Analysis and Modelling of PM2.5 Temporal and Spatial Behaviors in European Cities

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2019

Authors

Adaes, J (Author) Other; Pires, JCM (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Sustainability

Vol. 11 No. 707

Final page: 6019

ISSN: 2071-1050

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 5 Citations

Scopus - 8 Citations

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Projeto Estratégico do LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

IF/01341/2015 - Configurações de fotobiorreatores para cultivo de microalgas: modelação de bioprocessos e avaliação de sustentabilidade

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00R-BZT

DOI: 10.3390/su11216019

Abstract (EN): Particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of less than 2.5 mu m (PM2.5) is associated with adverse effects on human health (e.g., fatal cardiovascular and respiratory diseases), and environmental concerns (e.g., visibility impairment and damage in ecosystems). This study aimed to evaluate temporal and spatial trends and behaviors of PM2.5 concentrations in different European locations. Statistical threshold models using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) defined by Genetic Algorithms (GA) were also applied for an urban centre site in Istanbul, to evaluate the influence of meteorological variables and PM10 concentrations on PM2.5 concentrations. Lower PM2.5 concentrations were observed in northern Europe. The highest values were found at traffic-related sites. PM2.5 concentrations were usually higher during the winter and tended to present strong increases during rush hours. PM2.5/PM10 ratios were slightly higher at background sites and the lower values were found in northern Europe (Helsinki and Stockholm). Ratios were usually higher during cold months and during the night. The statistical model (ANN + GA) allowed evaluating the combined effect of different explanatory variables (temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, air pressure and PM10 concentrations) on PM2.5 concentrations, under different regimes defined by relative humidity (threshold value of 79.1%). Important information about the temporal and spatial trends and behaviors related to PM2.5 concentrations in different European locations was developed.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 26