The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is based on ambient concentration of which SIX pollutants as primary indicators?
- A PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2, CO, NH3
- B PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, SO2, Pb
- C PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, CO, SO2 ✓
- D PM2.5, PM10, O3, CO, SO2, Pb
Correct answer: C. PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3, CO, SO2
Explanation
India's National AQI (launched 2014, CPCB) uses SIX criteria pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NO2, O3 (ground-level ozone), CO (carbon monoxide), and SO2. AQI categories are: 0-50 Good; 51-100 Satisfactory; 101-200 Moderate; 201-300 Poor; 301-400 Very Poor; 401-500 Severe. Lead (Pb) and NH3 are measured as ambient standards but are not part of the AQI calculation in India's current system. PM2.5 and PM10 are typically the dominant AQI determinants in Indian cities due to vehicular and industrial pollution.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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