KOCHI: A study of air quality in various parts of the city has found several areas in the city as having a high amount of polluted air.

The study was conducted by a monitoring group as part of the observations on environmental impact of the metro rail project to be taken up in the city.

The air quality index was calculated for Aluva, Kalamasserry, Edappally, Palarivattam, Ernakulam North, Ernakulam South, Vyttila and Thripunithura. The readings indicated the presence of unhealthy air in most zones of the city. Significantly, the index fluctuates daily, depending on the changes in environment.

The AQI represents the air quality on an international scale. The concentration of oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide and suspended particulate matter is taken into consideration for calculating the index. Though the index varies daily depending on the contents of the polluting gases, the comparative study gives an indication of air pollution in specified areas. The index readings are calculated for three days. The highest reading is considered as the AQI of that particular area.

The AQI readings were 237 at Edappally, 167 at Palarivattom, 141 at Ernakulam North, 165 at Ernakulam South, 161 at Vyttila, 194 at Thripunithura, 93 at Aluva and 102 at Kalamasserry.

An AQI up to 50 is regarded as good while the 51-100 range is considered moderate. A reading exceeding 100 is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups such as those having lung diseases. The air is unhealthy for the people if the reading is in the range of 151-200. AQI in the 201-300 range indicates very unhealthy air. A reading above 300 is hazardous.

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