South Asia is characterised as hotspot of air pollutants. The Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) in South Asia experiences a high level of emissions and transport from neighbouring areas under prevailing meteorological conditions. However, these emissions are localised and outflow of polluted air masses to the pristine regions of the Himalayas via transcontinental transport and cause significant environmental effects. This research aims to monitor the impact of transboundary air pollution through South to North transects using in-situ and different remote sensing and satellite retrievals at different elevations across the Himalayas. We plan to measure inorganic and organic components of PM2.5 (particulate matter with ? 2.5 μm aerodynamic diameter) aerosols. Furthermore, to provide better spatial coverage to address transport of pollutants across Himalayas, AErosol RObotic NETwork (AERONET), remote sensing data from Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO), MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) will be synchronously used in this study. Finally, variability of source characteristics, emission strength, and transport pathways of pollutants across the region will be investigated. Finally, mitigation measures based on empirical evidence will be obtained, and action plans will be prepared to mitigate air pollution with coordination and workshop across the region.
Project • CRECS2020-07MY-Tripathee