Long-Term Air Pollution and Health Risks in Erbil, Kurdistan-Iraq: A Satellite-Based Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64048/hir.v1n3.003Keywords:
Air pollution, Sentinel-5P satellite, Air Quality Index, Air Quality Health Index, Health risk assessment, Urban air qualityAbstract
Background and Aim Air pollution is a leading global cause of premature mortality, yet evidence from conflict-affected and rapidly developing Middle Eastern cities remains scarce. This study assessed long-term air quality trends and related health risks in Erbil, Iraq.
Methods A six-year observational study was performed using Sentinel-5P satellite data from five fixed sites representing urban, industrial, and mixed zones. Seventy-two monthly datasets (12 per year × 6 years) were analyzed for carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), ozone (O₃), methane (CH₄), and formaldehyde (HCHO). Pollutant concentrations (µg/m³) were used to compute the Air Quality Index (AQI), Air Quality Health Index (AQHI), and WHO exceedance ratios. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and correlation tests (p ≤ 0.05).
Results Pollutant levels showed distinct seasonal and interannual variations. CO and SO₂ peaked in winter, while O₃ and HCHO were highest in summer. COVID-19 lockdowns (2020–2021) temporarily reduced CO and NO₂. Mean annual AQI ranged from 168.8 to 190.6 (Unhealthy), and AQHI values remained elevated (7.9–9.4). Exceedances above WHO limits were substantial for NO₂ (260.7%), SO₂ (188.4%), and O₃ (271.6%) whereas HCHO stayed below threshold (79–92%). These concentrations, two to three times higher than international safety levels, indicated increased risks of respiratory, cardiovascular, and oxidative stress-related conditions. Strong positive correlations were observed among combustion-related pollutants (r = 0.64–0.72, p < 0.05).
Conclusion Air quality in Erbil remains critically degraded due to vehicle emissions, industrial activities, and dust storms. Temporary improvements during lockdowns were un sustained. Urgent measures including emission inspections, a continuous monitoring network, and transition to cleaner fuels are required to reduce public-health risks and promote sustainable air-quality management
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The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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