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https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-974
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-974
06 May 2024
 | 06 May 2024

Spatial-temporal patterns of anthropogenic and biomass burning contributions on air pollution and mortality burden changes in India from 1995 to 2014

Bin Luo, Yuqiang Zhang, Tao Tang, Hongliang Zhang, Jianlin Hu, Jiangshan Mu, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue

Abstract. Anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions are the major sources of ambient air pollution. India has experienced a dramatic deterioration in air quality over the past few decades, but no systematic assessment has been made to investigate the individual contributions of anthropogenic and biomass burning emissions. In this study, we conducted a pioneering comprehensive analysis of the long-term trends of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameters < 2.5 μm (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) in India and their mortality burden changes from 1995 to 2014, using a state-of-the-art high-resolution global chemical transport model (CAM-chem). Our simulations revealed a substantial nationwide increase in annual mean PM2.5 (6.71 μg m-3 decade-1) and O3 (7.08 ppbv decade-1), with the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) and eastern central India as hotspots for PM2.5 and O3 trend changes individually. Noteworthy substantial O3 decreases were observed in the northern IGP which were potentially linked to NO titration due to a surge in NOx emissions. Sensitivity analyses highlighted anthropogenic emissions as primary contributors to rising PM2.5 and O3, while biomass burning played a prominent role in winter and spring. In years with high biomass burning activity, the contributions from BB on both PM2.5 and O3 changes were comparable with or even exceeding anthropogenic emissions in specific areas. The elevated air pollutants were associated with increased premature mortality attributable to PM2.5 and O3, leading to 97.83 K and 73.91 K per decade. Despite a per capita decrease in the IGP region, the increased population offset its effectiveness.

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Bin Luo, Yuqiang Zhang, Tao Tang, Hongliang Zhang, Jianlin Hu, Jiangshan Mu, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-974', Anonymous Referee #1, 30 May 2024
    • AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Yuqiang Zhang, 21 Oct 2024
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-974', Anonymous Referee #2, 19 Sep 2024
    • AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Yuqiang Zhang, 21 Oct 2024
Bin Luo, Yuqiang Zhang, Tao Tang, Hongliang Zhang, Jianlin Hu, Jiangshan Mu, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue
Bin Luo, Yuqiang Zhang, Tao Tang, Hongliang Zhang, Jianlin Hu, Jiangshan Mu, Wenxing Wang, and Likun Xue

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Short summary
India is facing a severe air pollution crisis that poses significant health risks, particularly from PM2.5 and O3. Our study reveals rising levels of both pollutants from 1995 to 2014, leading to increased premature mortality. While anthropogenic emissions play a significant role, biomass burning also impacts air quality, in particular seasons and regions in India. This study highlights the urgent need for localized policies to protect public health amid escalating environmental challenges.