A statistical analysis applied to a study of atmospheric pollution by SO_2 and particles in the conurbation of Castellon and its relation to local meteorological parameters

摘要

This work is set out within the context of the study of atmospheric pollution in coastal areas and has been carried out on a local scale in the urban area of Castellon, a Spanish town situated on the Mediterranean coast. In doing so, a small network of sampling sites was established, allowing the measurement of sulphur dioxide and particles in four parts of the city. Measurements were taken every 24 hours over a period of 1 year. Running parallel to this, daily data relating to average temperature, speed and direction of wind was obtained. This information has been analysed statistically and has provided the opportunity to establish possible links between pollutant concentration levels and local weather conditions. The analysis is both parametric and non-parametric in nature in order to detect significant differences between the various sampling sites in terms of both SO_2 and particles. Furthermore, attempts have been made to analyse different weather conditions by isolating seasonal factors, margins of error and general tendencies.