Ambient Air Quality Assessment of Nitrogen Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide in Agra India Spatial Distribution, Seasonal Variation and Year on Year Trends (2024–2026)

Nishant Jurel

doi:10.69968//ijisem.2026v5i2500-508

Authors

Nishant Jurel Research Scholar Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Aagra jurelnishant@gmail.com

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69968//ijisem.2026v5i2500-508

Keywords:

Nitrogen dioxide , Sulphur dioxide , Agra, Taj Mahal , NAAQS, WHO air quality guidelines, Taj Trapezium Zone , Seasonal variation , Indo-Gangetic Plain

Abstract

This study analyses twenty-five months of ambient air quality monitoring data (March 2024–March 2026) collected at four Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) stations in Agra India: Taj Mahal (heritage monument zone), Itmad-ud-Daulah (secondary heritage zone), Rambagh (residential/traffic corridor) and Nunhai (industrial estate). Monthly mean concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) are analysed for seasonal patterns, inter-station spatial gradients and year on year trends. Results reveal a consistent spatial hierarchy (Nunhai > Rambagh ≈ Itmad-ud-Daulah > Taj Mahal) and robust seasonal cycling with NO₂ peaking in the post monsoon and winter seasons and reaching minima during the southwest monsoon. All four stations remain compliant with NAAQS 2009 annual limits for NO₂ (40 µg/m³) but persistently exceed the WHO 2021 annual guideline of 10 µg/m³ indicating a significant public health protection gap. SO₂ concentrations were overwhelmingly below the instrument detection limit (< 4 µg/m³) throughout the study period reflecting the effectiveness of BS-VI fuel standards and Taj Trapezium Zone (TTZ) deindustrialisation policies. A modest year on year improvement in NO₂ was observed at three of four stations between 2024–25 and 2025– 26, tentatively attributed to the cumulative impact of progressive vehicle emission norms. Findings carry important implications for heritage conservation, urban public health policy and the alignment of Indian ambient air quality standards with contemporary WHO evidence.

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