Ambient air quality assessment at Ankawa station using the AQI index for the period (2023-2024)

Abstract

The Air Quality Index (AQI) for the Ankawa station in Erbil Governorate was monitored for 553 days, starting from January 1, 2023, until September 4, 2024, located at the geographical coordinates of 36° 14′ 04″ N - 43° 58′ 56″ E, just 720 meters away from Erbil International Airport. The study concluded that 98% of the coarse particles (PM10) fell within the first air pollution level (Healthy). The PM2.5 values for fine particles varied, with 41% falling within the first air pollution level (Healthy), 29% within the second level (Acceptable), and 24% within the third level (Unhealthy for sensitive groups). The fourth pollution level (Unhealthy) was recorded for 45 days, representing 9%, while only 1% fell within the fifth pollution level (Hazardous), influenced by urban air pollutants and geographical factors. As for the PM1 values (ultrafine particles), 69% were within the (Healthy) level, 126 days (23%) fell within the second pollution level (Acceptable), 49 days (10%) were recorded within the third level (Unhealthy for sensitive groups), and only 2% fell within the fourth level (Unhealthy). It is necessary to follow strict environmental policies by enforcing laws on pollution-causing waste.