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African dust and air quality over Spain: Is it only dust that matters?

X Querol1, N Pérez1, C Reche1

  • 1Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research IDAEA-CSIC, C/Jordi Girona 18-26, Barcelona 08034, Spain.

The Science of the Total Environment
|June 14, 2019
PubMed

Insights

African dust outbreaks (ADOs) significantly increase particulate matter (PMx) in Spain, with higher PM2.5/PM10 ratios inland. ADOs also trap local pollutants, impacting air quality beyond just mineral dust.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Atmospheric Chemistry
  • Air Quality Monitoring

Background:

  • African dust outbreaks (ADOs) are a significant source of particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) in Spain.
  • Understanding the spatiotemporal contribution of these dust events and their impact on local air quality is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the contribution of African dust to PM levels and composition in Spain from 2001-2016.
  • To analyze changes in PM composition over Northeast Spain from 2009-2016.
  • To assess the combined impact of mineral dust and anthropogenic pollutants during ADOs.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of PM10 and PM2.5 data over Spain (2001-2016) and PM composition in NE Spain (2009-2016).
  • Comparison of particulate matter levels during African dust outbreaks (ADOs) versus non-ADO days.
  • Elemental analysis (Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO) to trace dust sources and differentiate from local pollutants.

Main Results:

  • A decrease in African dust contribution was observed from the Canary Islands to Northern Iberia.
  • The PM2.5/PM10 ratio increased inland, suggesting size segregation and greater local PM influence.
  • PM levels during ADOs were significantly higher than non-ADO days, with a notable continental background contribution.
  • Al2O3 was identified as a reliable tracer for African dust, while CaO and Fe2O3 indicated local pollution sources.
  • ADO periods showed increased accumulation of locally emitted anthropogenic pollutants alongside mineral dust.

Conclusions:

  • African dust significantly impacts Spanish air quality, with varying contributions and effects across regions.
  • Local anthropogenic pollutants can accumulate during ADOs, exacerbating air quality issues.
  • Future health studies should differentiate the effects of mineral dust and co-transported anthropogenic pollutants during ADOs.
Keywords:
AerosolsDesert dustGeochemistryPM10PM2.5

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