A Critical Review on Air Quality Index

Air quality index (AQI) is used worldwide to inform the public about levels of air pollution (degradation or improvement) and associated to different biological effects. Different types of anthropogenic activity mainly transportation have an enormous impact on the ambient air quality in several ways. The transportation dependence continues to grow; it is adversely affecting the quality of human life. Due to pollution, the ambient air quality in major cities (Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Faridabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad) in India is very poor. According to WHO surveys, India is one of the most polluted countries in the world. Concentrations of air pollutants affect Air Quality Index. Air Quality scenario in most of the Indian cities presents a harsh picture, the majority of national monitoring stations have recorded particulate concentrations exceeding the WHO recommended guideline. The higher the AQI value, the greater the level of air pollution and greater the health concern. This review paper is helpful to understand the development of Air quality Index in India with the experience of the world.