Atmospheric Dust: Sources, Characteristics, Impacts, and Control Strategies

Dear Colleagues,

Rising temperatures and changing climate have various implications on all the spheres of the earth’s system. One of the most important and complex elements of climate change is dust pollution. It plays a pivotal role in global ecological processes and biogeochemical cycles. Dust, once considered to be a natural emission of particles into the atmosphere, is directly and indirectly influenced by anthropogenic activities to a large extent in the current scenario. Humans influence dust emissions directly by escalating land use through deforestation and increased construction activities, among others, and indirectly by contributing to atmospheric warming, which results in desertification. Complex dynamics, processes, and interactions of dust with the environment, ecosystems, and humans require thorough study in the context of climate change and human interference. The complexity of dust stems from the varied mixtures of compounds it contains. Robust measurement approaches therefore underpin our ability to develop a holistic picture of atmospheric dust pollution. This will enable scientists and engineers to design controls and develop blueprints for various systems to adapt and deal with the increasing dust pollution levels.

The main aim of this Special Issue is to integrate and summarize the contemporary insights and findings from dust pollution research. We invite submissions of original research articles and reviews on dust pollution including but not limited to:

• Source forensics of dust;
• Physical, chemical, and biological characterization of dust aerosols;
• Fate and transport of dust at both regional and global scales;
• Interaction of dust with biogeochemical and hydrological cycles;
• Influence of dust pollution on air microbiome;
• Human health and environmental impacts of atmospheric dust;
• Consequences and influence of climate change on the synergistic exchanges between atmospheric dust and land-ocean ecosystems;
• Control strategies and designs to lessen the effects of dust pollution.

Dr. Raghu Betha
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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