Spatio-Temporal Changes of Particulate Matter (Pm 2.5) Over Brazil and its Correlation With Meteorological Variables

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), classified as airborne, adversely affects human health and the environment. This study examined the concentration and variability of PM2.5 and its correlation with meteorological variables in Brazil. The annual average highest concentration of PM2.5 (kg-m-3) 5.65×10-9 was found in the western part of the country. A low concentration of PM 2.5 (kg-m-3), 0.21×10-9 was reported in North, East, and South Brazil. Mann-Kendall and Sen’s slope statistics were applied to find the trend and magnitude in the time series. Mann-Kendall (MAK)-Tau shows a positive significant trend (1 to 0.41) detected in the south, midwest, and southeastern Brazil. The Mann-Kendall (MAK)-Tau trend test was applied. The Sen’s Slope rate ranged from 6.98 to 4.54 in the midwest, south, and southeast regions of Brazil, respectively. In 24 years, an overall negative PM2.5 trend of -3.17 and -5.18 is shown in the north and northeast, respectively. This study evaluated PM2.5 correlation with prevailing meteorological variables using various statistical techniques computed in R-Studio. Cross-wavelet Transform (CWT) analysis was used to examine the time and magnitude of PM2.5 with prevailing meteorological variables. The CWT analysis is statistically significant. The application of CWT analysis has revealed high leading and lagging in-phase and anti-phase correlations with prevailing meteorological variables, e.g., relative humidity, precipitation, temperature, and wind speed variables that have influenced the temporal concentration of PM2.5.