Comparative Analysis of Mean Monthly and Annual Concentrations of Particulate Matter PM2.5 and PM10 in Tbilisi, Batumi, Kutaisi and Rustavi in 2019-2022

Abstract

Results of the comparative analysis of the mean monthly and annual concentrations of particulate matter PM2.5 and PM10 at four locations of Georgia (Tbilisi , Batumi, Kutaisi and Rustavi) in 2019-2022 are presented. An analysis of the correlations between the indicated characteristics of air pollution has been carried out. The variability of the average annual values of PM2.5 and PM10 in the study period of observations was studied. In particular, it was found that in Tbilisi in 2020-2021, compared to 2019, there was a significant decrease in the average annual concentration of aerosols due to restrictions on vehicle movement related to the Covid-19 pandemic. This tendency has continued in the post-Covid-19 period in 2022. It is noted that for the entire observation period, the average annual concentration of PM2.5 and PM10 was above the permissible norm for all investigation locations.