Abstract
The Arabian Peninsula experiences elevated levels of airborne particulate originated from both natural and anthropogenic sources. This study is mainly aimed to determine the ambient levels of TSP, PM10 and PM2.5) at one of the monitoring locations “Al Samha” that is located in the northeast quadrant of UAE. Mass concentrations, particle count, as well as meteorological parameters were simultaneously measured using a spectrometer, PM10 beta attenuation monitor and weather sensors for the period from April 10 to December 31, 2011. The hourly mean concentrations of TSP, PM10, PM2.5-10 and PM2.5 were 245, 110, 64 and 46 μg/m3, respectively. About 34%, 15% and 56% of the monitored days had daily concentrations above the allowable limits for TSP, PM10 and PM2.5, respectively. Diurnal peak occurred at 14:00 for TSP, at 10:00 for PM10, and at 04:00 for PM2.5 reaching values of up to 410, 122, and 54 μg/m3, respectively. The highest concentrations were observed on Saturdays for TSP and PM10, but on Sundays for PM2.5. July had the greatest monthly level of PM compared to other months of this study. The average ratios of PM10/TSP, PM2.5/TSP and PM2.5/PM10 were 0.61, 0.31 and 0.47, respectively. Weak relationships were found between the particle number and mass concentrations, while very strong to moderate correlations were observed among all PM size fractions as well as between TSP and wind speed. The measurement results of the light scattering spectrometer were strongly correlated with the beta attenuation monitor, but the mean value of the spectrometer was higher by 18%.
Highlights
Air pollution kills about 7 million people, 12.5% of the global deaths, every year across the world [1], and it is expected to become the top environmental cause of global mortality by 2050 [2]
Long and short-term strategies should be implemented to reduce the levels of ambient particulate thereby improving the environment which in turn would enhance quality of human life. - Diurnal peak occurred at 14:00 for Total Suspended Particles (TSP), at 10:00 for PM10, and at 04:00 for PM2.5
The diurnal variation of TSP had nearly a similar trend of PM10, but quite the opposite of the PM2.5 pattern. These trends might be justified by the varying effects of the atmospheric conditions on the levels of different-size particles, fluctuations of human activities, and the dynamic interaction with other pollutants. - The most polluted days were Saturdays for the large particles (TSP & PM10) and Sundays for fine particles (PM2.5), while Thursdays and Wednesdays were relatively the cleanest days
Summary
Air pollution kills about 7 million people, 12.5% of the global deaths, every year across the world [1], and it is expected to become the top environmental cause of global mortality by 2050 [2]. PM10 (respirable) and PM2.5 (fine) refer to particles with a nominal mean aerodynamic diameter of less than or equal to 10 μm and 2.5 μm, respectively [10]. Secondary fine particles are formed in the atmosphere through chemical reactions among the gaseous pollutants involving; sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ammonia (NH3) [13]. Elevated levels of ambient PM might lead to considerable adverse effects on public health and the environment. On one hand, it contributes to visibility degradation, acid deposition, and influences the climate either directly by scattering and absorbing sunlight radiation or indirectly through providing condensation nuclei for cloud droplets [14]. In order to achieve the desired objectives, these control plans should be established based on reliable monitoring information, which highlights the importance of assessment and evaluation programs [18]
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