The air quality in Taiwan, at present, is determined by a pollution standard index (PSI) that is applied to areas of possible serious air pollution and Air Quality Total Quantity Control Districts (AQTQCD). Many studies, both in Taiwan and in other countries have examined the characteristics and levels of air pollution with PSI. This study uses air quality data collected from eight automatic air quality monitoring stations in an AQTQCD in central Taiwan and discusses the correlation between air quality variables with statistical analysis in an attempt to accurately reflect the difference of air quality observed by each monitoring station as well as to establish an air quality classification system suitable for the whole Taiwan. After using factor analysis (FA), seven air pollutants are grouped into three factors: organic, photochemical, and fuel. These three factors are the dominant ones in regards to the air quality of central Taiwan. Cluster analysis is used to classify air quality in central Taiwan into five clusters to present different characteristics and pollution degrees of air quality. This research results should serve as a reference for those involved in the review of air quality management effectiveness and/or the enactment of management control strategies.
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