Effect of meteorological factors on the daily average levels of particulate matter in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Particulate matter (PM) is a key indicator of air pollution. Particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 µ (PM10), and 2.5 µ (PM2.5); are inhaled and deposited in the respiratory system. The fate of air pollutants, including PM, is highly dependent on meteorological parameters as they control natural emissions, transport, chemistry and deposition. This study was a cross-sectional one aimed at assessing the effect of meteorological factors on the daily average levels of PM in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia during year 2012. Two monitoring stations with the HORRIBA APDA-371 Continuous Particulate Monitors were distributed in Dammam and Khobar governorates for incessantly recording the hourly ambient levels of PM10and PM2.5. Simultaneously, the meteorological parameters (wind speed, wind direction, air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, and precipitation) were recorded by the WS600-UMB weather parameters’ sensor. The daily average levels PM10, and PM2.5exceeded the U.S. National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) for 19.5%, and 45.8% in the Dammam station measurement days and 27.1% and 36.1% in the Khobar measurement days respectively. They were correlated positively with wind speed and air temperature. Their relationships with wind direction, relative humidity, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation were negative

Keywords

• air pollution, meteorological factors, particulate matter, Saudi Arabia

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