Assessment of Long-Term Relationship of Tropospheric NO2 with Meteorological Parameters for Sustainability in Pakistan

Hamza Malik; Sawaid Abbas; Fatima Naeem; Nawai Habib; Nosheen Akhtar

Authors

Hamza Malik Smart Sensing for Climate and Development, Centre for Geographic Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Sawaid Abbas Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
Fatima Naeem Smart Sensing for Climate and Development, Centre for Geographic Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Nawai Habib Smart Sensing for Climate and Development, Centre for Geographic Information System, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Nosheen Akhtar Institute of Geology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan

Keywords:

Giovanni, NO2, OMI, AURA, Meteorological Parameters

Abstract

Introduction: Assessing the atmospheric changes is the main concern with increasing population density over the years within the countries moving towards industrialization to meet their in-house demands. Pakistan is placed in the world's most deteriorating air quality list of countries.

Novelty Statement: This research exclusively explores tropospheric NO2 patterns in Pakistan from 2005-2022 using OMI data, revealing seasonal variations and anthropogenic effects, providing serious understandings for air quality policy in developing regions.

Material and Methods: This study analyses the tropospheric Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) patterns by using the observations from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and their possible relation with meteorological parameters (rainfall, wind speed, temperature) to assess the level of tropospheric NO2 pollution pattern at the district level in Pakistan over the time range of (2005-2022), covering mega urban centers including Lahore, Faisalabad and Peshawar.

Results and Discussion: A rising trend of 9.028 x 10^15 molecules/cm² in NO2 concentrations was found in the winter season and lower values around 1.9 x 10^15 molecules/cm² were observed in the summer season. Interestingly, a dipping concentration of these pollutants was observed in pre-monsoon months, except in Peshawar where the values dip down during the spring period. Diverse patterns have been observed between NO2 and temperature, wind speed, and rainfall over the years. In the industrial-operated cities with heavy traffic on the roads, a large dense population, agricultural fires, and fossil fuel burning define the anthropogenic emission levels in the lower layer of the atmosphere in the cities.

Conclusion: This study will allow regulators to comprehend or understand the anthropogenic emission levels in the major cities considering the origin of the emission activities.

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