A five-year Study Using Sentinel-5P Data Observing Seasonal Dynamics and Long-term Trends of Atmospheric Pollutants

Abstract

Air pollution is an escalating concern for both environmental sustainability and public health, exacerbated by urbanization and industrial growth. In Saudi Arabia, pollutants primarily from industrial activities and vehicle emissions present significant health hazards. This study utilizes data from the Sentinel-5P satellite to analyze the variations in Carbon Monoxide (CO), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Sulfur Dioxide (SO₂), and Particulate Matter (PM2.5) over a five-year period, from January 2019 to December 2023. The data was processed using Google Earth Engine (GEE) to produce monthly and seasonal averages, while ArcGIS Pro was used to map trends and spatial distribution. The results reveal distinct seasonal fluctuations in pollution levels, with CO peaking between March-May and July-September but showing an overall decline. NO₂ and SO₂ exhibit seasonal highs with slight upward trends, likely linked to industrial output and traffic emissions. PM2.5, the most harmful pollutant to human health, consistently surpasses World Health Organization (WHO) limits, especially during high-emission periods. These findings underscore the urgency of adopting targeted measures to mitigate pollution during critical times and safeguard public health. The seasonal spikes, particularly in industrial and densely populated regions, highlight the need for improved policies and technologies to effectively monitor and manage air quality

Keywords

• Air pollution
• Sentinel-5P
• Seasonal variation
• Particulate Matter (PM2.5)
• Google Earth Engine (GEE)

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