Atmospheric Particulate Matter Variations and Comparison of Two Forecasting Models for Two Indian Megacities

Article Type

Research Article

Publication Title

Aerosol Science and Engineering

Abstract

Ambient particulate matter levels influence air quality and are an environmental risk factor, especially in megacities. Meteorological factors modulate the ambient concentration of particulates in the atmosphere and hence, human exposure, visibility degradation, and other environmental effects. It is, therefore, crucial to forecast particulate matter levels. Various methods have been used to forecast atmospheric particulate matter level. The present study uses fine particulate matter (PM2.5, particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤ 2.5 micrometre) data from two megacities in South Asia to construct forecasting models—autoregressive (AR) and regression model and attempts to test the results. Delhi and Kolkata are the two cities for the study and data period is 2015–2017. Seasonal and diurnal trends are presented. Mean concentrations during the study period were highest in winter with daily concentrations exceeding the prescribed safe level by 3–7 times at both cities. Afternoon time was found to be the best time in a day with low particulate levels. Among meteorological parameters, temperature was found to have highest correlation (negative) with particulate matter at both the cities. Upon comparison with measured data for 15 days, it was found that AR model-estimated results do not exhibit the trend in the actual particulate levels, as is exhibited by the regression model estimations.

First Page

54

Last Page

62

DOI

10.1007/s41810-019-00041-6

Publication Date

6-3-2019

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS