Spatial variation of chemical constituents from the burning of commonly used biomass fuels in rural areas of the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), India

In the present paper, we have determined emission factor of chemical composition of the emission from the burning of biomass (e.g. Dung cake, Acacia, Neem, Mulberry, Indian Rosewood, Pigeon pea etc.) commonly used as a residential fuel in the rural sector of Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) (Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal), India. For comparison, we have selected only those biomass fuels, which are used in at least three of the above mentioned states. Dung cake from all the states reports highest emission of particulate matter (PM) (15.68 g kg−1), Organic Carbon (OC) (4.32 g kg−1) and Elemental Carbon (EC) (0.51 g kg−1). Among all biomass fuels studied, agricultural residue reports substantial amount of emission of Na+ (104 mg kg−1), K+ (331 mg kg−1) and Cl− (447 mg kg−1) particularly in Pigeon pea and Mustard stem. Eucalyptus (fuel wood) emits large amounts of Ca2+ (21.47 mg kg−1) and NO3− (614 mg kg−1). The emission of PM from dung cake is higher in Delhi (19.31 g kg−1) and followed by Uttar Pradesh (17.58 g kg−1) > Haryana (15.46 g kg−1) > Bihar (14.99 g kg−1) > Punjab (12.06 g kg−1) > West Bengal (5.90 g kg−1). Carbonaceous aerosols (OC and EC) and dominant Ionic species (Cl−, K+, SO42−, NO3− and PO43−) are altogether contributing 40–70% of total emissions. Characteristics and ratios of chemical species of emissions may help to develop a methodology of discriminating the sources of ambient particulate matter. Using a laboratory determined emission factor of chemical species, we have determined the emission budget over IGP, India.

► Chemical characterisation of biomass burning emissions commonly used in IGP, India.
► Spatial variation of EF of same biomass used in different geographical locations.
► Determination of ratios (OC/EC, K+/EC, SO42−/EC) from biomass burning emissions.
► Emission estimation of ionic species from residential fuels used in IGP, India.