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Experts explain about South Mumbai's high AQI

Experts, while explaining why there was a difference in air quality in interior and coastal locations said that it is due to higher concentrations of sea salt (or sodium chloride).

Experts explain about South Mumbai's high AQI
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In the past two days, Mumbai's air quality has been worsening. South Mumbai's Colaba and Mazagaon have become the most polluted localities, with AQI going above 330. 

As per the data from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting And Research (SAFAR) network of 10 monitoring locations across the city, the air quality is in the "very poor" category.

On Tuesday, November 16 evening, Colaba's AQI was 370, while Mazagaon's was 331. In Mumbai suburbs, air quality was "moderate," with Chembur recording AQI of 183, Borivali 159 and Bhandup 125.

Experts, while explaining why there was a difference in air quality in interior and coastal locations, said that it is due to higher concentrations of sea salt (or sodium chloride). It acts as a primary pollutant, consisting of particles that meet the criteria for PM2.5 and PM10. However, it also reacts with other pollutants to create secondary compounds.

Sachin Panwar, an independent air quality expert certified by the Quality Council of India, said that usually, it is true that coastal towns are less polluted than landlocked ones. It is because of the strong winds from the sea that sweep through the city. 

However, certain conditions in proximity to the sea make it a disadvantage. The city is experiencing high humidity and slow, landward winds from the sea. These conditions are ideal for sea salt to become aerosolised or airborne.

The air quality monitors detect the very tiny particles and reflect a higher AQI.

An increase in heat and humidity is a reason why Mumbai's air pollution is rising. The haze shrouding the city has been accompanied by warmer conditions resulting in air pollution.

On Monday, November 15, Mumbai's AQI reached a seasonal high of 245. Meanwhile, on Tuesday afternoon, Mumbai's air was the sixth most polluted across major cities globally, as per the data from IQ Air.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, November 17, Mumbai experienced its second warmest morning in 10 years with the nightime temperature touching 26.5 degrees Celsius. As per the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) Santacruz observatory, the city's relative humidity stood at 84%.

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