A model for PM2.5 forecasting in Santiago, Chile

Given the evidence that concentrations of the fine fraction of particulate matter in the atmosphere are more strongly associated with health problems than concentrations of the coarse fraction, it seems very likely that in the near future air quality in large cities will be defined more on the basis of PM2.5 concentrations rather than PM 10. We have developed a forecasting model for the maximum of the 24 hour moving average of PM2.5. The model is based on the neural network technique. Training is performed with historical data from four monitoring stations located in Santiago Chile and with relevant meteorological information in the city. Cross correlations between several candidate variables for input allowed the selection of a reduced number of them which are used in the final model. Results show that the developed model can be used as an operational tool for air quality management.