Particulate matter (PM 10 and PM 2.5 ) concentrations during a Saharan dust episode in Istanbul

This study focuses on particulate matter concentrations (PM10 and PM2.5) during this Saharan dust episode to better understand the effect of dust transportation on Istanbul ’s air quality. HYSPLIT trajectory model, satellite products, and air quality monitoring data from ground observations were utilized. We show that the PM10 concentrations increased significantly during the dust episode while PM2.5 concentrations didn ’t increase considerably. There was only a slight rise in the values of PM2.5. The significant increase for the PM10 values can be explained by the higher gravitational settling velocities of coarse particles in the atmosphere.
Source: Air Quality, Atmosphere and Health - Category: Environmental Health Source Type: research