GROUND-BASED ASSESSMENT OF PM2.5 AND PM10 DYNAMICS DURING A TYPICAL DUST STORM IN THE SOUTHERN ARAL SEA REGION

Dust storms originating from the dried Aral Sea bed have become one of the major environmental threats in Central Asia, significantly affecting regional air quality and public health. This study evaluates the impact of a typical salt dust storm on atmospheric particulate matter in the Southern Aral Sea region using field observations conducted in Nukus and its suburban area. Airborne particles were monitored with an aerosol particle counter (AZ-10-03, 0.3–5.0 µm), while satellite imagery and synoptic meteorological data were used to identify dust sources and characterize transport conditions. The results revealed that the total dust mass concentration in suburban areas was approximately 20% higher than in the urban environment. During the dust storm, PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations exceeded the permissible daily limits by up to 7.2 and 13.5 times, respectively. Fine particles exhibited prolonged atmospheric residence times, remaining suspended for several days, whereas submicron particles persisted for up to two weeks. These findings demonstrate the considerable environmental and health risks associated with typical dust storms in the Southern Aral Sea region and emphasize the importance of continuous air-quality monitoring and timely public health advisories.