Granger Causality Analysis of Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters
Wong Yee Ping, Zulkifli Rais, Norazrin Ramli, Norazian Mohamed Noor, Ahmad Zia Ul–Saufie, Hazrul Abdul Hamid, Mohd Khairul Nizam Mahmad
Abstract
This study investigated the relationships between air pollutants (PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, CO) and meteorological parameters (wind speed, relative humidity, ambient temperature) across urban, suburban, and industrial areas in Malaysia from 2017 to 2021. Using data from six monitoring stations, this research employed descriptive analysis, trend analysis, and Granger causality testing to uncover complex interactions. The results revealed distinct patterns: suburban areas showed strong ambient temperature-ozone (p-value = 0.0063) and relative humidity–nitrogen dioxide relationships (p-value = 0.0411); industrial zones exhibited bidirectional causality between SO2 and PM10 and had a strong nitrogen dioxide–PM10 relationship (p-value = 0.0292); urban areas exhibited complex multi-pollutant interactions. Notably, the 2020 Movement Control Order significantly improved air quality. This research provides crucial insights for targeted air quality management strategies, contributing to public health improvements and aligning with global sustainability goals.