The Influence of Meteorological Conditions and Seasons on Surface Ozone in Chonburi, Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to examine the relationship between meteorological factors, specifically temperature, solar radiation, and ozone concentration levels. Levels of surface ozone were monitored (O3) in Chonburi, Thailand (located at 3.2017° N, 101.2524° E), from January 2010 to December 2020. Thailand’s coastal tropical environment provided a unique setting for the study. The study revealed a distinctive seasonal trend in ozone levels, with the highest concentrations occurring during the winter and the lowest in the rainy season, on average. The increase of O3 in the summer was primarily attributed to intense ground-level solar radiation and higher temperatures of around 30–35 °C, enhancing O3 concentrations ranging from 200 to 1400. During the winter, there is an increased elimination of the O3 concentration by higher levels of NO2. The study also examined the relationship between ozone levels and various meteorological factors to identify which had the most significant impact on ozone formation. The analysis showed that the ozone concentration has a strong negative correlation with relative humidity but is positively correlated with solar radiation, temperature, and wind speed.