The effect of meteorological parameters on PM2.5 pollutant by CCM method in Tehran megacity, Iran

Tehran, the capital and most populous city of Iran, is always listed as one of the most air-polluted cities in the world. Nevertheless, it has not received much attention until recent years. Tehran’s PM_2.5 (i.e., particulate matters with diameter smaller than 2.5 µm) annual mean concentration in 2022 was 40 µg/m3 and it experienced less than 10 days with clean air. While high emissions are the main reason of air pollution in Tehran, some studies have suggested that meteorology is also another major driver of its air pollution. Here, we investigate the correlation between PM_2.5 and different meteorological parameters such as temperature, wind speed, visibility, relative, humidity, and dew point temperature. In particular, we use Multiple Linear Regression and CCM (Convergent Cross Mapping) statistical methods to analyze the ground measurements data for one year. Our primary results show that, several meteorological parameters have a significant impact on PM_2.5 concentrations. The findings of this study helps characterizing the source of air pollution in Tehran.