Impact of Meteorological Factors on Air Pollution Trends in West Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of meteorological factors on air pollution trends in West Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted at three (3) industrial area, which are (1) Perai, Penang, (2) Ipoh, Perak, and (3) Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Data on air pollutants (particulate matter (PM10), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and ozone (O3)) and meteorology (rainfall, humidity and temperature) were obtained from the Meteorology Department of Malaysia. This study used five (5) years (2013–2017) data to investigate the impact of meteorological factors on the air pollution trends at industrial area located at west peninsular Malaysia. Annual average concentration of each air pollutant was analyzed and compared with the Recommended Malaysia Ambient Air Quality Guideline (RMAAQG). Interestingly, all air pollutants were complianced with the RMAAQG within 2013 to 2017. PM10 was the predominant air pollutant that contributes to Air Pollutant Index (API) that probably released from the industrial activities, transportation and peatland fires. A significant correlation between the air pollutants and meteorological parameters was identified. Correlation between PM10 and rainfall (Perai, r = −0.39; Ipoh, r = −0.43; and Petaling Jaya, r = −0.34) was significant and consistent at these industrial areas within 2013 to 2017. Another significant correlation (Perai, r = 0.44; Ipoh, r = 0.45 and Petaling Jaya, r = 0.38) was also observed between air pollutant and temperature at these areas. This correlation finding revealed that these industrial areas at the West Peninsular Malaysia significantly contributed to the global warming issue and mitigation measures to control increment of temperature is urgently required. This study provides significant finding on the impact of the meteorological factors on air pollution trends and global warming phenomena in West Peninsular Malaysia.