Spatial and Temporal Variability Analysis of Air Quality Indicators in Erbil City Using Geographic Information Systems

Saya Dlawer Mohammed; Daban Kadhim Omar; Twana Abdulrahman Hamad

doi:10.21271/zjhs.29.SpC.37

المؤلفون

Saya Dlawer Mohammed Department of Geography, College of Arts, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Daban Kadhim Omar Department of Geography, College of Arts, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Twana Abdulrahman Hamad Department of Soil and water, College of Agriculture Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21271/zjhs.29.SpC.37

الكلمات المفتاحية:

Air quality, temporal and spatial variation, interpolation, PM2.5, PM10, and CO2.

الملخص

This research explores the spatial and temporal analysis of air quality parameters in Erbil, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The primary goal is to monitor and evaluate air quality in this major urban center, identifying pollution levels and their spatial and temporal variations. To achieve this, air quality data was collected over a one-month period from 70 locations across Erbil through field measurements and analyzed using interpolation techniques in ArcMap. The findings reveal that air quality in Erbil is at hazardous levels, particularly in the city center and southwestern regions, primarily due to human activities such as heavy traffic, industrial operations, and oil refinery emissions. For example, the highest concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in the city center was recorded between (1000 – 1500) (ppm), while the concentrations of particulate matter (PM10) in the eastern and western regions ranged from (254 – 354) ug/m³. At the same time, the concentrations of particulate matter (PM2.5) in the same area ranged from (15.4 – 55.5) ug/m³. Based on this, the study results showed significant changes in air pollution levels, with the highest pollution density recorded during working hours, particularly in the afternoon. For instance, the highest concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) was recorded between (100 – 1100) (ppm) later in the day. At the same time, the concentration of particulate matter (PM10) reached (180) ug/m³, while the concentration of particulate matter (PM2.5) was around (80) ug/m³. It is worth noting that green spaces and parks play a crucial role in mitigating air pollution. The study recommends several actionable solutions, including expanding green spaces and parks, improving public transportation systems, encouraging the use of renewable energy, regulating industrial emissions, and increasing public awareness. This study provides valuable insights for environmental planning and offers practical strategies to address the challenges of air pollution in Erbil."

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