Assessment of PM10 and PM2.5 Concentrations in Santo Domingo: A Comparative Study Between 2019 and 2022

This study analyzes the spatial and temporal variability of PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, based on short-term sampling campaigns conducted in 2019 and 2022. In 2019, PM10 levels averaged 38.14 µg/m3, while in 2022 they rose significantly to 62.18 µg/m3. PM2.5 in 2022 averaged 30.37 µg/m3. These differences are likely influenced by meteorological variability, including increased transport of Saharan dust in mid-2022, and seasonal factors. Although local emission changes were not directly assessed, they may have also played a role in the observed trends. Statistical analyses revealed that aerosol optical depth (AOD), air pressure, and rainfall were significant predictors of PM10 in 2022, explaining up to 75% of the variance. Correlations and regression models confirmed a robust association between AOD and PM levels on a weekly timescale. These findings highlight the importance of integrating remote sensing and meteorological data to improve air quality monitoring and inform environmental policy in Caribbean urban areas.