Infographic - What is the difference between fine and coarse particulate matter?

  

There is constant confusion between PM2.5 vs. PM10 and “fine vs. coarse” fractions of particulate matter. The schematic above presents an overview of what is part of each of these fractions and they are broadly defined like this

  • PM2.5 – this is all the particulate matter under 2.5 um
  • PM10 – this is all the particulate matter under 10.0 um
  • Fine PM – this is all the particulate matter under 2.5 um, which is same of PM2.5
  • Coarse PM – this is all the particulate matter between 2.5 and 10 um
More such questions are answered in SIM-series # 44-2021 - 10 frequently asked questions on particulate matter (PM) 

Monitoring Ambient Air Quality in Indian NCAP City Airsheds


In this SIM-air Working Paper Series # 40-2021, we defined (a) the size of NCAP city airsheds (b) the recommended number of ambient air quality monitoring sites in an airshed (c) the operational sampling frequency to support receptor-based source apportionment studies. These resources are necessary for strengthening the monitoring needs of an airshed to track pollution levels, to conduct receptor-model-based source apportionment studies, and to support long-term air quality management plans.
[Download the full document]
[Download grid & airshed information by city]
[More supporting material is posted here]

Resource Material - Air Quality Modelling Tools and Emission Calculators

NCAP Airshed Information

Click here or on the image to access calculators, tools, and support information for emissions and pollution modelling