Metal Concentration in PM2.5 and PM10 and their Microbial Nature in Ambient Air of Agra, Region during Winter Season

Background and Objective: Rapid industrialization and urbanization have contaminated air in many areas of the world, either directly or indirectly. In this study particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀), microbial and metal concentration in the ambient environment of the city of Taj, i.e., Agra is explored. Materials and Methods: Two sites were selected based on roadside and semi-urban. Sampling was conducted in the winter season. The PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ were measured by dichotomous sampler and their metals were obtained by acid extraction. Serial dilution method was used to identify the microbial activity in PM_2.5 and PM₁₀. Results: The average mass concentration of PM₁₀ at Khandari and Trans Yamuna was found to be 232.81 and 231.85 μg/m³ and the concentration of PM_2.5 was found to be 147.24 and 121.91 μg/m³, respectively during the study period. Microbial concentration revealed a high frequency of fungal contaminants in comparison to bacterial contaminants, further, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus were the most prominent fungal contaminants observed at a higher frequency, while in a few samples, gram-positive bacteria were isolated at a lower frequency. Conclusion: Heavy metal concentration for PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 was found higher at the Khandari site than Trans Yamuna site. Aspergillus flavus was the most abundant contaminant found in the highest frequency followed by Aspergillus niger, Mucor, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillium and Rhizopus.