Investigating the Occurrence of Dust Storms and its Zoning Using GIS During 2018-2021: A Case Study in Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

Background: A dust storm is a critical environmental issue and natural hazard in arid and semiarid regions worldwide. Particulate matters including PM10 and PM2.5 are of the primary air pollutants, which can adversely affect human health. This research aimed to determine the fine dust concentration spatiotemporally and estimate the suspended particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) during 2018-2021 in Ahvaz. Methods: An analytical- descriptive method and the data from synoptic weather stations in the studied area were used in this study. The zoning of dust was done using the kriging method by ArcGIS software. Results: The results indicated that the year 2021 experienced the highest frequency of dusty days, with 54 occurrences, while the year 2019 exhibited the lowest frequency, with only 28 dusty days. Notably, Ahvaz city recorded the highest dust concentration in 2020, reaching an average of 4667 mg/m3 . Based on the findings of PM concentration over the four-year period, it is evident that 2021 recorded the highest PM10 concentration (326.14 mg/m3 ), while 2020 exhibited the highest PM2.5 concentration (148.26 mg/m3 ). Conclusion: The results revealed that there was an increase in dust concentration in the east and north. This is probably attributed to the proximity to dust centers.