Enhancing air quality predictions in Chile: Integrating ARIMA and Artificial Neural Network models for Quintero and Coyhaique cities

Fidel Vallejo, Diana Yánez, Patricia Viñán-Guerrero, Luis A Díaz-Robles, Marcelo Oyaneder, Nicolás Reinoso, Luna Billartello, Andrea Espinoza-Pérez, Lorena Espinoza-Pérez and Ernesto Pino-Cortés

PLOS ONE, 2025, vol. 20, issue 1, 1-20

Abstract: In this comprehensive analysis of Chile’s air quality dynamics spanning 2016 to 2021, the utilization of data from the National Air Quality Information System (SINCA) and its network of monitoring stations was undertaken. Quintero, Puchuncaví, and Coyhaique were the focal points of this study, with the primary objective being the construction of predictive models for sulfur dioxide (SO2), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and coarse particulate matter (PM10). A hybrid forecasting strategy was employed, integrating Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) models with Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), incorporating external covariates such as wind speed and direction to enhance prediction accuracy. Vital monitoring stations, including Quintero, Ventanas, Coyhaique I, and Coyhaique II, played a pivotal role in data collection and model development. Emphasis on industrial and residential zones highlighted the significance of discerning pollutant origins and the influence of wind direction on concentration measurements. Geographical and climatic factors, notably in Coyhaique, revealed a seasonal stagnation effect due to topography and low winter temperatures, contributing to heightened pollution levels. Model performance underwent meticulous evaluation, utilizing metrics such as the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC), Ljung-Box statistical tests, and diverse statistical indicators. The hybrid ARIMA-ANN models demonstrated strong predictive capabilities, boasting an R2 exceeding 0.90. The outcomes underscored the imperative for tailored strategies in air quality management, recognizing the intricate interplay of environmental factors. Additionally, the adaptability and precision of neural network models were highlighted, showcasing the potential of advanced technologies in refining air quality forecasts. The findings reveal that geographical and climatic factors, especially in Coyhaique, contribute to elevated pollution levels due to seasonal stagnation and low winter temperatures. These results underscore the need for tailored air quality management strategies and highlight the potential of advanced modeling techniques to improve future air quality forecasts and deepen the understanding of environmental challenges in Chile.

Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0314278 (text/html)
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article/file?id= ... 14278&type=printable (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0314278

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0314278

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in PLOS ONE from Public Library of Science
Bibliographic data for series maintained by plosone ().