Retrieval of PM10 concentration from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived AOD in Peninsular Malaysia

In this study, Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) was used to retrieve air pollution (PM₁₀) in Peninsular Malaysia. Located in an equatorial and maritime region, the strength of the correlation between MODIS derived AOD and in situ data were given less attention due to data availability, and monsoon wind effect. To make used of MODIS derived data, long term (2001 to 2006) retrieval and investigation on its reliability was performed. The cloud cover and wind effect were taken care by using a modified 5×5 moving mean filter to smoothen and extrapolate gaps in MODIS AOD dataset. Besides, relationship between daily and monthly average MODIS AOD and PM₁₀ were established. Monthly average shows higher correlation of 0.6 with 12.90 μg/m³ RMSE for six years. These suggest that, MODIS estimated PM₁₀ has the potential to be utilized in air quality monitoring over Peninsular Malaysia.