Relationships between Air Pollutants and Meteorological Factors during Southwest and Northeast Monsoon at Urban Areas in Peninsular Malaysia

Abstract

People who currently live in urban areas are subjected to significantly higher levels of exposure to air pollution. Pollutant concentrations in the air change according to the weather, the locations of the many sources of pollution, and the topography of the area. This study examines the link between meteorological parameters (ambient temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed) and daily air pollutant concentrations in four monitoring stations at Peninsular Malaysian cities (Seberang Perai, Pasir Gudang, Batu Muda, and Kemaman) during southwest and northeast monsoon. Pearson Correlation Analysis analyzed air quality data over two years (January 2016 - January 2018). The study found that PM10 concentrations were highest at all monitoring locations. At all monitoring locations, climatic parameters correlated with NO2, PM10, and CO. Air pollution and meteorological conditions correlate weakly to moderately during the southwest monsoon. The investigation found that weather conditions affect O3 most during the dry season. CO and climatic parameters correlated weakly at all four monitoring stations during the northeast monsoon. PM10 correlated positively with ambient temperature and negatively with relative humidity and wind speed at all four stations. The northeast monsoon correlation values were weak to moderate. This study will help officials identify optimal air pollution controls for metropolitan areas during monsoon seasons in line with SDG-11, which promotes sustainable cities and communities.