Grants and Fellowships | 2014

60 Doctoral Fellowships Integration of Satellite Observations and Ground Monitoring and its Application for Assessing Exposure to PM in Israel Particulate matter air pollution (PM) is usually characterized by its size and chemical composition, which may affect its diverse health effects. Recent studies, based on standard ground monitoring data, revealed significant associations between fine particles (diameter<2.5µm) and human health. Satellite-based observations can provide an answer to some ground monitoring limitations, since satellite imagery allows environmental mapping at a large spatial scale. This study examines how satellite observations can be used for gaining better understanding of regional air quality in Israel for deriving reliable human health risk metrics. Initially we are developing a dust classification model defining dust/anthropogenic PM sources. Furthermore, this work consists of retrieval of data from different sources, including a new high resolution product from NASA, and the development of methods for linking, integrating, and assimilating these databases. The work has merit not only from a scientific standpoint, as the results are expected to present additional tools for policy makers for introducing appropriate guidelines and regulations. Research publications (1) Sorek-Hamer, M., Cohen, A., Levy, R.C., Ziv, B., & Broday, D.M. (2013). Classi cation of dust days by satellite remotely sensed aerosol products. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 34 (8), 2672-2688. (2) Sorek-Hamer, M., Strawa, A.W., Chatfield, R.B., Esswein, R., Cohen, A., & Broday, D.M. (2013). Improved retrieval of PM 2.5 from satellite data products using non-linear methods. Environmental Pollution, 182 , 417–423. Fellow Meytar Sorek-Hamer Technion - Israel Institute of Technology Supervisor David Broday 2011-2014