Galgotias University has joined hands with the CSIR-National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and other prestigious organizations to undertake a crucial study aimed at understanding pollution episodes in the Delhi-NCR region. The research, titled “Development of Scientific Insights about Pollution Episodes in Delhi-NCR based on Tethered Balloon and Drone Platform,” is set to take place from September to October 2024. This joint effort will utilize cutting-edge technologies such as tethered balloons and drones to study particulate matter and meteorological parameters at varying altitudes.
Objective of the Study The primary goal of this study is to provide in-situ observations of the physicochemical characteristics of particulate matter at different altitudes, alongside meteorological data. These observations will be carried out during both low and high pollution conditions, with the aim of accessing the variation in particle characteristics and concentrations under different meteorological scenarios. The findings will play a key role in understanding pollution formation processes, especially the haze episodes that commonly affect the region within the Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL).
Collaborating Institutions and Timeline Led by CSIR-NPL, the study involves several prominent organizations, including the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Balloon Facility, NESAC (North Eastern Space Applications Centre), and CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratories (CSIR-NAL). Experiments will be conducted at three key locations across the Delhi-NCR region: • Maharshi Dayanand University, Rohtak, Haryana • Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh • CSIR National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi The study will take place from 25-30 September 2024, focusing on low pollution conditions, and from 18-28 October 2024 during haze formation. Using a tethered balloon and drones, instruments like particulate matter samplers and microbial culture plates will gather data at various altitudes to assess pollution and meteorological changes.
The experiment will use a tethered balloon (Kytoon, approximately 10 m³) and a drone to collect data at altitudes between 400-800 meters, depending on feasibility. The payload will include advanced instruments like a low-volume particulate matter sampler, volatile organic compounds sampler, microbial culture plates, and a radiosonde to gather comprehensive atmospheric data.
