Spatial Variations of PM2.5 in Baltimore: Leveraging In-Situ and Satellite-Based Measurements
GRACE KOWALSKI, Darryn Waugh, Peter F. DeCarlo, Benjamin A. Nault, Kirsten Koehler, Drew Gentner, Colby Buehler, Shobha Kondragunta, Hai Zhang, Gaige Kerr, Johns Hopkins University
Abstract Number: 516
Working Group: Urban Aerosols
Abstract
Exposure to PM2.5 poses significant health risks, including aggravating asthma and contributing to cardiovascular and respiratory morbidity and mortality. Accurately quantifying the spatial distribution of PM2.5 is critical for protecting public health and ensuring environmental equity. However, our understanding of microscale spatial variability in PM2.5 remains limited, making it challenging to identify and support vulnerable populations at the city level. To address this, we use a combination of in-situ and satellite-derived observations to analyze the spatial patterns of PM2.5 concentrations across Baltimore. For in-situ observations, we use a network of low-cost multipollutant monitors deployed throughout Baltimore and select regulatory monitors from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE). For satellite-based estimates, we leverage 1km resolution surface-level PM2.5 products derived from aerosol optical depth observation. We use the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration' s (NOAA) Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) product, and two products from Washington University in St. Louis' Atmospheric Composition Analysis Group. Preliminary results indicate that the overall spatial variation in PM2.5 is weak with interquartile ranges being, on average, 8% of the city-wide mean across sensor type and with some seasonal variation. In terms of spatial gradient, PM2.5 concentration exhibits a very slight southeast to northwest gradient in concentration across Baltimore. We also investigate the extent to which PM2.5 concentrations are inequitably distributed among different minoritized populations within Baltimore.