Determination of the presence of particles (PM<inf>10</inf>) in Peru produced by biomass burning using numerical models

© 2017, Centro de Ciencias de la Atmosfera, UNAM. All rights reserved. This study is conducted with the objective to implement a PM10 monitoring network in Peru. We employ the Weather Research and Forecasting - Chemistry model (WRF-CHEM) to determine the transport and dispersion of particles generated by biomass burning in Peru and neighboring countries. We used the fire emission inventory from NCAR and meteorological data from the Global Forecast System (GFS) model. The period June–August of 2015 was studied. A progressive increase of fire hotspots in the region was found, which originated an increase, also progressive, of particle concentra­tions over the region and especially over Peru. We determined that Peru is affected by particles generated by fires within the country and from neighboring countries, mainly from Brazil and Bolivia. The photometric analysis recorded a progressive increase of aerosol optical depth since mid-July, with maximums in August, corresponding with the increase of simulated PM10 concentrations. These results points out to the necessity to establish a PM10 concentration monitoring network, mainly in central and northern Peru, given the importance of controlling these particles for public health.