Atmospheric Aerosol Characterization and Element Composition at Al-Ahsa Oasis of Saudi Arabia

(Imad on Almhina)

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Abstract

This work is an observational study aiming to characterize and identify atmospheric aerosol and element composition in the arid environment of Al-Ahsa Oasis in Saudi Arabia during the period from 1988 to 2013. Historical data showed that ambient mean air temperatures ranged from 8.8 ?C to 46.1 ?C. Meanwhile, ambient air relative humidity means ranged from 13.3% to 77.5%. Total rainfall levels ranged from 13.9 to 266.1 mm/year with an average of 80 mm/year. This rainfall value is very low in relation to the evaporation rate (2600 mm/year). The annual means of number of days of blown dust and dust/sand storms were 89.3 and 16.2, respectively. The highest number of blown dust and dust/sand days occurred during the month of June while the fewest blown dust and dust/sand days occurred during the month of October. During the year 2013, mean values of total suspended particles (TSP), particulate matter smaller than or equal to 10 µm (PM10) and those smaller than or equal to 2.5 µm (PM2.5) were 783.2, 545.6 and 57 µg/m3, respectively. Relationships shows that the PM concentrations is mostly increase with the increase of wind speed, air temperature and decrease with the increase of air relative humidity. Furthermore, relationship shows that the source of high PM concentrations (dust storms) mainly originated from north direction. The study revealed that Al-Ahsa weather conditions are harsh and extreme and PM concentrations vary daily, monthly and seasonally. During the study, the quantity of atmospheric dust exceeded air quality limits several times. This potentially affected human, agricultural, and animal welfare. Key Words: Aerosol, Air Quality, Dust, Saudi Arabia, Visibility.
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