Content area
This study analyzes the spatial and temporal variability of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, based on short-term sampling campaigns conducted in 2019 and 2022. In 2019, PM10 levels averaged 38.14 µg/m3, while in 2022 they rose significantly to 62.18 µg/m3. PM2.5 in 2022 averaged 30.37 µg/m3. These differences are likely influenced by meteorological variability, including increased transport of Saharan dust in mid-2022, and seasonal factors. Although local emission changes were not directly assessed, they may have also played a role in the observed trends. Statistical analyses revealed that aerosol optical depth (AOD), air pressure, and rainfall were significant predictors of PM10 in 2022, explaining up to 75% of the variance. Correlations and regression models confirmed a robust association between AOD and PM levels on a weekly timescale. These findings highlight the importance of integrating remote sensing and meteorological data to improve air quality monitoring and inform environmental policy in Caribbean urban areas.
Details
Temporal variability;
Meteorological data;
Air quality;
Regression models;
Toxicity;
Cytotoxicity;
Emissions;
Rainfall;
Regression analysis;
Remote sensing;
Aerosols;
Urban areas;
Dust;
Air pollution;
Statistical analysis;
Environmental policy;
Outdoor air quality;
Air monitoring;
Environmental policies;
Radiation;
Variability;
Saharan dust;
Comparative analysis;
Comparative studies;
Temporal variations;
Optical analysis;
Particulate matter;
Atmospheric particulates;
Aerosol optical depth;
Particle size;
Statistical methods
; Delanoy Ramón 2
; Caballero-González, Claudia 3
; Hernández-Garces Anel 4
; Jauregui-Haza Ulises 3
; Bonilla-Duarte Solhanlle 5
; Martínez-Batlle José-Ramón 6
1 Area of Basic and Environmental Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), Santo Domingo 10602, Dominican Republic; [email protected] (C.C.-G.); [email protected] (U.J.-H.), Science Faculty, Physics Institute, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), Santo Domingo 10103, Dominican Republic; [email protected]
2 Science Faculty, Physics Institute, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), Santo Domingo 10103, Dominican Republic; [email protected]
3 Area of Basic and Environmental Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), Santo Domingo 10602, Dominican Republic; [email protected] (C.C.-G.); [email protected] (U.J.-H.)
4 Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universidad Tecnológica de La Habana José Antonio Echeverría, Havana 19390, Cuba; [email protected]
5 Engineering Area, Instituto Tecnológico de Santo Domingo (INTEC), Santo Domingo 10602, Dominican Republic; [email protected]
6 Science Faculty, School of Geographical Sciences, Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD), Santo Domingo 10103, Dominican Republic; [email protected]