Satellite-based mapping of PM2.5 pollution in Türkiye: overcoming gaps in ground-level measurements

Abstract

Fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) can pose serious health effects. Therefore, continuous monitoring of PM_2.5 is vital for public health management. This study aims to investigate PM_2.5 pollution in Türkiye in the period before ground-level measurements, both temporally and spatially. Satellite-based PM_2.5 mapping was implemented to overcome gaps in ground-level measurements. The method of van Donkelaar et al. (2010), which combines satellite-derived aerosol optical depth (AOD) and aerosol profiles from the GEOS-Chem model, was applied. The global annual surface fine particulate matter concentration dataset (V4.GL.03) was used for 1998–2019. The unsupervised trend clustering method is applied to determine the trends in PM_2.5. Health risks were assessed using Population Exposure (PE) model. The interannual average concentrations of PM_2.5 in Türkiye ranged between 13.0 and 18.0 µg/m³ with a mean of 15.2 µg/m³. The highest level of particulate matter pollution was recorded in the provinces of Bursa and Kütahya. PM_2.5 concentrations showed a growth trend in nearly 90% of Türkiye. The findings provide critical information on air quality management and public health. Based on observed concentration trends and population exposure, urgent policy attention should focus on controlling PM_2.5 pollution in Bursa, Kütahya, Ankara, İzmir, Kocaeli, Adana, and Antalya provinces. Decision-makers should take the necessary precautions to cope with PM_2.5 pollution. Furthermore, Türkiye must set the PM_2.5 thresholds as soon as possible.