Climate change in Iraq is exacerbating environmental,
security, political, and economic challenges, with rising temperatures,
prolonged drought, declining rainfall, desertification, salinisation, and
increased dust storms significantly undermining the agricultural sector. This
study investigates air quality in Iraq during March 2026 by analysing major air
pollutants, including Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Ground-level Ozone (O₃),
Particulate Matter (PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Sulfur Dioxide
(SO₂). The study focuses on three Iraqi governorates: Duhok (north), Baghdad
(central), and Basra (south), to compare spatial variations in air quality
index (AQI) values.
Daily air quality data were recorded from March 1 to March
31, 2026. The collected data were analysed and presented graphically to compare
pollutant levels among the three regions. Air quality levels were classified
according to the AQI scale: Good (0–50), Moderate (51–100), Unhealthy for
Sensitive Groups (101–150), Unhealthy (151–200), Very Unhealthy (201–300), and
Hazardous (>300).
The results indicate that pollution levels varied across
regions and pollutants. Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂) reached a moderate level in
Baghdad on March 19, while Ground-level Ozone (O₃) reached a moderate level in Duhok
on March 2. Particulate matter showed the highest pollution levels in Basra,
where PM₁₀ reached an unhealthy level on March 10, and PM₂.₅ reached a very
unhealthy level on March 22. In contrast, Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Sulfur
Dioxide (SO₂) levels in Baghdad remained within the good category. Overall,
this study highlights the critical need for strengthened environmental policies
and sustained monitoring efforts to reduce air pollution and safeguard public
health in Iraq.
Author(s) Details
Saad M. Potrous
Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, College of Engineering,
University of Basra, Iraq.
Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crgese/v6/7487
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