Analyzing the relationship between spatial distribution of air pollutant concentrations and land cover over Iran

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department Landscape Artitecture, Minab Higher Education Center, University of Hormozgan, Bandar Abbass, Iran

2 Graduate Faculty of Environment, University of Tehran, P.O.Box 14155-6135, Tehran, Iran

10.22059/poll.2024.377267.2399

Abstract

Air pollution is a major environmental challenge, exacerbated by urban and industrial expansion, with significant impacts on human health and climate change. This study, using advanced remote sensing technology and Sentinel-5 satellite data, examines the relationship between seven land cover types and air pollutants in Iran for the years 2022 and 2023. Pearson correlation analysis was applied to assess these relationships. Standardized pollutant concentration maps were generated using combination operators such as "AND," "OR," "SUM," and “GAMMA 0.5" within Arc Map software to identify high-risk pollution areas. The results indicated that Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan had the highest nitrogen dioxide concentrations, while Ahvaz, Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Arak recorded the highest sulfur dioxide levels. Aerosol concentrations were highest in Zahedan, Yazd, and Qom, while Tehran, Bandar Abbas, and Ahvaz showed elevated carbon monoxide levels. Northern cities like Ardabil, Urmia, and Rasht had the highest ozone concentrations. Findings revealed a negative correlation between tree density and aerosol levels, and a positive correlation between barren lands and aerosols. There was also a direct correlation between industrial and built-up areas and pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen dioxide. However, no specific relationship was found between ozone concentrations and land cover types, suggesting that ozone levels are more geographically influenced. The combined maps highlighted Tehran and industrial cities as high-risk areas for air pollution, emphasizing the importance of increasing dense vegetation and proper land use management as effective strategies for mitigating air pollution.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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Pollution
Volume 11, Issue 2
February 2025
Pages 246-260

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