Granger Causal networks for the identification of source and target locations of urban air pollution-A case study over south-eastern region of West Bengal

Increased air pollution due to rapid urbanization has become a serious matter of concern in the south-eastern part of West Bengal. Long-term exposure to outdoor air pollutants poses significant health risks and affects the global ecosystem. The primary focus of the study is to identify the major source and target locations of outdoor air pollutants from different natural and anthropogenic sources over the region. Regulatory bodies can better monitor those hubs and implement green initiatives for adopting a low-carbon emission lifestyle. In this context, Granger Causal networks have been utilized to investigate the source and target locations of urban air pollution. Accordingly, the hub and authority scores have been considered to identify the major sources and targets of corresponding emissions. It has been found that Asansol and Durgapur are the most air-polluted regions due to huge industrial emissions and Rabindra Sarobar is the least polluted region in the presence of greeneries.