Publications

Stefanie, HI; Ajtai, N; Botezan, C; Ozunu, A (2016). RISK ASSESSMENT METHODOLOGY FOR ATMOSPHERIC AEROSOL INTRUSIONS BASED ON IN-SITU AND REMOTE SENSING MEASUREMENTS. ENERGY AND CLEAN TECHNOLOGIES CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS, SGEM 2016, VOL II, 531-538.

Abstract
In this paper we present a methodology developed for risk assessment of atmospheric aerosols with hazardous potential, such as mineral dust, volcanic ash or biomass burning aerosols. The methodology, which corresponds to a classic risk assessment structure, is based on synergetic use of remote sensing techniques, ground level measurements and satellite imagery. The first stage identifies the aerosol intrusions before they reach the area of interest by using different dispersion models or international warnings. The second stage identifies the presence of intrusions by direct measurements performed with remote sensing or in-situ equipment. These two stages are equivalent with the hazard identification. The third stage involves analysis of this hazard and its associated risk. In order to identify and characterize the presence of hazardous aerosols, the local background of key aerosol parameters such as Aerosol Optical Thickness (AOT - tau(440)) and Angstrom parameter (alpha) must be known. We analyzed these parameters at several locations equipped with CIMEL sun-photometers in Romania: Cluj Napoca, Bucharest, Timisoara, Iasi and Eforie. We considered the yearly and the monthly averages of the tau(440) as a key reference in assessment of the magnitude of the atmospheric aerosol intrusions. The yearly averages (presented with the standard deviation) are between 0.23 +/- 0.11 at Iasi and 0.29 +/- 0.16 at Bucharest. The Angstrom parameter is used to determine the coarse or fine aerosol mode in order to have a classification of the aerosol type based on size. Different models, like Barcelona Super Computer DREAM8b model for dust and MODIS satellite imagery for biomass burning aerosols are used in order to determine the source of the atmospheric aerosols.

DOI:

ISSN:
1314-2704