Estimation of Particulate Matter Contributions from Desert Outbreaks in Mediterranean Countries (2015-2018) Using the Time Series Clustering Method

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2021

Authors

Álvaro Gómez-Losada (Author) Other; José Carlos Pires (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Atmosphere

Vol. 12 No. 1

Pages: 1-18

ISSN: 2073-4433

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Associated Projects

LEPABE - Projeto Estratégico do LEPABE - Laboratório de Engenharia de Processos, Ambiente, Biotecnologia e Energia

IF/01341/2015 - Configurações de fotobiorreatores para cultivo de microalgas: modelação de bioprocessos e avaliação de sustentabilidade

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00T-9EC

DOI: 10.3390/atmos12010005

Abstract (EN): North African dust intrusions can contribute to exceedances of the European PM10 and PM2.5 limit values and World Health Organisation standards, diminishing air quality, and increased mortality and morbidity at higher concentrations. In this study, the contribution of North African dust in Mediterranean countries was estimated using the time series clustering method. This method combines the non-parametric approach of Hidden Markov Models for studying time series, and the definition of different air pollution profiles (regimes of concentration). Using this approach, PM10 and PM2.5 time series obtained at background monitoring stations from seven countries were analysed from 2015 to 2018. The average characteristic contributions to PM10 were estimated as 11.6 +/- 10.3 mu g.m(-3) (Bosnia and Herzegovina), 8.8 +/- 7.5 mu g.m(-3) (Spain), 7.0 +/- 6.2 mu g.m(-3) (France), 8.1 +/- 5.9 mu g.m(-3) (Croatia), 7.5 +/- 5.5 mu g.m(-3) (Italy), 8.1 +/- 7.0 mu g.m(-3) (Portugal), and 17.0 +/- 9.8 mu g.m(-3) (Turkey). For PM2.5, estimated contributions were 4.1 +/- 3.5 mu g.m(-3) (Spain), 6.0 +/- 4.8 mu g.m(-3) (France), 9.1 +/- 6.4 mu g.m(-3) (Croatia), 5.2 +/- 3.8 mu g.m(-3) (Italy), 6.0 +/- 4.4 mu g.m(-3) (Portugal), and 9.0 +/- 5.6 mu g.m(-3) (Turkey). The observed PM2.5/PM10 ratios were between 0.36 and 0.69, and their seasonal variation was characterised, presenting higher values in colder months. Principal component analysis enabled the association of background sites based on their estimated PM10 and PM2.5 pollution profiles.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 18