Correlation analysis of size-resolved airborne particulate matter with classified meteorological conditions

Abstract

This study analyzed correlations between classified meteorological conditions and size-resolved particulate matter (PM) concentrations over year. Seasonal measurements of airborne PM were conducted on the roof of a university building located in an urban residential area in Ulsan, Korea. A total of 267 daily PM samples were obtained using a nine-stage cascade impactor during the 12-month sampling period (March 2011–March 2012). Among this period, the average PM1.0, PM2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM10 concentrations were the lowest during the summer. The highest and lowest monthly average PM concentrations for all particle size ranges were observed in dry April and humid July, respectively. The PM1.0, PM2.5, PM2.5–10, and PM10 concentrations were negatively correlated (p 80 %) and under moderate humidity conditions (50–80 %) only during the winter season. PM concentrations also negatively correlated with precipitation (p 30 mm) and moderate (10–30 mm) rainfall conditions and only under light rainfall ( 7 m/s) and moderate (3–7 m/s) wind]. Most PM concentrations correlated positively with ambient temperature, however, only on days with an average temperature above 20 °C. High and moderate temperatures negatively correlated with high and moderate humid conditions, while low and extra low temperatures in winter period showed positive correlation with high and moderate humidity.