Bestätigt: Die Verunreinigung durch Wüstensand nimmt zu

An international research team has confirmed that concentrations of Saharan dust in the air over southern Europe are increasing, with implications for air quality and public health. The study, published in the prestigious journal Nature, was conducted by scientists including four researchers from the Atmospheric Research Centre at the University of Nova Gorica in Slovenia. Their findings indicate that the amount of Saharan sand reaching European skies is growing, not because such events are occurring more frequently, but because the concentration of dust during these episodes is higher than before. The research team collected approximately 18,500 daily measurements of metals associated with Saharan dust, such as aluminum, titanium, silicon, calcium, and iron, at 103 rural and urban locations across Europe between 2012 and 2021. These data were used to develop a machine learning model analyzing daily concentrations of Saharan dust particles in PM10—a category of airborne particulate matter less than 10 micrometers in diameter. The results showed that Saharan dust levels have risen across much of Europe, particularly over Italy and the Adriatic and Aegean Seas. By 2021, Saharan dust accounted for nearly one-third of the annual reference value set by the World Health Organization for PM10, which is considered safe for human health. In southern Europe, residents experienced an average of 46 Saharan dust events per year, linked to a 0.67 percent increase in daily mortality rates. According to Prof. Dr. Griša Močnik, head of the Atmospheric Research Centre at the University of Nova Gorica, who participated in the study, climate change caused by human activity appears to influence natural phenomena, including the spread of Saharan dust. “We previously thought of desert dust as a purely natural phenomenon beyond human control,” he said. “But this study shows that humans indirectly affect the increased presence of Saharan dust above us.” He emphasized that this finding challenges existing environmental policies, which often justify high concentrations of certain substances based on their classification as natural processes. However, the study suggests that human-induced climate changes contribute to the rise in Saharan dust levels. The analysis of ice cores from Alpine glaciers revealed that the deposition of Saharan dust has increased by approximately 110 percent since the pre-industrial era. This long-term growth in dust levels is attributed to the drying of northern Africa and changes in atmospheric circulation patterns. Researchers warn that the rising levels of Saharan dust could become a greater challenge for public health and complicate efforts to improve air quality in Europe. Saharan dust poses particular risks to individuals with respiratory conditions, as it can trigger asthma attacks and increase mortality rates. The study highlights how local issues and data can contribute to global research and solutions. For example, part of the Slovenian research focused on the impact of nearby cement production on the environment in the Soča Valley. This local investigation became part of broader international research into air pollution trends. The findings suggest that similar studies could be useful in other regions facing severe air quality problems, such as China and India. Researchers stress that while Saharan dust events have not become more frequent, they have become more intense in parts of southern Europe. They attribute this trend to changes in regional atmospheric circulation and the expansion of the Sahara Desert. The study underscores the need for new approaches to address the growing problem of dust-related air pollution, particularly in light of ongoing climate change. Scientists involved in the project are working with institutions such as the European Space Agency and companies specializing in atmospheric monitoring to further refine their models and expand their research.