Relationship Between Planetary Boundary Layer Height and PM10 Concentration in Adana

Abstract

This study used sounding data, ERA5 data, and PM10 concentration data to investigate the relationship between PM10 concentration and planetary boundary layer height (PBLH) in Adana, Turkey. PM10 concentration values in Adana province were found to be above the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO), with an average value of 81.2 µg m³ for 2022. This situation has a negative impact on the health of people living in Adana. Looking at PM10 concentration values on a seasonal basis, autumn has an average PM10 value of 91.50 µg m³, winter 77.34 µg m³, spring 84.00 µg m³, and summer 72.14 µg m³. As a result, autumn had the highest seasonal PM10 concentration values, whereas summer had the lowest. According to the calculated PBLH values, the highest PBLH value belongs to May with a value of 1153 m. The lowest PBLH value belongs to December with 762 m. In Adana, the PBLH level reached its maximum value in March, when the PM10 concentration was at its lowest. A high PBLH can cause pollutants to rise to a higher level and remain in the atmosphere for longer periods of time. This may cause PM10 concentration to increase. The study's findings show how the PBLH contributes to the development of increased PM10 concentrations. A more comprehensive understanding of the PBLH and PM10 relationship can contribute to improving air quality modeling studies and developing more effective pollution control strategies.