Correlating Meteorological, Satellite, and Ground Sampling Data to Determine Source of PM2.5 at Bagram Airfield (BAF), Afghanistan
Abstract
Particulate matter (PM) is a mixture of airborne liquid droplets and solid particles. The health concerns associated with PM less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter(PM2.5), include both short and long-term health effects such as asthma, bronchitis,cardiopulmonary disease, cancer, and premature death. One source of PM2.5 is open burning (i.e. burn pits), which is often the primary means of disposing of solid waste during military operations in combat zones to include Iraq and Afghanistan. Another source of PM2.5 is geological material (natural windblown dust), which is common in arid environments. Past research has shown a relationship between PM2.5 and, meteorological data, geographic location, and aerosol optical depth (AOD): a measure of how much sunlight is absorbed or scattered by aerosols in a vertical column of air. This study looked at the association between PM2.5 and meteorological conditions and AOD at Bagram Airfield (BAF), Afghanistan using data obtained from the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 08, 2015
- Accession Number
- AD1012710
Entities
People
- John E. Kendzie
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences