Mapping of urban atmospheric pollution in the northern part of algeria with nitrogen dioxide using satellite and ground-truth data


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Article Title: Mapping of urban atmospheric pollution in the northern part of algeria with nitrogen dioxide using satellite  and ground-truth data
Authors: Stankevich S., Titarenko O., Kharytonov M., Benselhoub A., Bounouala M., Chaabia R., Boukeloul M-L.
Affiliation: 1 Scientific Centre for Aerospace Research of the Earth, Kiev, Ukraine 2 Dnepropetrovsk State Agrarian and Economic University, Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine 3 Laboratory of Mining Resources valorization and Environment, Annaba University, Algeria
Abstract: Atmospheric pollution is a major concern in many countries. The case of Algeria’s megacities which have known recently rapid urbanization and remarkable development in various sectors, demonstrates the air quality degradation. Moreover, the intensive industrial activities, inadequate waste disposal, mining, energy production and transport have introduced excessive amounts of pollutants into the ambient air. These factors are contributing to the increase in the number of potential sources of air contamination. The aim of the present study is to estimate the air pollution with nitrogen dioxide in the northern part of Algeria using the satellite and ground-base data. Assessment of atmospheric pollution with NO2 is carried out using to the data of satellite spectrometer EOS / OMI, information products Level 3 from Goddard Earth Sciences Data, (GES DISC) NASA for 2006-2009. According to the results study, the concentration of NO2 in the air of the metropolis of Algiers exceeds twice the value of the maximum allowable concentration. However, slightly lower content of NO2 in the air near the cities recorded Mascara, Skikda, Oran and Annaba. Based on the results of the present study, it was found an increased risk of accumulation of NO2 on the above urban agglomerations. The findings in this study will help to create awareness of air pollution to Algeria’s policymakers in the mitigation of atmospheric pollution, and serve as a stepping stone towards air pollution monitoring, risk assessment of acid rains local and regional negative impact.
Keywords: air pollution, remote sensing, NO2, Samasafia, northern Algeria
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*Correspondence: Benselhoub Aissa, State Agrarian and Economic University, Ecology and Environment Protection Department, Voroshilov St., 49600 Dnepropetrovsk, Ukraine, E-mail: benselhoub@yahoo.fr