Satellite-Based Mapping for Seasonal Variations of Air Pollution and its Environmental Effects in Odisha

Abstract

Air pollution is an important global environmental issue impacting public health across the world. Innovative satellite-based technology has revolutionized the monitoring of air pollution, enabling assessments on various scales with unprecedented accuracy and coverage. The study attempts to estimate the seasonal and spatial fluctuations of various gaseous pollutants using Sentinel-5P TROPOMI satellite images at the district level in Odisha. In order to comprehend the environmental impact of air pollution, an effort must be made to assess potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and potential acidification levels in Odisha. Results showed that potential emissions of greenhouse gases vary regionally and range from 378.82 g CO₂ equivalent/m² to 386.22 g CO₂ equivalent/m², while potential acidification levels range from 0.008 g SO₂ equivalent/m² to 0.034 g SO₂ equivalent/m². The north-western (Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, Bargarh, Sonepur, and Sundargarh) and north-central (Angul, Dhenkanal, and Deogarh) regions of Odisha exhibit high potential emissions of greenhouse gases and levels of acidification. This is attributed to comparatively higher concentrations of various pollutants stemming from sources like industrial and vehicle emissions. Although the satellite-based study enabled us to characterise the relative air pollution across the state, it necessitated a number of air pollution monitoring stations for validation purposes. A future road map to address climate change and environmental protection may be developed with the aid of local officials and policymakers.