SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL ANALYSIS OF POLLUTANT GASES IN WESTERN BLACK SEA OF TURKIYE

Abstract. Environmental pollution, particularly air pollution, is one of the foremost problems we face today. Air pollution has become a global issue that affects not only regional areas but also the entire planet. The increase in the amount and concentration of pollutants or harmful substances in the atmosphere, such as various gases, particulate matter, and water vapor, causes air pollution. The rise in these substances can be due to human activities or natural environmental factors. It is crucial to examine air quality to reduce the harm inflicted on living and non-living entities. In this study, the spatial and temporal analysis of air pollutants (CO, NO2, UV_AER) in the Western Black Sea region was conducted using the Sentinel-5 TROPOMI satellite sent to monitor climate change and air quality. The Google Earth Engine platform was used to obtain the data. Monthly pollution maps were created for the year 2022, and the primary sources of pollutants were analysed. As a result, it was observed that pollutants changed on a monthly and seasonal basis, and areas with high pollutant concentrations in the region were identified. Mining, industrial activities, transportation networks, and domestic activities were determined to be the primary sources of air pollution in the study area.