Robust Estimation of Carbon Monoxide Measurements.

Wilmar Hernandez,Alfredo Mendez

doi:10.3390/s20174958

Abstract

This paper presents a robust analysis of carbon monoxide (CO) concentration measurements conducted at the Belisario air-quality monitoring station (Quito, Ecuador). For the analysis, the data collected from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2019 were considered. Additionally, each of the twelve years analyzed was considered as a random variable, and robust location and scale estimators were used to estimate the central tendency and dispersion of the data. Furthermore, classic, nonparametric, bootstrap, and robust confidence intervals were used to group the variables into categories. Then, differences between categories were quantified using confidence intervals and it was shown that the trend of CO concentration at the Belisario station in the last twelve years is downward. The latter was proven with the precision provided by both nonparametric and robust statistical methods. The results of the research work robustly proved that the CO concentration at Belisario station in the last twelve years is not considered a health risk, according to the criteria established by the Quito Air Quality Index.

Highlights

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that when found in the air in large concentrations is harmful to both humans and animals
The main objective of this paper is to carry out the robust estimation [7,8,9] of a set of twelve years of CO concentration measurements performed at Belisario air-quality monitoring station in Quito (Ecuador) [10]
From an initial statistical summary, it was observed that the values of the CO concentration at the Belisario station are values that are at a desirable level of air pollution, according to the criteria established in Quito Air Quality Index (QAQI) [30]

Summary

Introduction

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless and odorless gas that when found in the air in large concentrations is harmful to both humans and animals. This gas is produced when fossil fuels are burned and, internal combustion engines and vehicles or machinery whose operating principle is based on burning fossil fuels are among the greatest sources of CO, which is an air pollutant of concern worldwide [1]. The most important source of CO is motor vehicle exhaust [3]. Catalytic convertors have reduced automobile exhaust emissions of CO [4]. Smoke-polluted environments and hookah smoking are sources of CO exposure [2]

Objectives

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion