The Trend of Atmospheric Ozone Concentration in Taiwan, 1996–2009

Abstract

PP-30-015 Background/Aims: Taiwan's small landmass and dense population, coupled with increasing numbers of motor vehicles caused all sorts of respiratory problems in Taiwan's population. In 1995, the Taiwan government established a limitation policy on the amount of primary pollutants; however, secondary pollutants such as ozone were still on the rise. Methods: To utilize the statistical values taken during 1996–2009 from the monitoring stations in the downwind regions of the Northern, Central, and Southern parts of Taiwan, operated by Taiwan's environmental protection agency, and doing an analysis. Results: From 1996 to 2009 monitoring stations situated in the North, Central, and South of Taiwan showed increasing ozone concentration, and significant difference (P = 0.7 × 10−3, P = 1.73 × 10−5, P = 0.4 × 10−2). During April–May and October, noticeable peaks were observed in the maximum hourly and maximum 8 hours moving average ozone concentration in a day. From 1996 to 2009, the maximum hourly value of ozone concentration did not show significant difference, with the maximum value being in the range of 55–62 ppb, 64–83 ppb, 71–87 ppb in the North, Central, and Southern parts of Taiwan. From 1996 to 2009, a decrease in the concentration of NOx has been observed. Conclusion: The decreasing concentration of NOx and increasing concentration of ozone could be a result of decreasing NO titration effect. The ozone concentration is increasing yearly, especially during the spring and autumn seasons. Ozone causes respiratory health problems, and by reducing motor vehicle pollution, we can lower the concentration of ozone in our air and bring better health to the citizens of Taiwan.