Spatio-temporal characterization of PM10 concentration across Abu Dhabi Emirate (UAE)

The abundance and recurrence of particulate matter in Abu Dhabi Emirate (ADE), are often derived from different emission sources such as the combustion of hydrocarbon, producing much of the PM2.5 found in outdoor air, as well as a significant proportion of PM10. Wind-blown dust from open desert areas and construction sites, landfills and agriculture, brush/waste burning, and industrial sources, has contributed markedly to the problem of the spread of haze and the long-range movement of pollutants in the country. In this study, the spatio-temporal characterization of PM10 concentration across the Emirate was analyzed utilizing geospatial interpolation, spanning the period between 2013 and 2017. The results suggest that the fluctuations of the PM10 concentration can be decomposed into three dominant types, each characterizing different spatial and temporal variations. First, the western region with PM10 showing a peak concentration during the summer season i.e., when the winds are predominantly northerlies or northwesterly, and a minimal concentration during the winter season. Second, the central region with the PM10 exhibiting a concentration surge in July-August, as a result of a mix of strong winds and high temperatures. Third, the eastern region with a low concentration of PM10. Seasonally, this component exhibits two concentration maxima during quarters 2 and 3 (summer), and two minima during quarters 1 and 4 (winter). Indeed, the seasonal variability of PM10 concentration in desertic countries like the UAE is closely linked to the seasonal variation of heat waves and dust storms, which are characteristic of the dryland climate. During the summer months, the UAE experiences high temperatures and arid conditions, creating favorable conditions for the formation of heat waves. Furthermore, it was noticed that the PM10 concentration also fluctuated markedly throughout the study period with anomalies detected in open desert areas and regions characterized by extensive industrial operations.