Global Estimates of Ambient Fine Particulate Matter Concentrations from Satellite-Based Aerosol Optical Depth: Development and Application

• DOI: 10.1289/ehp.0901623
• Publication Date: 2010-03-16T11:16:50Z
• Authors: Aaron van Donkelaar; Randall V. Martin; Michael Brauer; Ralph Kahn; Robert Levy; Carolyn Verduzco; Paul J. Villeneuve
• Keywords: Moderate-resolution imaging spectroradiometer; Spectroradiometer; Chemical Transport Model

Epidemiologic and health impact studies of fine particulate matter with diameter < 2.5 microm (PM2.5) are limited by the lack monitoring data, especially in developing countries. Satellite observations offer valuable global information about PM2.5 concentrations.In this study, we developed a technique for estimating surface concentrations from satellite observations.We mapped ground-level using total column aerosol optical depth (AOD) MODIS (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer) MISR (Multiangle instruments coincident vertical profiles GEOS-Chem chemical transport model.We determined that estimates long-term average (1 January 2001 to 31 December 2006) at approximately 10 km x resolution indicate population-weighted geometric mean concentration 20 microg/m3. The World Health Organization Air Quality Interim Target-1 (35 microg/m3 annual average) is exceeded over central eastern Asia 38% 50% population, respectively. Annual exceed 80 China. Our evaluation satellite-derived estimate ground-based situ measurements indicates significant spatial agreement North American (r = 0.77; slope 1.07; n 1057) noncoincident elsewhere 0.83; 0.86; 244). 1 SD uncertainty 25%, which inferred AOD retrieval profile errors sampling. 6.7 microg/m3.Satellite-derived total-column AOD, when combined model, provides concentrations.