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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
Air pollution is a major health problem in urban areas, influenced by traffic and atmospheric conditions. This
study investigates the relationship between meteorological factors—wind direction, wind speed, boundary layer
height, and atmospheric stability conditions —street trees, and PM10 concentration in three urban canyons:
Avenida da Liberdade and Estrada de Benfica in Lisbon, and Marginal Tietˆe in S˜
ao Paulo. Five years of hourly
meteorological data and PM10 concentrations were analysed. Despite differences in scale and traffic volume, the
results show that PM10 concentration patterns were similar in both Lisbon study areas. These areas also indi
cated a significant influence of atmospheric variables such as wind speed, boundary layer height, and atmo
spheric stability conditions. Tietˆe, with a higher vehicle density and different atmospheric conditions (lower
wind speeds and greater atmospheric stability), presents higher PM10 peaks. Seasonal analysis revealed distinct
patterns influenced by atmospheric instability, wind speed, and direction. In winter, areas with dense street tree
cover had reduced PM10 levels, while those without showed higher concentrations due to increased stability.
Wind direction played a crucial role, favouring the pollutant dispersal in canyons with parallel winds. The
Factorial Analysis of Mixed Data method identified qualitative variables linked to the seasons, wind direction,
and presence of trees. PM10 levels below the were associated with the summer and autumn period, parallel
winds, and street trees, while levels above the limit were linked to winter period and areas without street trees.
By integrating big data analytics with environmental monitoring, this research underscores the importance of
considering the local atmospheric conditions and environmental variables in the urban air quality management.
Thus, it demonstrates that the traffic volume alone does not determine PM10 concentrations; instead, the
interplay of multiple factors, including meteorological conditions and urban planning, played a crucial role. This
study provides valuable insights for developing effective strategies to mitigate urban air pollution and protect
public health.
Description
Keywords
Air quality Urban environment Big data Atmospheric Stability Conditions Urban Canyon
Pedagogical Context
Citation
Girotti, C., Kowalski, L. F., Silva, T., Correia, E., Shimomura, A. R. P., Kurokawa, F. A., Lopes, A. (2025). Air pollution dynamics: the role of meteorological factors in PM10 concentration patterns across urban areas. City and Environment Interactions, 25, 100184. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cacint.2024.100184
Publisher
Elsevier