Influence of Meteorological Variables on Suburban Atmospheric PM_(2.5) in the Southern Region of Peninsular Malaysia

Nadhira Dahari ； Mohd Talib Latif ； Khalida Muda ； Norelyza Hussein

《Aerosol and Air Quality Research》 20卷1期 (2020/01) Pp. 14-25+ap1-4

https://doi.org/10.4209/aaqr.2019.06.0313

摘要

Air pollution is a crucial contributor to premature mortality and health problems. The excessive inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM_(2.5)) is strongly associated with adverse health effects due to its capability to penetrate deep into the human respiratory system. This study aimed to analyze the seasonal cycles of 24 h average PM_(2.5) mass concentrations in a suburban area in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia. The meteorological variables and PM_(2.5) data were obtained via a Grimm Environmental Dust Monitor from August 2017 until January 2018. The maximum 24 h mass concentration was 44.6 μg m^(-3), with a mean value of 21.85 μg m^(-3), which was observed during the southwest monsoon. 43.33% and 8.33% of the daily concentrations exceeded the 24 h World Health Organization Guideline and Malaysian Ambient Air Quality Standard, respectively. The variation in the PM_(2.5) mass ranged between 0.53 and 0.90 times of the PM_(10) mass, indicating that the PM_(2.5) consistently contributed 52-92% of the PM_(10) mass concentration. During the monsoon seasons, the ambient temperature exhibited a significant positive correlation (p ＜ 0.05) with the PM_(2.5) mass concentration (r = 0.425-0.541), whereas the wind speed (r = -0.23 to -0.0127) and the relative humidity (r = -0.472 to -0.271) displayed strong negative correlations with it. Additionally, the rainfall was weakly correlated with the mass concentration. The presence of northeasterly wind at the study site suggests that the PM_(2.5) originated from sources to the northeast, which are influenced by anthropogenic activities and high traffic.

關鍵字

Atmospheric PM_(2.5) ； Meteorological influence ； Particulate matter ； Suburban area