PM2.5 air pollution trends and patterns in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Air pollution levels in Kandy, Sri Lanka, exhibit distinct temporal patterns, with PM2.5 concentrations peaking during early mornings and evenings while dipping to their lowest in afternoons. The study, conducted from January to December 2019 using low-cost sensors, identified Wednesdays and Thursdays as the worst days for air quality, whereas Sundays showed the least pollution. Monthly analysis revealed December as the month with the lowest PM2.5 levels, influenced significantly by wind speed, direction, and rainfall patterns. This research underscores the need for consistent long-term monitoring and management of air pollution to mitigate its adverse health effects in low- and middle-income countries.

Senarathna, M., Jayaratne, R., Abeysundara, S., Weerasooriya, R., Welikannage, K., Morawska, L., & Bowatte, G. (2024). PM_2.5 air pollution trends and patterns in Kandy, Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science, 53(2). https://doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v53i2.8403