The Significance of Oceanic Nino Index (ONI) on Saharan p.m 2.5 Dust Concentration from Central to Coastal Mississippi

Saharan dust travels across the Atlantic Ocean every year, driven by atmospheric and oceanic circulations that lead to variations in dust storm intensity and overall concentrations across the southern states of the USA. Saharan dust storms increase particulate matter, a known pollutant, that has been shown to increase respiratory distress. This study investigates the relationship between central and coastal Mississippi's Oceanic Nino Index(ONI) and Saharan dust concentrations. PM 2.5 dust data was collected from MDEQ/EPA monitoring stations in Jackson, Hattiesburg, and Pascagoula from 2000-2022 and compared with Oceanic Nino Index(ONI) measurements collected from NOAA for 2000-2024. Analysis shows Saharan dust peaks, in the late spring and summer, coincide with an increase in the air quality index and health reports. Further analysis will be needed to identify the significance, but an inverse relationship was identified for ONI from May to August, as well as peaks in Saharan dust concentrations across Mississippi.