Geospatial analysis of the state of the particulate matter (PM10) indicator for the city of Sofia (Bulgaria)

Abstract

The current research is focused on an extremely important topic in the last decade, namely, atmospheric air quality. Air quality is the subject of much discussion and attention for several key reasons: human health, environmental implications, climate change, economic challenges, legislation and regulations, and public awareness. Air pollution is a problem both locally and globally in Europe and around the world. Pollutants released into the air in one country can be transported in the atmosphere and affect air quality elsewhere. A large proportion of Europe's population lives in large cities, where levels of ozone, nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter (PM) pollution often exceed permitted levels, posing a serious health risk. The problem of air pollution is particularly pronounced in large cities with intensive traffic, high population concentration and industrial areas. In cities located in hollows, such as Sofia city, air masses are trapped, which makes it difficult to diffuse the pollutants into the atmosphere. Although air quality in Sofia and other European cities has improved, the problem has worsened again in recent years. Keywords: air quality, PM10, GIS, pollution, „AirThings“ project