Influence of Temperature and Relative Humidity on PM2.5 Concentration over Delhi

ABSTRACT

The present study is an attempt to establish relationship between the concentrations of particulate matter especially (PM2.5) and background meteorological parameters over Delhi, India with the help of statistical and correlative analysis. This work presents the evaluation of air quality in three different locations of Delhi. These locations were selected to fulfil the characteristics as residential, industrial and background locations and performed the analysis for pre and post covid-19, i.e. for 2019 and 2021. The outcome of the study shows that the meteorological parameters have significant influence on the PM2.5 concentration. It was also found that it has a seasonality with low concentration in the monsoon season, moderate in the pre-monsoon season and high during the winters and post-monsoon seasons. However, the statistical and correlative study shows a negative relation with the temperature during the winter, pre-monsoon and post-monsoon and has a positive correlation during the monsoon season. Similarly, it also has been observed that the concentration of PM2.5 shows strong negative correlation with temperature during the high humid conditions, i.e. when the relative humidity is above 50%. However, a weak correlation with ambient temperature has been established during the low humidity condition, i.e. below 50%. The overall study showed that the highest PM2.5 pollution has been observed at residential location followed by industrial and background. The study also concluded that the seasonal meteorology has a complex role in the PM2.5 concentration of the selected areas.