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Assessment of the atmospheric mixing layer height and its effects on pollutant dispersion

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment volume 190, Article number: 372 (2018) Cite this article

Abstract

The atmospheric mixing layer height (MLH) is an important parameter of the planetary boundary layer (PBL) because it affects the transportation and dispersion processes of pollutants emitted from different sources. This study investigated the relationship between the surface temperature inversion, elevated temperature inversion, and MLH within the PBL of the Kuwait by collecting and analyzing measurements of the temperature and the air quality of upper air during 2013. The upper air temperature and the MLH were derived using a microwave temperature profiler. Hourly concentrations of SO2, O3, particulate matter (PM10), NO2, CO, NOx, and non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) in ambient air were measured by air quality monitoring stations. The collected data were used to estimate the hourly MLH for the transportation and dispersion of critical pollutants. The results showed that concentrations of SO2 and PM10 have direct correlation with MLH during the day, whereas they have the reverse relationship at night. Conversely, concentrations of CO, NMHCs, and NOx showed negative correlation with MLH during both day and night, whereas concentrations of O3 showed direct correlation with MLH during both day and night. In addition, the relationship between the PBL and concentrations of critical pollutants in residential areas was clarified. These findings indicate the influence of the MLH on SO2 and PM10 is much greater during the day than at night. The findings of the present study could help improve our understanding of the effects of MLH on air quality.

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Acknowledgements

We thank James Buxton MSc from Edanz Group (www.edanzediting.com./ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.

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Affiliations

  1. Environmental & Life Science Research Center, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, PO Box 24885, 13109, Safat, Kuwait

    Mohamed F. Yassin & Mufreh S. Al Rashidi

  2. College for Graduate Studies, Kuwait University, Kuwait, Kuwait

    Loulwa A. Al-Shatti

Authors
  1. Mohamed F. Yassin
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  2. Loulwa A. Al-Shatti
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  3. Mufreh S. Al Rashidi
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Correspondence to Mohamed F. Yassin.

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Yassin, M.F., Al-Shatti, L.A. & Al Rashidi, M.S. Assessment of the atmospheric mixing layer height and its effects on pollutant dispersion. Environ Monit Assess 190, 372 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6737-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-018-6737-9

Keywords

  • Air pollution
  • Mixing layer height
  • Planetary boundary layer
  • Temperature profiler