Spatiotemporal Mapping and Modeling Hotspot of PM2.5 in the Central part of Bangladesh

Particulate matter (PM2.5) is one of the critical sources of ambient air pollution and poses the most significant public health threat. In Bangladesh, particularly in the major urban cities, PM2.5 has been identified as an important public health hazard. This research aims to perform a spatiotemporal mapping of PM2.5 from 2002-2019 to determine the hotspots in central Bangladesh. A time series of remotely sensed PM2.5 is used in mapping spatiotemporal and hotspot analysis, applying Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing. This research reveals that the annual concentration of PM2.5 increased by 47% during 2002-2019. On the other hand, the high hotspot zones are found in the middle of the study areas, the core urban areas of Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Gazipur Districts. Moreover, this research found that 16.5% (3,640,748 persons out of the total population) were in the age group 0-9, 0.95% (2,109,99 persons) were in the age group 60+, 5% (12,062,419 persons) were pregnant women, and 1% (24,621 persons) were pneumonia patients in very high- and high-hotspot zones. The relevant policymakers and departments may use these findings on the policy applications for health hazard risk reduction and local and regional air pollution mitigation.