EFFECTS OF METEOROLOGICAL VARIABLES ON NITROGEN DIOXIDE VARIATION

Abstract

The study presents results of the measurements of the atmospheric nitrogen dioxide concentration and simultaneous meteorological variables: average temperature, air pressure, and relative humidity, speed and wind direction. The data were collected from July 2015 to June 2017 at stations located in Banja Luka (locality Centre). Nitrogen dioxide is one of the major environmental pollutants which has negative impact on plants growth, atmospheric chemistry and climate change. Levels of nitrogen dioxide in air samples and meteorological variables from urban zone of Banja Luka were determined at locality, which is highly populated area, with intensive traffic. The study presents average measured values of nitrogen dioxide, together with maximal and minimal values and relationship between nitrogen dioxide and meteorological variables, i. e. for pollution modelling together with meteorological variables. Statistical analysis confirms string of rolls, which shows directional connection between nitrogen dioxide and meteorological variables. Correlation between nitrogen dioxide and temperature (r= -0.207), wind speed (r= -0.130) and relative humidity (r= -0.048) was negative and significant during the measurement period.