Spatio-temporal variation of ambient particulate matter (PM₁₀ and PM_2.5) in Punjab: role of stubble burning and meteorological factors

Crop residue burning is a major source of air pollution, releasing large amounts of particulate matter and greenhouse gases, worsening air quality. The impact of rice crop residue burning and meteorology conditions were examined on spatial and temporal variation of particulate matter during pre-stubble burning, stubble burning and post stubble burning periods over the state of Punjab. PM_2.5 levels were below national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) during pre-stubble burning but increased significantly during the stubble burning period exceeding NAAQS of 60 µg/m³. Percentage change shows that PM_2.5 increase of (252%) was maximum at Bathinda and minimal for Mandi-Gobindgarh (92%) during stubble burning compared to the pre-stubble burning period. Similarly, PM₁₀ shows a percentage increase of 62–115%. PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratio differed significantly between low stubble burning period (0.38) as compared to high stubble-burning period (0.57). Spatiotemporal variation showed Bathinda with maximum PM_2.5 concentration was hotspot during stubble burning period out of seven major cities of Punjab. Spatial distribution maps using inverse distance weighting analysis showed significantly higher RMSE during stubble burning period. Multiple linear regression analysis gave significant (p ≤ 0.05) relationship between planetary boundary layer height and temperature with PM_2.5 during October–December 2023 period as most significant meteorological parameters associated with accumulation of particulate of particulate matter in the ambient air.