ABSTRACT
In the present study, ambient air quality was monitored during July to November 2013 in the vicinity of Bellary Thermal Power Station (BTPS), Karnataka to assess the impact of pollutants emitted from power plant on the productivity of maize (Zea mays L.). Atmospheric pollutant load were measured in five different villages at varying distances and directions from thermal power plant, with the village farthest away from BTPS (Yelubenchi) as control. Maize yield was also estimated in these locations and correlated to the pollutant concentrations. It was found that, both particulate matter and SO2 which are indicators of emissions from coal-fueled power plants were highest in Thimmalapur village located in the predominant down wind direction. A significant reduction in maize yield was noticed (8197 to 6509 kg ha-1 for seed and 14041 to 9933 kg ha-1 for stover) across the gradient in distance and direction from BTPS which might be influenced by the pollutants emitted. The implications of these observations are further discussed in the paper.
