Abstract

The characteristics of meteorological conditions related to changes in atmospheric environment on Jeju Island were investigated during recent years (2010-2012). This analysis was performed using the hourly observed data of meteorological variables (air temperature, wind speed and direction) and air pollutants (<TEX>$O_3$</TEX>, <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX>, <TEX>$SO_2$</TEX>, <TEX>$NO_2$</TEX>, and CO). Out of 5 pollutants, <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> and <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> concentrations have frequently exceeded national environmental standards in the study area during the study period, with relatively higher concentrations than the others. The concentrations of <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> and <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> in 2010 and 2011 were somewhat higher than those in 2012, and their highest concentrations were mostly observed in spring followed by fall. Nighttime <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> concentrations (with relatively high concentration levels) were almost similar to its daytime concentrations, due to less <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> titration by very low NO concentrations in the target area and in part to <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> increase resulting from atmospheric transport processes. The transport effect related to the concentration variations of <TEX>$O_3$</TEX> and <TEX>$PM_{10}$</TEX> was also clarified in correlation between these pollutants and meteorological variables, e.g. the high exceedance frequency of concentration criteria with strong wind speed and the high concentrations with the westerly/northwesterly winds (e.g., transport from the polluted regions of China). The overall results of this study suggest that the changes in atmospheric environment in the study area were likely to be caused by the transport effect (horizontal and vertical) due to the meteorological conditions rather than the contribution of local emission sources.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call