iron Ore Mine (KIOM), (ii) Meghahatuburu Iron Ore Mine (MIOM), and (iii) Malanjkhand Copper Project (MCP). Mining at KIOM and MIOM was carried out at 9–10 m depths. At MCP, mining activities at 168–1...

In a stretch of about 210 km from Vijayawada (VJA) to Bhadrachalam (BCM) (NH30 and 65), the PM2.5... more In a stretch of about 210 km from Vijayawada (VJA) to Bhadrachalam (BCM) (NH30 and 65), the PM2.5 exposures inside the bus, car, and car (with AC) were measured over a month using portable instruments. The PM2.5 exposure level inside the bus was 72.30 μg m−3 ± 58.17 μg m−3. Exposure level in car was 84.20 μg m−3 ± 68.38 μg m−3 and in car (AC) was 55.30 μg m−3 ± 34.13 μg m−3. The exposure levels are 2.0–3.5 times of the background PM2.5 level and are higher than the limits set by WHO and USEPA. Car with windows open appears to result in the highest exposure among all the modes of transport. Car (AC) resulted in the least commuter exposure. Such exposure studies, especially on highways and expressways, are very important because travel on road is becoming more popular with increasing ownership of vehicles, yet very few studies on passenger exposure in long route are available.