Journal of Environmental Biology

Do emissions from thermal power plants affect crop productivity?

A study from the vicinity of Bellary Thermal Power Station,

Karnataka, India

K.R. Kiran¹*, M.V. Ravi¹, B. Dhanya², B.S. Janagoudar³, M.R. Umesh⁴ and K. Narayanarao¹

¹Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, India

²Department of Environmental Studies, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, India

³Directorate of Research, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, India

⁴Department of Agronomy, University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur-584 104, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: kiran143swiz@gmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

04 February 2015

Revised received:

15 September 2015

Accepted:

06 October 2015

Abstract

In the present study, ambient air quality was monitored during July to November 2013 in the vicinity of Bellary Thermal Power Sation (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.

Key words

Fly ash, Maize, Nitrogen oxides, Particulate matter, Pollution, Sulphur dioxide

Copyright ? 2016 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).