PM1 Pollution May Be Underestimated by Up to 20%: Study

A new study suggests that fine particulate matter (PM1) in Delhi may be absorbing moisture from the humid winter air, leading to an underestimation of pollution levels by up to 20%.

- PRABHAT SHUKLA @ New Delhi

The research, published in npj Clean Air, highlights how hygroscopic growth, the swelling of particles due to moisture absorption, reduces the efficiency of pollution monitoring devices, potentially distorting air quality assessments.

Conducted by researchers from the University of Birmingham, UK, the study addresses a key gap in understanding PM1 pollution in New Delhi, the world's most polluted megacity.