Assessment of the relationship between ground level ozone and meteorological parameters in Aizawl, Mizoram

Aim: This study explores the relationship between ground-level ozone and key meteorological parameters in Aizawl, Mizoram over a period from March 2022 to February 2023. Methodology: Secondary data on ozone concentrations and meteorological parameters were analysed using SPSS tool and Excel to investigate the seasonal variability of ground-level ozone concentrations, and to examine diurnal variations to identify peak ozone levels occurring at specific time intervals within 24 hours. It also analysed the correlation between ground-level ozone concentrations and key meteorological parameters such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed. Results: Seasonal and diurnal variations showed that ozone concentrations were highest in summer (33.34 µg m-3) and lowest in winter (7.04 µg m-3), with peak levels during morning hours (06:00 am to 11:59 am). Correlation analysis and multiple linear regression models were employed to determine the impact of these variables on ozone levels. Temperature had a weak positive correlation with ozone (r = 0.275, p = 0.214), while rainfall (r = -0.273, p = 0.024) and humidity (r = -0.142, p = 0.018) exhibited significant negative correlations. Interpretation: Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant produced due to human activity and has the potential to influence meteorological parameters, as well as climate change. Key words: Ground level ozone, Humidity, Rainfall, Temperature