An application of a new extreme value distribution to air pollution data

Abstract

Purpose

Extreme value model is one of the most important models that are applicable in air pollution data. This paper aims at introducing a new model of extreme value that is more suitable in environmental studies.

Design/methodology/approach

The parameters of the new model have been estimated by method of maximum likelihood. In order to relate to air pollution impacts, the new extreme value model was used, applied to carbon monoxide (CO) in parts per million (ppm) at several places in Malaysia. The objective of this analysis is to fit the extreme values with a new model and to examine its performance. Comparison of the new model with others is shown to illustrate the applicability of this new model.

Findings

The results show that the new model is the best fit using the method of maximum likelihood. The new model gives a significant impact of CO data, which gives the smallest standard error and p‐values. The new extreme value model is able to identify significantly problems of air pollution. The results presented by the new extreme value model can be used as an air quality management tool by providing the decision makers means to determine the required reduction of source.

Originality/value

The new extreme value model has mostly been applied in environmental studies for the statistical treatment of air pollution. The results of the numerical and simulated CO data indicate that the new model both is easy to use and can achieve even higher accuracy compared with other models.

Citation

Hurairah, A., Akma Ibrahim, N., Bin Daud, I. and Haron, K. (2005), "An application of a new extreme value distribution to air pollution data", Management of Environmental Quality, Vol. 16 No. 1, pp. 17-25. https://doi.org/10.1108/14777830510574317