Air quality assessment by daily estimation of ground-level PM2.5 concentrations over Baghdad City using MODIS AOD data

This study evaluates air quality over Baghdad city by estimating the daily ground-level PM₂.₅ concentration using MODIS Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) data from the Terra and Aqua satellites. Due to the scarcity of ground-based monitoring stations in Baghdad, satellite data significantly enhances air pollution tracking. AOD measurements from 2022 have been paired with ground-level PM₂.₅ concentration data collected from the US Embassy’s air quality monitor. Multiple regression models (linear, quadratic, exponential) were applied to estimate PM₂.₅ concentrations, with the quadratic model proving to be the most accurate for most months. The results reveal that air quality in Baghdad frequently falls into the "Unhealthy" and "Very Unhealthy" categories, particularly during the summer and late spring. This is due to dust storms originating from the western desert of Iraq and the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, which intensify during the spring and summer seasons. Additionally, other sources of PM_2.5 contribute significantly, including high-density traffic and associated vehicle emissions and reduced governmental electricity supply during summer, which subsequently increases the operating hours of air-polluting electrical generators and the open-air burning of waste and agricultural residues. This study highlights the effectiveness of satellite data in complementing ground measurements and emphasizes the necessity for public health interventions during periods of high pollution.