Relationships Between Meteorological Parameters and PM2.5 in Accra

Studies around the world have associated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with human health. The concentrations of PM2.5 is influenced by multiple meteorological conditions as well as socioeconomic and geographical factors. Using PM2.5 obtained from Purple Air sensors and Beta Attenuation Monitor (BAM), this study assessed the variation in PM2.5 in different time steps and investigated the relationship with meteorological variables. The results showed a monthly variation in PM2.5 with higher concentration and poor air quality observed during February which could be attributed to the prevailing dusty condition from the Sahara Desert experienced in Ghana during the dry season. September recorded lower concentrations with good to moderate levels of air quality concerns since this period falls within the wet season. A positive correlation existed between PM2.5 and temperature while the correlation was negative for relative humidity and wind speed. This suggests that increasing temperature enhances the concentrations of PM2.5 while higher relative humidity weakens the concentrations. The relationship between PM2.5 and wind speed also indicated that calm winds enhance the concentrations while fast winds disperse the pollutants.