10th International Aerosol Conference
September 2 - September 7, 2018
America's Center Convention Complex
St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Abstract View


Investigating the PM2.5 and PM10 Concentrations over the Atmosphere of Iran and Its Major Cities Using Satellite Observations

Zhuldyz Darynova, Hamed Sharifi, Soudabeh Gorjinezhad, MEHDI AMOUEI TORKMAHALLEH, Chemical and Aerosol Research Team, Nazarbayev University

     Abstract Number: 1684
     Working Group: Air Quality in Megacities: from Sources to Control

Abstract
Particulate Matter (PM) is one of the most important air quality concerns in Iran where has been recently experiencing critical dust issues transported from neighbor countries around the Persian Gulf including Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, and generated locally. For example, the PM2.5 and PM10 concentration in the city of Ahwaz were reported to reach the maximum values of 910 (69 in average) and 5337 (319 in average) µg/m3 from April to September 2010. Although the ground based measurement is referred to as accurate method, due to limited area coverage, irregular distribution of stations and expensive instruments, researchers are seeking alternative methods. Particularly, such instruments needs to be upgraded and calibrated in Iran. In our study we develop several statistical models to utilize satellite based measurements and evaluate capability of method in predicting PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations over the atmosphere of Iran.. Specifically, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrodiometer (MODIS), instrument on board of the satellite Terra and Aqua from the NASA allows us to estimate ground-level PM10 and PM2.5. It is achieved by determining Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) which reflects optical characteristics of aerosols. The current study is focused on estimating PM10 and PM2.5 over six cities of Iran: Tehran (heavy traffic), Ahvaz (transported dust), Ghaemshahr (relatively clean), Isfahan (industrially polluted), Mashhad (developing city) and Tabriz (cold climate) from 2012 to 2017. The findings of this study will demonstrate the strong potential of satellite remote sensing, which may provide a cost-effective approach as a source of information for estimation of ground-level particle concentrations. Furthermore, it provides key information for policy makers to adapt new regulations and infrastructure to improve the air quality in major cities of Iran.