Evaluation of meteorological conditions influence on fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) concentration in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

ABSTRACT The increase of air pollution in urban centres due to the growth of industrial facilities and vehicular fleet is a problem that causes environmental damage and affects human health, mainly due to the inhalation of fine particulate matter (PM2.5). For this reason, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of meteorological conditions on PM2.5 concentration in Belo Horizonte, using data sampled from the winter of 2007 to the autumn of 2008. In addition, the differences in meteorological data and PM2.5 concentration between the seasons of the year in this study’s period were also assessed. For this, correlation statistical tests were performed for meteorological data and PM2.5 concentration, as well as significance analysis to evaluate the differences between these two parameters in the dry and wet periods, characteristic of the study area. It was observed a significant difference between PM2.5 concentration in dry and wet periods. Significant differences were also observed between meteorological parameters (relative humidity, minimum, mean and maximum temperature and wind direction) for these periods. Spearman’s correlation analysis showed a significant correlation between PM2.5 concentration and the meteorological parameters precipitation and relative humidity.