(333a) Contribution of Fugitive Particulate Matter to Airborne Pollution in Arid Areas: A Case Study for an Urbanized Middle Eastern City

Fugitive particulate matter (fPM) is a substantial source of airborne pollution in dry arid lands such as the Middle East Area (MEA). However, accurate determination of fPM emissions has been an ongoing challenge for the air quality research community because of the induced health effects and the large uncertainty on their determination. This work examines fPM emissions from loose Calcisols (i.e. soils with substantial accumulation of secondary carbonates) and evaluates the accuracy of the existing emission factors to apply for dry and arid conditions. Using own field measurements for airborne particulate matter composition and concentrations, new emission factors were developed for fPM emissions from anthropogenic activities such as construction and traffic-induced. A high resolution emission inventory was assembled and the contribution of fPM to the local air quality, environmental health, and solar energy production was assessed.