<p>Understanding the seasonal dynamics and long-term trends of air pollutants is crucial for effective air quality management. This study investigates the concentrations, trends, and spatial variations of five key pollutants—PM<sub>2.5</sub>, NO<sub>2</sub>, CO, SO<sub>2</sub>, and O<sub>3</sub>—in Houston, USA, over a seven-year period (2018–2024) using ground-based and satellite observations. The results indicate a significant rise in PM<sub>2.5</sub> and NO<sub>2</sub> concentrations, with annual averages increasing by 23% and 7.3%, respectively, highlighting the impact of industrial emissions and vehicular traffic. In contrast, SO<sub>2</sub> levels declined by 44%, reflecting the effectiveness of regulatory measures. Seasonal variations reveal that PM<sub>2.5</sub> peaks in summer due to secondary formation processes enhanced by photochemical activity, as evidenced by a concurrent rise in O<sub>3</sub> levels. In contrast, NO<sub>2</sub>, CO, and SO<sub>2</sub> concentrations are highest in winter, influenced by atmospheric stability and heating-related emissions. Meteorological analysis revealed temperature, relative humidity and wind speed as key drivers of pollutant variability. Source apportionment via Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis identified three major contributors: vehicle emissions (55.2%), secondary aerosol precursors (35.3%), and industrial combustion (9.5%). Spatial analysis identifies key pollution hotspots near industrial corridors and high-traffic zones, emphasizing the need for targeted mitigation strategies. This study underscores the necessity of integrating continuous monitoring with policy interventions to address rising pollution levels and safeguard public health in rapidly urbanizing regions.</p>

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Seasonal dynamics and trends in air pollutants: A comprehensive analysis of PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2 and O3 in Houston, USA

  • Mohammad Jahirul Alam,
  • Irfan Karim,
  • Shahid Uz Zaman

摘要

Understanding the seasonal dynamics and long-term trends of air pollutants is crucial for effective air quality management. This study investigates the concentrations, trends, and spatial variations of five key pollutants—PM2.5, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3—in Houston, USA, over a seven-year period (2018–2024) using ground-based and satellite observations. The results indicate a significant rise in PM2.5 and NO2 concentrations, with annual averages increasing by 23% and 7.3%, respectively, highlighting the impact of industrial emissions and vehicular traffic. In contrast, SO2 levels declined by 44%, reflecting the effectiveness of regulatory measures. Seasonal variations reveal that PM2.5 peaks in summer due to secondary formation processes enhanced by photochemical activity, as evidenced by a concurrent rise in O3 levels. In contrast, NO2, CO, and SO2 concentrations are highest in winter, influenced by atmospheric stability and heating-related emissions. Meteorological analysis revealed temperature, relative humidity and wind speed as key drivers of pollutant variability. Source apportionment via Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis identified three major contributors: vehicle emissions (55.2%), secondary aerosol precursors (35.3%), and industrial combustion (9.5%). Spatial analysis identifies key pollution hotspots near industrial corridors and high-traffic zones, emphasizing the need for targeted mitigation strategies. This study underscores the necessity of integrating continuous monitoring with policy interventions to address rising pollution levels and safeguard public health in rapidly urbanizing regions.