Statistical analysis of inhalable (PM10) and fine particles (PM2.5) concentrations in urban region of Patras, Greece

In this study, the relationship between inhalable particulate (PM10), fine particulate (PM2.5),
coarse particles (PM2.5-10) and meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative
humidity, solar radiation, wind speed was statistically analyzed and modeled for the urban
region of Patras during winter-spring of 2005-2006. Ambient air quality was monitored with a
sampling frequency of twenty-four hours at three monitoring sites (“A”, “B”, “C”) , covering a
period of four months from December 2005 to March 2006. The monitoring sites were located
near highly trafficked and congested areas. The 24-h average PM10 were measured using a
FH 62-I-R in the fixed station “A”, and “B”, and a Teccora low-volume samplers in the site “C”.
The 24-h average PM2.5 was measured in “A”, “B”, “C” sites using Teccora low-volume
samplers. Meteorological parameters such as temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation,
and wind speed were also recorded during the sampling period. It was found that
approximately 36% of PM10 concentrations were exceeding the standard value of 50 μg m-3.
The ratios between PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be in the range of 0.49 to 0.86 and the
highest ratio was found in the most polluted urban site. Concentrations of PM10, and PM2.5
showed temporal and spatial variations during winter-spring. Statistical analyses have shown
a strong positive correlation between PM10 and PM2.5. The highest correlation (0.98) was
obtained between PM10 and PM2.5 at station “A” followed by 0.97 at station “B” and 0.54 at
station “C”. The negative correlation was observed between particulate matter (PM10 and
PM2.5) and wind speed. Finally, a regression equation for PM10 and PM2.5 and meteorological
parameters were developed.