Origin of black carbon concentration peaks in Cairo (Egypt)

Aerosol climatology over Nile Delta based on MODIS, MISR and OMI satellite data

“…Several studies have been conducted to understand the main reasons for the increased pollution levels in Cairo using ground-based and satellite air quality data (Zakey et al, 2004;Abu-Allaban et al, 2002Alfaro and Wahab, 2006;El-Askary and Kafatos, 2008;Favez et al, 2008;Mahmoud et al, 2008;and El-Metwally et al, 2008;Marey et al, 2010 andPrasad et al, 2010). However, the genesis of the fall episodes (the black cloud season) is still under discussion and needs more investigations like the present study.…”

“…Analyses of the black carbon (BC) concentrations, monitored in Cairo during autumn 2004 and spring 2005, indicates that vehicle traffic is the major source of BC in Cairo during the daytime (Mahmoud et al, 2008). The hourly concentrations are significantly larger in fall than in spring, where biomass burning emissions amplify the BC levels (Mahmoud et al, 2008). The elevated BC concentrations during fall may be responsible for high absorbing aerosols at this time.…”

“…Generally, aerosols coming from biomass burning consist of particles that are very light absorbing and contain significant amounts of black and organic carbon (Torres et al, 1998). Analyses of the black carbon (BC) concentrations, monitored in Cairo during autumn 2004 and spring 2005, indicates that vehicle traffic is the major source of BC in Cairo during the daytime (Mahmoud et al, 2008). The hourly concentrations are significantly larger in fall than in spring, where biomass burning emissions amplify the BC levels (Mahmoud et al, 2008).…”

Air Pollution in Mega Cities: A Case Study of Istanbul

“…In recent two decades, several studies are published in the literature about the air pollution in Cairo (Zakey& Omran, 1997;Abu-Allaban et al, 2007;Favez et al, 2008, Zakey et al, 2008Mahmoud et al, 2008;Safar & Labip, 2010). These studies include both anthropogenic and natural contributions to air quality in Cairo.…”

Analyzing Black Cloud Dynamics over Cairo, Nile Delta Region and Alexandria using Aerosols and Water Vapor Data

“…The pollution phenomenon locally known as "Black cloud" over Cairo has been attributed to many reasons among which are biomass burning, local emission and long range transport during the fall season. Several studies have been conducted to address and discuss the forth mentioned reasons for the increased pollution levels over Cairo and the greater Delta region using ground-based and satellite air quality data as compared to other megacities (AbuAllaban et al, 2002(AbuAllaban et al, , 2007(AbuAllaban et al, , 2009; Alfaro and Wahab, 2006;El-Askary and Kafatos, 2008;ElMetwally et al, 2008;Favez et al, 2008;Kanakidou et al, 2011;Mahmoud et al, 2008;and Marey et al, 2010;Prasad et al, 2010 andZakey et al, 2004). Marey et al (2010) utilized a multi sensor approach using the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) and the Multi-angle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) with meteorological data and trajectory …”