Investigation of Saharan dust influence on PM10 concentration using two methods in Gabès, Tunisia

Abstract

Our main concern through this research is the extent of the contribution of desert dust on PM10 concentration, depending on two methods in the Tunisian region called Gabes during a desert dust period. To make sure of the desert dust phenomenon, we used the surface concentration measurements. Using calculation equations, this study stresses the importance of the Saharan dust component of the total PM10 concentration measured at an industrial traffic monitoring station. The anthropogenic, re-suspension, and Saharan dust contributions were assessed for such events. The Saharan component is estimated to daily PM10 concentration reaching up to 88%. The anthropogenic component has been found to represent up to 12% during dust days. By comparison with the limit values, daily anthropogenic concentration remained high in Gabes station after subtracting the contribution of desert dust.