Publications

Nawaz, M; Tariq, S; Mariam, A; ul-Haq, Z (2023). Investigating the Variability in Aerosol Optical Depth and Associated Population Exposure Risk in Pakistan Using MAIAC Data. WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION, 234(10), 646.

Abstract
With rapid urbanization and industrialization, atmospheric pollution and health challenges induced by the escalation of aerosol optical depth (AOD) become severe. Therefore, health risk due to AOD has become a hot research topic these days. In this study, we use the AOD dataset of the MCD19A2 product of MODIS C6 and PM2.5 from 2000 to 2022. This study uses the MAIAC AOD of 13 selected cities to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation of AOD and PM2.5. AOD in Pakistan continuously increased from 2000 to 2022. The average value of AOD is 3.67. The average value of AOD is high in Bahawalpur (0.73). We observe significant differences in the seasonal variation of AOD across Pakistan. Therefore, the highest value of AOD occurred in summer. AOD had the highest value (0.76) in July. The dry areas of Pakistan have a high value of AOD. Dust and anthropogenic activities are the major sources of high AOD in Pakistan. Generally, the AOD is increasing from 2000 to 2022. The population exposure risk is increasing continuously. The regions that are at high risk are (>9) in Punjab (Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, Bahawalpur, Sialkot, Sahiwal, and Rawalpindi) and Sindh (Karachi, Hyderabad). We also evaluate the slope of the population exposure risk. The slope of the population exposure risk keeps increasing from 2000 to 2022.

DOI:
10.1007/s11270-023-06661-6

ISSN:
1573-2932