Association between airborne particles and meteorological parameters in Arak industrial city

Abstract

Introduction: By crossing the borders of cities and countries, air pollution is now a global problem so that it can be claimed that there is no sound and clean air. This study aimed to investigate the effect of meteorological parameters on the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in the air of Arak city. Materials and methods: In this study, Arak city was divided into three regions using geographic information system (GIS). Based on air pollution monitoring stations in Arak city, it was tried to select one station from each region for analysis. Meteorological parameters including temperature (°C), relative humidity (٪), precipitation (mm), and wind speed (m/s), were obtained from Arak Meteorological Organization. Finally, the association between the concentration of PM (PM2.5 and PM10) and meteorological parameters were evaluated by SPSS. Results: Annual changes in PM (PM2.5 and PM10) showed that the average particle concentrations were 25.34 and 46.81 µg/m3 in the study periods, respectively. It was also found that the citizens of Arak were 2.5 times more exposed to PM (PM2.5 and PM10) pollutants than the standard recommended by the World Health Organization. Our findings also showed strong positive linear correlations of wind velocity and temperature with PM2.5 and PM10, as well  as relative humidity with PM10, and negative correlations of precipitation with PM2.5 and PM10, as well as relative humidity with PM2.5. Conclusion: The distribution map of Arak city indicated that the citizens of Shariati station and the governor's office were  facing high concentrations  of pollutants, posing them to a serious threat. Moreover, more pollution was recorded toward the north and northwest of the city. To protect the health of citizens in Arak, therefore, it is necessary to adopt appropriate policies and rules to reduce the concentrations of PM and other pollutants in the air of this city.