Characterization of air quality in Corpus Christi: Ozone season monitoring in 2000

The goal of this particular study was to characterize the air quality in Corpus Christi area during the recent ozone season of 2000. The 3-year average of the fourth highest 8-hour ozone values were close to the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). PM2.5 levels were examined to be lower than the NAAQS. Temporal characteristics and trends of ozone and PM were studied using time series analysis. Detailed statistical analysis of ozone and PM concentration data are presented using box whisker plots. The influence of meteorological parameters on ozone and PM was evaluated. The relationship between ozone, PM, NOx and weather parameters were also determined. Local wind characteristics during high ozone and PM days were studied using wind rose analysis. The influence of atmospheric long-range transport on Corpus Christi area was also investigated during high ozone and PM days by using trajectory and cluster analysis. Recent high ozone episodes were studied and the meteorological characteristics were then evaluated. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)...