Surface ozone concentrations in Agra: links with the prevailing meteorological parameters

Abstract

Measurements of surface ozone (O3), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxides of nitrogen (NOx=NO+NO2) and meteorological parameters have been made at Agra (North Central India, 27°10’N, 78°05’E) in post monsoon and winter season. The diurnal variation in O3 concentration shows daytime in situ photochemical production with diurnal maximum in noon hours ranging from 51 to 54 ppb in post monsoon and from 76 to 82 ppb in winter, while minimum (16–24 ppb) during nighttime and early morning hours. Average 8-h O3 concentration varied from 12.4 to 83.9 ppb. The relationship between meteorological parameters (solar radiation intensity, temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and wind direction) and surface O3 variability was studied using principal component analysis (PCA), multiple linear regression (MLR) and correlation analysis (CA). PCA and MLR of daily mean O3 concentrations on meteorological parameters explain up to 80 % of day to day ozone variability. Correlation with meteorology is strongly emphasized on days having strong solar radiation intensity and longer sunshine time.