Analysis on Temporal Pattern of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Hanoi, Vietnam and the Impact of Meteorological Conditions

Air quality is one of key issues to be addressed in the Vietnam environmental security strategy. As part of the strategy, this study investigates the temporal patterns of PM2.5 variations in Hanoi using data measured from January 2017 to December 2018. The loglinear regression is used to analyze how the meteorological factors affect the PM2.5 variations. The analysis indicates the seasonal, monthly and diurnal variations of PM2.5 concentrations. The lowest concentration level is found in the summer due to hot climatic conditions with strong winds and high solar radiation. The highest PM2.5 concentration is observed in winter as a result of stagnation. The concentration levels from 2:00 AM to 8:00 AM tend to be higher than other hours of the day while the downtrend is recorded from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and reaches the lowest levels of the day at 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM. The study results provide important information for government authorities, international and civil society organizations on when and why the PM2.5 concentration levels increase. This predictive analysis would be useful to develop early warning systems and to minimize the negative impacts of air pollution on public health.