Important chemical and physical properties of atmospheric dust in Kerman city

Dust deposition phenomenon is an important climatic and environmental issue in arid and semi-arid regions. The objective of this study was to examine important characteristics of atmospheric dust in Kerman as one of the major cities in arid areas of our country with high potential of dust production. Dust samples were collected monthly using glass traps installed on the roof of 35 one-story buildings in Kerman for 7 months from April 20 to Nov. 20, 2012. To compare the results of atmospheric dust with those of soil, 60 surface soil samples (0-10 cm) from outside Kerman and 35 soil samples from urban areas were also collected. Some physical and chemical characteristics such as pH, electrical conductivity, organic matter, calcium carbonate equivalent, and particle size distribution were determined in dust and soil samples. The results of chemical analyses indicated that the amount of these properties is much higher than that in soils. Atmosphere dust particles appear to mainly originate from alkaline and saline soils surrounding the city of Kerman. Dust particle size distribution analysis further confirmed that dust particles have been transferred to Kerman city from medium to long distance areas. Temporal variability in dust chemical properties indicates that the contribution of anthropogenic and natural sources to urban dust in Kerman has seasonal changes. Based on the results obtained, it is necessary to control dust production outside and inside the city and its distribution in populated areas employing proper management practices.