Real-time Monitoring of Air Pollutants using Advanced Sensor Technologies: A Study of Toxic Gases (SO₂, NOₓ, PM2.5 and VOCs) on Kali Sindh Thermal Power Plant (KATPP) at Jhalawar, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Air pollution from thermal power plants poses significant environmental and health risks due to the emission of toxic gases and particulate matter. This study conducts real-time monitoring of key pollutants—sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen oxides (NOₓ), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—at the Kali Sindh Thermal Power Plant (KATPP) in Jhalawar, Rajasthan, using advanced sensor technologies for high-resolution spatial and temporal data collection. The findings reveal that pollutant concentrations fluctuate with plant operations and meteorological conditions, with peak pollution levels observed during winter due to temperature inversion and reduced dispersion rates. SO₂ and NOₓ concentrations are significantly higher near emission sources, while PM2.5 levels increase due to coal combustion and ash dispersion. VOC levels vary based on industrial activity and weather patterns. A strong negative correlation is observed between pollutant levels and wind speed (-0.7) and temperature (-0.6), while humidity positively correlates with PM2.5 levels (0.8), exacerbating air quality deterioration. Several pollutant concentrations exceed CPCB regulatory limits, identifying pollution hotspots near the power plant. These findings emphasize the urgent need for stringent emission control measures, the adoption of cleaner energy technologies, and the implementation of green buffer zones to mitigate environmental and public health risks. The study further underscores the effectiveness of sensor-based air quality monitoring in industrial regions and its critical role in shaping environmental policies and pollution control strategies.