An exploratory analysis of PM /PM ratio during spring 2016-2018 in Metropolitan Lima

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Public Health

Background:

• Aerosols, specifically PM2.5 and PM10, are critical air pollutants with significant human health impacts.
• Understanding the relationship between particulate matter concentrations, their ratios, and climatic variables is crucial for air quality management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the relationship between PM2.5 and PM10 ratios and climatic variables in Metropolitan Lima during austral spring (2016-2018).
• To identify spatial and temporal patterns of particulate matter pollution and their contributing factors.

Main Methods:

• Statistical analysis of PM2.5 and PM10 data in conjunction with meteorological data.
• Correlation analysis to determine relationships between particulate matter ratios and climatic variables (temperature, humidity, wind).
• Development of contour lines to visualize climate-PM ratio interactions.

Main Results:

• Average PM2.5/PM10 ratio was 0.33, indicating moderate contamination with a coarse aerosol predominance, showing an increasing trend.
• Specific locations (Ate, Villa Maria del Triunfo) exhibited poor air quality; pollution peaks occurred on Thursdays, with lower levels on Sundays.
• Secondary aerosol formation, linked to industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, and biomass burning, was evident, particularly in Campo de Marte.

Conclusions:

• Climate variables significantly influence PM2.5/PM10 ratios, with negative correlations to wind and temperature, and positive correlations to humidity.
• The study highlights the interaction between climate and aerosol composition, crucial for understanding emission sources.
• Findings support optimizing air quality indices and emission control strategies for Metropolitan Lima.