Monitoring Air Quality Trends for Industrial and Urban Areas

Abstract

This study examines the trends of three air pollutants: Particulate Matter 10 (PM₁₀), Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM_2.5), and Nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) in industrial and urban regions. Although extensive air quality monitoring occurs in Malaysia, limited studies have employed statistical process control methods to analyze temporal pollution trends between industrial and urban areas, thereby constraining understanding of process stability and environmental performance. This study fills this gap by utilizing X̅ and S charts, along with the Process Capability Ratio (PCR), to assess both pollutant levels and the efficacy of air quality monitoring systems across various land-use categories. This study creates a quality control chart for three primary pollutants, utilizing data sourced from the Department of Environment Malaysia (DoE) for Shah Alam and Kuala Lumpur, spanning the period from January 1 to December 31, 2022. The data was examined to assess the efficacy of air quality control systems and to confirm whether air quality monitoring devices identify pollutant levels within designated thresholds. Research reveals that pollution levels in Shah Alam exceeded expectations, likely attributable to its nearness to manufacturing facilities and contributions from vehicle emissions and transboundary pollution. This study highlights the significance of a comprehensive air quality monitoring network in protecting the environment and enhancing public health.