ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Statistical Modelling of Changes
in Concentrations of Atmospheric NO2 and SO2
J. Szyda, H. Wierzbicki, A. Stokłosa
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Department of Animal Genetics, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences,
Kożuchowska 7, 51-631 Wrocław, Poland
Pol. J. Environ. Stud. 2009;18(6):1123-1129
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ABSTRACT
Our study aims at statistical modelling of changes in the level of air pollution in the area of Szczawno
Zdrój in Poland throughout the period of 1989-2003, which was marked by a decrease in coal production as
well as by rapid increases in traffic intensity. Sulphur dioxide and the nitrogen dioxide were chosen as pollution
indicators. Changes of the averaged concentrations across years are modelled by 5 regression models: linear,
logarithmic, 2nd degree polynomial, 3rd degree polynomial and 4th degree polynomial. Changes in average
yearly concentrations of pollutants during the 1980s and 1990s indicate considerable improvement of air quality
regarding sulphur dioxide and nitrogen dioxide contents. A noticeable tendency toward a decrease in air
pollution results from limiting of sulphur dioxide emission sources, which translates into liquidation of especially
burdensome industrial plants, installation of devices for sulphur removal from fumes, and substantial
reduction of air pollution coming from the Czech Republic and Germany.