Status of PM10 as an air pollutant and its prediction using meteorological parameters in Ahvaz, Iran

In the present study, air quality analyses for particulate matters (PM10) were conducted in Ahvaz, a city in the south of Iran. The measurements were taken from 2009 through 2010 in two different locations to prepare average data for the city. The average concentrations were calculated for every 24 hours, and each month and each season which showed the highest concentration of PM10 in the morning while the least concentration was found in the afternoon. Monthly concentrations of the PM10 showed the highest value in July and the least in January. The seasonal concentrations show the highest amounts in summer. Relationships between air pollutant and meteorological parameters were assessed statistically using the daily average data. The wind data (velocity, direction), relative humidity, temperature, sunshine periods, dew point and rainfall were considered as independent variables. The relationships were expressed by multiple linear and nonlinear regression equations for annual and seasonal conditions using SPSS software. Results showed significant relationships between PM10 and some meteorological parameters. RMSE test showed that among the different prediction models, stepwise model is the best option. Unfortunately, mostly the concentration of the PM10 was very higher than primary standards of PM10 (50 μg/m3) for human health, that is why recently, Ahvaz is considered one of worst polluted cities in the country.