@Article{rig.2025.067137,
AUTHOR = {Almustafa Abd Elkader Ayek, Bilel Zerouali, Ankur Srivastava, Mohannad Ali Loho, Nadjem Bailek, Celso Augusto Guimarães Santos},
TITLE = {Spatiotemporal Variability of Atmospheric Pollutants in Syria: A Multi-Year Assessment Using Sentinel-5P Data},
JOURNAL = {Revue Internationale de Géomatique},
VOLUME = {34},
YEAR = {2025},
NUMBER = {1},
PAGES = {669--689},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/RIG/v34n1/63443},
ISSN = {2116-7060},
ABSTRACT = {This study investigates the spatial and temporal dynamics of key air pollutants—nitrogen dioxide (NO<sub>2</sub>), carbon monoxide (CO), methane (CH<sub>4</sub>), formaldehyde (HCHO), and the ultraviolet aerosol index (UVAI)—over the period 2019–2024. Utilizing high-resolution remote sensing data from the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite and its TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) processed via Google Earth Engine (GEE), pollutant concentrations were analyzed, with spatial visualizations produced using ArcGIS Pro. The results reveal that urban and industrial hotspots—notably in Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, and Hama—exhibit elevated NO<sub>2</sub> and CO levels, strongly correlated with population density, traffic, and industrial emissions. Temporal trends indicate significant pollutant fluctuations linked to external factors such as economic activities and regulatory measures. Methane concentrations have shown a steady increase, driven by intensified oil refining, biomass burning, and agricultural practices. Formaldehyde levels initially declined—due to reduced industrial activity—before experiencing a moderate rebound, though remaining below 2019 levels overall. The UV aerosol index demonstrated marked variability, predominantly influenced by wind-driven dust transport, desert dust storms, and localized anthropogenic emissions. These findings underscore the intricate interplay between economic dynamics and environmental processes, highlighting the critical need for robust air quality management strategies.},
DOI = {10.32604/rig.2025.067137}
}