Evaluation of Air Quality Monitoring Networks in Korea: Focusing on Wind Direction and Speed

Abstract

In this study, we suggested a methodology for evaluating the appropriateness of an air quality network using monthly wind direction and speed. First, the nearest weather station was identified using the latitude and longitude of the Air Quality Monitoring system (AQMs) in 2020. Next, the wind direction and wind speed data measured by the nearest weather station from 2010 to 2021 were applied to AQMs. Finally, a map with the range of air pollution influence was produced while varying air pollution influence distance and air pollution influence angle. On varying conditions, there were consistent areas in Gangwon-do that were without a range of air pollution influence. The percentage of areas without a range of air pollution influence in entire areas called percentage by non-measurement. The results derived are as follows: it showed that the percentage by non-measurement had an inverse relationship with the air pollution influence angle and distance, then it was from 0.01% to 48.86% for each condition. The method could propose additional AQMs locations based on the range of air pollution influence. The results indicate that the proportion of areas excluded from the impact range of air pollution should be considered when establishing regulations for additional installation of air quality monitoring systems.