Investigation of Relationship between Particulate Matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and Meteorological Parameters at Roadside Area of First Penang Bridge

Abstract

The present study was focusing to characterize the particulate matter (PM_2.5 and PM₁₀) at the roadside of First Penang Bridge and the associated meteorological parameters influence such as precipitation, temperature, and relative humidity. The study was conducted by focusing on the roadside area of First Penang Bridge (N05°21.375’; E100°23.584’). A total of 12 samples thrice per month for each particulate matter size were collected starting from June 2015 to September 2015. Meteorological data were obtained from the Meteorological Department of Penang on a daily basis and 24-hours averages. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted in characterizing the relationship between particulate matter concentrations and the target meteorological parameters. Results showed that PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ concentrations ranged between 18.06 – 79.51 ?g/m³ and 22.38 – 130.90 ?g/m³ with the overall mean concentration of 39.35 ?g/m³ for PM2.5 and 45.24 ?g/m³ for PM₁₀. For the PM_2.5, weak negative correlation was obtained between PM and precipitation (r = -0.462), strong negative correlation with relative humidity (r = -0.799) and weak positive correlation between temperature (r = 0.456). PM10 showed weak negative correlation between PM with temperature (r = -0.061) and precipitation (r = -0.022), and strong positive correlation between PM and relative humidity (r = 0.130).