Abstract
Particulate matter is a common health hazard, and under certain conditions, an ecological threat. While many studies were conducted in regard to air pollution and potential effects, this paper serves as a pilot scale investigation into the spatial and temporal variability of particulate matter (PM) pollution in arid urban environments in general, and Beer-Sheva, Israel as a case study. We explore the use of commercially off the shelf (COTS) sensors, which provide an economical solution for spatio-temporal measurements. We started with a comparison process against an A-grade meteorological station, where it was shown that under specific climatic conditions, a number of COTS sensors were able to produce robust agreement (mean ). The second stage examined the COTS sensors that were proven accurate in a mobile measurement campaign. Finally, data collected was compared to a validated satellite prediction model. We present how these tests and COTS sensor-kits could then be used to further explain the continuity and dispersion of particulate matter in similar areas.
Highlights
Atmospheric particular matter (PM), or aerosols, is the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the atmosphere emanating from either natural or anthropogenic aerosols [1]
During our preliminary tests with the Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM), we examined to what extent could the calibration of the commercially off the shelf (COTS) sensors’ be improved using the TEOM measurements, as well as surrounding meteorological conditions at the time of measurement
Using the original lag time, gave a more acceptable output between the OPC and Honeywell (R2 = 0.7), along with the Sharp and Dylos (R2 = 0.79)
Summary
Atmospheric particular matter (PM), or aerosols, is the general term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the atmosphere emanating from either natural or anthropogenic aerosols [1]. Natural sources of air pollution act as a main source of suspended matter, which includes events such as dust storms, sea spray, and crustal material. The contribution of transported dust, which is a result of soil erosion and dust storm episodes, may reach more than 60% of total PM10 in Mediterranean countries during a strong dust pollution event [2]. The main sources of anthropogenic air pollution in the form of PM were previously measured in the EU as transportation (terrestrial, naval, and aerial), residential, manufacturing industries and construction, metal production, mineral products, direct soil emissions, manure management, and other various categories [3]. Dust storm events in southern-Israel can reach hourly averages of 1000–5197 mg/m3 [4]. Krasnov et al [6] showed that from 2009 onwards, average dust levels in Beer Sheva have risen by 30% from contributing dust storms
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