Archive · 7 Sep 2025
Delhi Air Has High Mercury Levels, Study Finds
Scientists checked the air in Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Pune and found that Delhi's air has the most mercury, which is a harmful substance.
The study looked at the air from 2018 to 2024.
Delhi's air contains about 7 billionths of a gram of mercury in each cubic meter.
This is much higher than in the other cities.
The main reason for the high mercury levels is pollution from things like coal use, cars, and factories.
Mercury can be dangerous for health, potentially affecting the nervous system, kidneys, and lungs if exposure continues.
Researchers found that a large percentage of the mercury pollution comes from human activities.
A study shows Delhi has the highest mercury levels among three Indian cities.
The study was conducted by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).
Delhi's average mercury level is 6.9 ng/m³.
Human activities, including coal use, traffic, and industries, are major contributors.
Prolonged exposure to mercury can harm the nervous system, digestive system, and other organs.
- Who
- IITM researchers
- What
- Study reveals Delhi has highest mercury levels among three Indian cities.
- When
- 2018-2024 (study period)
- Where
- Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Pune, India
- Why
- To assess mercury levels in the air and identify sources.
- Study Conducted By
- Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)
- Study Period
- 2018-2024
- Delhi Mercury Level (Average)
- 6.9 ng/m³
- Ahmedabad Mercury Level (Average)
- 2.1 ng/m³
- Pune Mercury Level (Average)
- 1.5 ng/m³
- Primary Cause
- Human activities (coal, traffic, industries)