Predicting ozone levels: A statistical model for predicting ozone levels in the Shuaiba Industrial Area, Kuwait

Sabah Abdul-Wahab, Walid Bouhamra, Hisham Ettouney, Bev Sowerby*, Barry D. Crittenden

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

56 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper presents a statistical model that is capable of predicting ozone levels from precursor concentrations and meteorological conditions during daylight hours in the Shuaiba Industrial Area (SIA) of Kuwait. The model has been developed from ambient air quality data that was recorded for one year starting from December 1994 using an air pollution mobile monitoring station. The functional relationship between ozone level and the various independent variables has been determined by using a stepwise multiple regression modelling procedure. The model contains two terms that describe the dependence of ozone on nitrogen oxides (NOx) and non-methane hydrocarbon precursor concentrations, and other terms that relate to wind direction, wind speed, sulphur dioxide (SO2) and solar energy. In the model, the levels of the precursors are inversely related to ozone concentration, whereas SO2 concentration, wind speed and solar radiation are positively correlated. Typically, 63 % of the variation in ozone levels can be explained by the levels of NOx. The model is shown to be statistically significant and model predictions and experimental observations are shown to be consistent. A detailed analysis of the ozone-temperature relationship is also presented; at temperatures less than 27°C there is a positive correlation between temperature and ozone concentration whereas at temperatures greater than 27°C a negative correlation is seen. This is the first time a non-monotonic relationship between ozone levels and temperature has been reported and discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)195-204
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume3
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Air quality data
  • Meteorological conditions
  • Ozone levels
  • Precursors
  • Statistical model

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Predicting ozone levels: A statistical model for predicting ozone levels in the Shuaiba Industrial Area, Kuwait'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this