Spatio-Temporal Changes of Particulate Matter (Pm 2.5) Over Brazil and its Correlation With Meteorological Variables
https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2025-3600
Abstract
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.
About the Authors
Khadija Shakrullah
Department of Geography, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University)
Pakistan
Pakistan
Lahore, 54000
Salman Tariq
Department of Space Science, University of the Punjab
Pakistan
Pakistan
Lahore, 54550
Safdar A. Shirazi
Institute of Geography, University of the Punjab
Pakistan
Pakistan
Lahore, 54590
Muhammad Nasar-u-Minallah
Institute of Geography, University of the Punjab
Pakistan
Pakistan
Lahore, 54590
Hafsa Shahzad
Remote Sensing GIS and Climatic Research lab (National Center of GIS and Space applications), Centre for Remote Sensing, University of the Punjab
Pakistan
Pakistan
Lahore, 54590
Ayesha Mariam
Remote Sensing GIS and Climatic Research lab (National Center of GIS and Space applications), Centre for Remote Sensing, University of the Punjab
Pakistan
Pakistan
Lahore, 54590
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For citations:
Shakrullah Kh., Tariq S., Shirazi S., Nasar-u-Minallah M., Shahzad H., Mariam A. Spatio-Temporal Changes of Particulate Matter (Pm 2.5) Over Brazil and its Correlation With Meteorological Variables. GEOGRAPHY, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY. 2025;18(2):82-90. https://doi.org/10.24057/2071-9388-2025-3600
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