Analyzing Criteria Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and Corpus Christi Region of South Texas

Author

• Angela Garcia, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

5-1-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Agricultural, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences

First Advisor

Amit U. Raysoni

Second Advisor

Juan Gonzalez

Third Advisor

Zhuanzhuan Ma

Abstract

Recently, the Rio Grande Valley has experienced significant population growth due to economic opportunities, cross-border commerce, SpaceX, and the Rio Grande and Texas liquid natural export terminal presence. The Rio Grande Valley has an estimated population of 1,368,723. This region is largely understudied, along with nearby urban centers such as Laredo and Corpus Christi. The Rio Grande Valley and Laredo regions are a concern due to their population growth and heavy cross-border transportation. Data from the Texas Commission of Environmental Quality Continuous Ambient Monitoring Sites was collected from January 1st , 2024, to December 31st, 2024. Statistical analysis, such as Spearman’s Rho correlation, was used for location-specific correlation between criteria pollutants-ozone, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, lead, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide-and meteorological parameters. Investigating pollutant trends in these regions will contribute to regional air quality regulation.

Comments

Copyright 2026 Angela Garcia. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3371104000

Recommended Citation

Garcia, A.(2026). Analyzing Criteria Air Pollutants and Meteorological Parameters in the Rio Grande Valley, Laredo, and Corpus Christi Region of South Texas [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1903