Status of PM10 as an air pollutant and its prediction using meteorological parameters in Ahvaz, Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Shiraz University, Iran

Abstract

In the present study, air quality analyses for particulate matters (PM10) were conducted
in Ahvaz, a city in the south of Iran. The measurements were taken from 2009 through
2010 in two different locations to prepare average data for the city. The average
concentrations were calculated for every 24 hours, and each month and each season which
showed the highest concentration of PM10 in the morning while the least concentration was
found in the afternoon. Monthly concentrations of the PM10 showed the highest value in
July and the least in January. The seasonal concentrations show the highest amounts in
summer. Relationships between air pollutant and meteorological parameters were assessed
statistically using the daily average data. The wind data (velocity, direction), relative
humidity, temperature, sunshine periods, dew point and rainfall were considered as
independent variables. The relationships were expressed by multiple linear and nonlinear
regression equations for annual and seasonal conditions using SPSS software. Results
showed significant relationships between PM10 and some meteorological parameters.
RMSE test showed that among the different prediction models, stepwise model is the best
option. Unfortunately, mostly the concentration of the PM10 was very higher than primary
standards of PM10 (50 μg/m3) for human health, that is why recently, Ahvaz is considered
one of worst polluted cities in the country.

Keywords

Main Subjects


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