Work

Assessments of Satellite-Based Aerosol Optical Depth for Monitoring Air Quality of the Large Port of Busan, Korea

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Busan’s major port is among the largest trading ports worldwide; however, it is also one of the ten most polluted ports globally. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of satellite-derived aerosol data for monitoring particulate matter levels in Busan. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer (VIIRS) Deep Blue product tends to be sparse near coastlines due to higher retrieval uncertainties. To increase the number of samples along the coastal area, we established optimized quality control criteria, resulting in more than three times the number of samples. The VIIRS AOD showed a positive correlation with surface particulate matter (PM2.5) measurements (r = 0.42). The ratios of VIIRS AOD to surface PM2.5 and PM10 were higher in coastal areas, probably due to greater hygroscopic growth of particles. This connection can assist in estimating surface PM concentrations using satellite data. Both VIIRS AOD and surface PM concentrations exhibit a negative correlation with terrain elevation, primarily due to the locations of emission sources and altitude-dependent weather factors such as temperature and humidity. We expect that combining higher-resolution ancillary databases, including digital elevation maps and meteorology, with satellite-based AOD will enhance the detail of air quality evaluations in port cities.

Source: Atmosphere

DOI: 10.3390/atmos16101123

Authors: Ukkyo Jeong, Serin Kim, Subin Lee, Yeonjin Jung, Sang Seo Park

Institutions: Pukyong National University, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Atmospheric aerosols and clouds

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896