Air Quality Assessment in Erbil, Iraq: Analysis of Major Pollutants and Meteorological Influences

Background: Air pollution remains a critical environmental and public health concern, particularly in rapidly urbanizing regions. In Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, urban expansion and industrial activities have raised concerns regarding air quality in the capital, Erbil, especially during the winter months. Aim: this study aimed to assess wintertime air quality in Erbil and evaluate the major air pollutants in relation to international and regional standards on pollutant behaviours and potential health risks. Methods: This study was designed as an observational, retrospective time-series analysis to evaluate wintertime air quality in Erbil over three months from 1 December 2024 to 28 February 2025 using secondary data on six key air pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, SO₂, CO, and O₃, obtained from The Weather Channel. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was applied to assess pollution levels and potential health risks. Statistical analyses (one-way ANOVA) with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05 were conducted to examine temporal variations and inter-pollutant correlations, as well as the influence of meteorological factors on pollutant accumulation. Results: Particulate matter concentrations (PM2.5 and PM10) frequently exceeded World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits, particularly in December and January, indicating substantial air quality deterioration during colder months. In contrast, gaseous pollutants (CO, NO₂, SO₂, and O₃) generally remained within permissible levels. PM2.5 and PM10 showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.85), suggesting common anthropogenic sources such as vehicular traffic and industrial emissions. Meteorological conditions, including temperature inversion and high humidity, were found to exacerbate particulate accumulation by reducing atmospheric dispersion. Conclusion: The study highlights that wintertime air pollution in Erbil is primarily driven by particulate matter, intensified by meteorological and human factors. These findings offer essential insights for local environmental authorities to implement targeted air quality management strategies and mitigation policies, aiming to protect public health and promote sustainable urban development