Comparative analysis of meteorological parameters and their relationship with NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and O3 concentrations at selected urban air quality monitoring stations in Krakow, Paris, and Milan

Abstract Meteorological parameters play a major role in air pollutant concentrations as they create conditions that either hinder or facilitate the reaction and dispersion of pollutants in our environments. This is particularly evident in Europe, where frequent alternation of meteorological parameters has the potential to significantly impact pollutant concentrations. This study applied the R openair package to comparatively analyse the relationship between key meteorological parameters and NO 2 , O 3 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 concentrations measured at selected air quality monitoring stations in Krakow, Milan, and Paris in the year 2021. The study made use of meteorological data acquired from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Power data repository, and air pollutants data measured at air quality monitoring stations in each of the three cities. The air pollutants data were retrieved from European Environmental Agency’s Airbase. Concentration and correlation analyses were conducted using the relevant functions of the R openair package. Findings in the study revealed a positive relationship between temperature and O 3 , wind speed and O 3 ; and a negative relationship between temperature and NO 2 /PM 2.5 /PM 10 . The study further revealed a negative relationship between wind speed and NO 2 /PM 2.5 /PM 10, as well as a negative relationship between precipitation and NO 2 /PM 2.5 /PM 10 . NO 2 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 concentrations were higher in winter periods, weekdays, nights, and evenings, but lower in summer periods, weekends, and midday. Whereas O 3 concentration was higher in summer periods, weekends, midday, and lower in winter periods, weekdays, nights, and evenings. NO 2 , PM 10 , and PM 2.5 concentrations were higher during the periods without precipitation than periods with precipitation. In addition, temperature inversions were found to be linked with higher concentrations of NO 2 , PM 2.5 , and PM 10 , but lower concentrations of O 3 in Krakow, Paris and Milan. Accordingly, the study recommends effective monitoring, increased awareness, the use of pollutant removing devices, and further research to enhance adaptation and advance knowledge.