Which of the following differently sized particulate matters are required for the determination of the Air Quality Index (AQI) in India?

1.PM1 (particulate matter of size equal to or less than 1 micron)

2.PM2.5 (particulate matter of size equal to or less than 2.5 micron)

3.PM10 (particulate matter of size equal to or less than 10 micron)

4.TSPM (total suspended particulate matter)

A1 & 2 only

B2 & 3 only ✓ Correct

C1 & 3 only

D2, 3 & 4 only

Correct answer: (B) 2 & 3 only

Explanation

Statement 2, PM2.5, and Statement 3, PM10, are the particulate sizes used in India's Air Quality Index.

PM10 covers coarse particles up to 10 microns that lodge in the upper airways.

PM2.5 covers fine particles that penetrate deep into the lungs and bloodstream.

Statement 1, PM1, is not among the standard AQI parameters in India.

Statement 4, total suspended particulate matter, is an older measure not used in the current AQI.

India's AQI is based on eight pollutants including these two particulate fractions.

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