Technical Summary
Fine airborne particles (PM2.5) are currently considered one of the top environmental public health hazards, since they penetrate deep into the lungs, have been linked to premature mortality and a variety of cardiopulmonary diseases, and contain many toxic, carcinogenic, and genotoxic compounds.
The objective of Project M23-020 is to assess the health outcomes on susceptible individuals among Israelis, Jordanians and Palestinians from exposure to PM2.5 emitted from various sources. In order to achieve this objective, continuous monitoring of PM2.5 concentrations is being carried out at 11 monitoring sites across the region. Uniquely, the project includes a detailed chemical characterization (inorganic ions, EC/OC and metal analysis) of the ambient particles to enable source attribution. Data analysis includes state of the art source apportionment models. In parallel, simultaneous monitoring of particulate black carbon, considered to be an indicator of traffic-related emissions, is being carried out in order to compare adjacent sites separated by political boundaries (e.g. Eilat and Aqaba). This study will be the first to conduct a detailed characterization of PM2.5 collected simultaneously at a network of sampling stations across the region.
These data will clarify the current state of fine particulate air pollution, and enable decision makers to better design and prioritize regional air quality policies based on solid information.
Specific Objectives of Project M23-020
- To conduct monitoring of ambient PM2.5 in Israel, Jordan, and the PA.
- To characterize the chemical composition of ambient PM2.5 and identify sources (e.g. traffic-related, crustal, power plants, etc.).
- To compare results from different political units within the same airsheds (e.g. West Jerusalem vs. East Jerusalem, Eilat vs. Aqaba).
- To estimate potential health risks to vulnerable populations in each of the sampling environments.
- To develop and support local scientific capabilities.
Innovative Aspects of Project M23-020
- Sampling location. Span from the Mediterranean coast in the west to Jordan in the east; from Haifa in the north to Eilat/ Aqaba in the south.
- Scale of monitoring and analysis. This study carries out simultaneous PM2.5 mass measurements and chemical characterization on a scale unprecedented in the region.
- Examination of contribution of crustal particles. Much of the PM2.5 in southern Jordan and Israel is expected to be from natural sources, mostly crustal material. Questions remain concerning the health impacts of exposure to non-anthropogenic particles. This project is the first to provide information on the contribution of natural sources to PM2.5 in the region in the context of a complete chemical characterization.
- Transboundary issues. The transport of air pollutants crosses political boundaries, and solutions must therefore be addressed at a regional level. This study will provide a factual basis for scientific and diplomatic dialogue between Palestinians, Israelis, and Jordanians, in order to develop regional and local solutions to transboundary air pollution problems.
Justification
The westerly winds that blow off the Mediterranean transform air pollution from a local environmental problem into a transboundary, regional one.
As all efforts by each of the project members to reduce air pollution can only be partially successful, addressing this public health scourge creates real incentives for coordinated, multi-national, regulatory policy. Ultimately, the decisions that politicians make for regional, cooperative air quality control will only be as effective as the quality of the scientific data on which it is based. Thus, to create a multi-national PM2.5 strategy, information must be available about both the scope of the problem and the causes.
The project’s main objective of full chemical composition analyses of PM2.5 is truly unique to air quality projects in the region. It has generated much interest from many local and regional agencies for the following reasons:
Supplementary data
The selected new sampling sites and instrumentation will provide supplementary data to the particulate mass and gas-phase pollutant measurements that are already conducted in Israel, Jordan and the PA. The addition of sites along the central mountain ridge of the Palestinian Authority will provide an extensive network of previously unmeasured parameters to provide an international monitoring network in the region.
Regional input (Professional)
- The elucidation of trans-boundary effects on particulate matter composition is of great interest for neighboring countries that "share" special synoptic conditions and air masses characterized by high levels of airborne aerosol. It will offer insight on the roles of local control measures and neighboring countries’ control measures in reducing PM concentrations.
- The three teams will share a common database and will issue joint publications as results are analyzed and ready for professional review. The results of the study will be published in English, Arabic and Hebrew and will be submitted to respective governments.
Regional input (Political)
- The ties between the Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian scientists and students will enable future cooperation on air quality issues and health impacts beyond the duration of this project.
- The project will be presented to colleagues throughout the Middle East.
Project Investments
The project is sponsored by USAID Middle East Regional Cooperation Program (MERC). The project is also supported by Yad Hanadiv- the Rothchild Fund.
New skills
The chemical and statistical source apportionment methods to be used for the data analysis will enhance local capacity for future work. The methods will be of use for academic purposes and will strengthen the capabilities of the various government agencies that will base regulatory measures on their implementation.
|
Tel: + 972 (0) 3-5669939
Fax: +972 (0)-3-5669940
Email: roee.elisha@iued.org.il
