Analyzing Air Pollution Trends in Eastern Türkiye Over the Last Decade Using a Multivariate Statistical Approach

Abstract

In this research, meteorological parameters and air pollutant values for the central district of Van, located in Eastern Türkiye, were analyzed using multivariate data analysis methods. To make the connection between the parameters measured over a 10-year period statistically more significant, multivariate data analysis methods were applied to the dataset, resulting in the identification of three independent component groups. The measured parameters relational structure is represented by correlation matrices. According to the factor analysis; wind speed, wind direction, atmospheric boundary layer height, and air temperature parameters constitute the first component group, while PM10 and SO2 parameters form the second component group, and precipitation and air pressure parameters form the third component group. Additionally, the movements and seasonal intensities of air pollutants such as PM10 and SO2 in the city center over the last 10 years were analyzed and visualized on an hourly, monthly, and annual basis. A gradual decrease in air pollutant values has been observed since 2013. Events of dust transport affecting the region from the South have been identified as having a significant impact on the rise in PM10 values. It was also observed that atmospheric boundary layer height values obtained from ERA5 reanalysis data show a high negative correlation with pollutants like PM10 and SO2.