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Evaluation of Air Pollutants due to Crop Residual Burning in Open Fields of Punjab, India


Harpreet Singh Dhaliwal,Yadwinder Singh Brar,Gursewak Singh Brar,
Abstract

Air pollution has been increasing gradually since the last two decades. There are many harmful effects of air pollution, which directly or indirectly affect humans. Emission of harmful pollutants in the atmosphere causes air pollution. These pollutants are released from various sources; one of them is crop residual burning. Punjab (India) is one of the most crop producing states in the country. Burning of crop residual in this state emits a large amount of harmful pollutants such as CO2, CO, NO2, and PM2.5 etc. On the other hand, if crop residual is used for biomass power generation then it will not only decelerate the increase of pollutants but will also provide electrical energy. Proposed study predicts the emitting pollutant’s quantity by using landsat8 bands of USGS during crop residual burning and its equivalent power potential if used as a fuel for biomass power plants. Based on the results, it has been observed that a significant quantity of pollutants can be reduced by practicing biomass power generation. This study also highlights various other advantages such as coal saving and financial benefit to the farmers. Practicing biomass power generation can reduce the stress on fossil fuels like coal for power generation; this practice can also provide financial support to the farmers.

Volume 12 | Issue 2

Pages: 2312-2321

DOI: 10.5373/JARDCS/V12I2/S20201277