PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Bangkok over 10 years and implications for air quality

Abstract

Atmospheric particulate matter particles with a diameter less than 10 micron (PM10) and less than 2.5 micron (PM2.5) have been adverse human health effect. Ambient air pollution data in Central Business District (CBD) of Bangkok monitored by Pollution Control Department and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration were collected over ten years in Bangkok from 2008 to 2017. Trend of the particulate matter concentrations data were investigated over ten year for implications of activities related to air pollution. Daily average air pollution data between year 2015 and year 2017 were used as the dependent variables to develop mathematic models with multiple linear regression (MLR) technique for forecasting PM2.5 concentrations in non-monitored areas. The predicted values of PM2.5 concentrations were validated by various statistical performance indicators. The Q-Q plots of the measured and predicted values of both selected ambient monitoring data and roadside monitoring data had significant correlations, with R2= 0.88 and 0.96, respectively. The non-carcinogenic health risk assessment of PM10 and PM2.5 was quantified as the hazard quotient (HQ) from both the measured and predicted data. The risk areas and HQ were compared using the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) interpolation technique and illustrated as GIS-based maps. The highest HQ value was discovered in the southern area of the CBD. The risk area could be used for greater precaution propose of public health awareness.