Short period PM2.5 prediction based on multivariate linear regression model

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0201011
• Publication Date: 2018-07-26T14:18:13Z
• Authors: Rui Zhao; Xinxin Gu; Bing Xue; Jianqiang Zhang; Wanxia Ren
• Keywords: Time Factors; Science; Q; R; 01 natural sciences; 13. Climate action; Multivariate Analysis; 11. Sustainability; Linear Models; Medicine; Particulate Matter; Particle Size; Research Article; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

A multivariate linear regression model was proposed to achieve short period prediction of PM2.5 (fine particles with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 μm or less). The main parameters for the proposed model included data on aerosol optical depth (AOD) obtained through remote sensing, meteorological factors from ground monitoring (wind velocity, temperature, and relative humidity), and other gaseous pollutants (SO2, NO2, CO, and O3). Beijing City was selected as a typical region for the case study. Data on the aforementioned variables for the city throughout 2015 were used to construct two regression models, which were discriminated by annual and seasonal data, respectively. The results indicated that the regression model based on annual data had (R2 = 0.766) goodness-of-fit and (R2 = 0.875) cross-validity. However, the regression models based on seasonal data for spring and winter were more effective, achieving 0.852 and 0.874 goodness-of-fit, respectively. Model uncertainties were also given, with the view of laying the foundation for further study.