Creating and evaluating pollution distribution map in Aegean Region by using geographical information system (GIS) and air quality data

Abstract

Air pollution is defined as an environmental problem that occurs as a result of foreign substances such as dust, smoke and gas exceeding normal amounts in the atmosphere and affecting the health of living things adversely. Air pollution, which is one of the leading environmental problems today, threatens future generations seriously. Air pollution is shown as the most important cause of global warming and has negative effects on other living things, especially human health. The causes of air pollution in our country can be shown as rapid and unplanned urbanization, wrong location in the industrial zone and pollutants from the chimneys. In this study, the data obtained from the air monitoring stations in the provinces of the Aegean region were evaluated in the Geographical Information System and the location analysis of particulate matter (PM) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) causing air pollution was performed. The data used in this study has been mapped through being obtained from Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation National Air Quality Monitoring Network. Spatial distribution maps of air pollution were created by making spatial analysis of pollutants in the region with the help of the Geographical Information System and it was determined whether the pollutant parameters tend to increase or decrease.