Determination of Particulate Matter concentration for Germany and Europe
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Determination of Particulate Matter concentration for Germany and Europe
Environmental control of air pollution uses concentrations of particulate matter (PM) for evaluation of the pollution load. Retrievals of PM from satellite observations are supplementary information to ground-based national observation networks. A method of PM determination using retrievals of spectral aerosol optical thickness is described and shall be used for a demonstration service.
Regional Objectives for Application of GMES
It is an urgent obligation of every country and worldwide authorities like the World Health Organization or the European Union, to ensure the surveillance of air quality parameters like ozone, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide and natural or anthropogenic particulate matter (PM) with a size in the range of nanometers and micrometers.
The approach taken by IUP/IFE Bremen tries to make substantial contribution to improve the availability of high qualitative, complementary and cost-efficient information on PM concentrations based on satellite measurements of high spatial resolution. IUP/IFE Bremen has developed a scientific prototype retrieval model (a research/ demonstrator) which aims to provide a near-real-time operational demonstrator processing chain for particulate matter PM10, based on satellite data over Germany (data preferably from MERIS/Envisat). So far the software uses novel modules which provides particulate matter mass concentrations PM10 and also PM2.5 (particle size smaller than 10 μm and 2.5 μm resp.), in high quality and a high spatial resolution of 1 km, optionally 300 meters.
The projects sets up on recent successful validation results over whole Germany and potentially suitable for larger areas in Europe (see following PM10 map on the left). The retrieved PM maps can be used for assimilation to improve and complement the current particulate matter measurements by ground based gauging stations. Especially in context of GMES-Atmospheric Services (to a certain extent also GMES-Maritime can be addressed, i.e. air quality in ports/ship routes) this project demonstrates the benefits of a high quality particulate matter mass concentrations service because particulate matter is one of the most hazardous air pollution, not only in urban areas.
© IUP
PM10 concentration over Europe
(Click on the imapge to enlarge)
Air pollution, and especially large concentration of particulate matter,
is of special importance in urban agglomerations
(© G.Fernandes, Flickr, licensed according to creative-commons-by-sa/3.0.)
Potential Projects
So far a proof of concept, involving a first validation of satellite-based data retrieval with in-situ measurements has been performed. In a next step the project aims to support and enhance the current ground based measurement network and to establish connections to users (authorities). Improvements with respect to broader applicability, large scale validation and the establishment of an operational demonstrator with users are envisaged. In the long term this service could provide part of an air-quality health warning system. However, the present results show that current satellite retrievals underestimate PM concentrations in traffic-heavy urban environments but give representative indications of average pollution levels on regional scales. For routine PM10 retrievals input data from MERIS is needed. For the future, especially to resolve localized traffic-induced pollution, satellite data with better spatial resolution are necessary.
In the short-to mid-term this gap could be closed using MERIS full resolution data (300 m x 300 m) while in the long-term data of the multispectral instrument (MSI) on GMES-satellite Sentinel 2 (prospected max. resolution: 10 m x 10 m) could be used. Apart from PM retrieval, IUP/IFE has built up significant expertise in the field of nitrogen dioxide retrievals- yet another important air quality parameter.
Future developments and Needs
On a scientific basis, further improvements can be expected, if the real regional meteorological conditions will be taken into account. The data indicate that the retrieved PM10 concentrations give the average pollution by particulate matter on the larger scale of the MERIS satellite pixel and not local peaks. On a technical basis, operationalization needs to be set up.
Reference:
Rohen, G. J., von Hoyningen-Huene, W., Kokhanovsky, A., Dinter, T., Vountas, M., and Burrows, J. P.: Retrieval of aerosol mass load (PM10) from MERIS/Envisat top of atmosphere spectral reflectance measurements over Germany, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 4, 523-534, doi:10.5194/amt-4-523-2011, 2011. URL: www.atmos-meas-tech.net/4/523/2011/
Institute of Environmental Physics University of Bremen:
The institute, founded in 1993, uses the tools of physics to investigate the system “earth” with its components atmosphere, cryosphere and oceans. The most used methods are remote sensing techniques mainly placed on satellites, but also on ground and ships. Among the satellite sensors is Sciamachy on Envisat. The IUP is the PI institute for Sciamachy which is an optical image spectrometer which allows do document a wide variety of atmospheric trace gases. Another focus of the institute are the Polar Regions, both surface and atmosphere, investigated with microwave and optical satellite sensors.
Contact
Dr. Marco Vountas
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-62106
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-4555
vountas [at] iup [dot] physik [dot] uni-bremen [dot] de
www.iup.uni-bremen.de
Otto-Hahn Allee
28359 Bremen, Germany 
Priv.-Doz. Dr. W. Hoyningen-Huene
Tel.: +49 (0)421 218-62097
Fax: +49 (0)421 218-4555
hoyning [at] iup [dot] physik [dot] uni-bremen [dot] de
www.iup.uni-bremen.de
Otto-Hahn Allee
28359 Bremen, Germanys 
