Characterization of aerosols in the El Paso-Juarez airshed using the TUV model in conjunction with Multi-Filter Rotating Shadow Band Radiometers

Most air quality studies have focused on sites located in either rural or urban areas. However, many regions are affected by air from both, such as the city of El Paso. Adjacent to the neighboring city of Juarez, Mexico, and in close proximity to rural areas, it is affected by desert particles, as well as biogenic and anthropogenic emissions.

Determination of aerosol optical properties is vital towards a better understanding of the aerosols present in an urban-rural interface region, e.g. the El Paso-Juarez Airshed [R. Pearson, R. Fitzgerald and J. Polanco, 2007]. In this work we present sensitivity studies of optical parameters and irradiance results obtained using the TUV model, compared against experimental irradiance results obtained using a visible multi-filter rotating shadow-band radiometer (MFRSR) and a UV MFRSR operating in the city of El Paso, TX.

Our MFRSR instruments are linked to the USDA network of MFRSR instruments installed at different cities throughout the country [Bigelow, D.S., Slusser, J.R., Beaubien, A.F., and Gibson, J.H., 1998]. The objective of this and future work is to use the TUV Model for the El Paso-Juarez Airshed as a diagnostic model to interpret the data obtained from the MFRSR instruments located in the city of El Paso.

This research work will lead to better characterization of aerosols and their impact in a rural-urban interface region. In addition, it will provide a more accurate assessment of regional aerosol transport and better boundary conditions for air quality models.