THE IMPACT OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON AIR POLLUTION IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF SAMARRA CITY
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Objective: Against this background, the present study examines the spatial relationship between human activities and air pollution within the urban environment of Samarra City. Method: The study adopted a geographical and descriptive-analytical approach supported by field surveys, environmental measurements, questionnaire data, and GIS-based spatial representation. Field measurements were conducted in cooperation with the Salah Al-Din Environment Directorate at five major intersections on 22 May 2026, during morning, midday, and evening peak periods. The monitored atmospheric indicators included sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), hydrocarbons (HC), and carbon dioxide (CO₂). The recorded values were analyzed as relative levels for comparative assessment among the selected monitoring sites. Results: The results revealed clear spatial variation in the relative levels of the monitored atmospheric indicators. Locations characterized by comparatively intensive traffic and commercial activity generally exhibited higher relative levels than locations with less intensive vehicular and commercial activity. Muraidi Market Intersection exhibited the highest overall relative pollution profile, recording CO₂ (80%), SO₂ (70%), NO₂ (50%), HC (30%), and CO (7%). Al-Alwa Intersection ranked second overall, recording CO₂ (75%), SO₂ (60%), NO₂ (53%), HC (25%), and CO (5%). Notably, Al-Alwa recorded a slightly higher relative NO₂ level than Muraidi Market, demonstrating that individual atmospheric indicators do not necessarily follow identical spatial patterns. The observed spatial pattern was associated with differences in traffic intensity, commercial activity, surrounding land use, and other human activities characterizing the monitoring locations. Novelty: However, because the study did not conduct quantitative source-apportionment analysis, these relationships are interpreted as spatial associations rather than evidence of the independent causal contribution of individual emission sources. The findings highlight the importance of expanding air-quality monitoring, improving urban traffic management, reducing uncontrolled waste burning, strengthening vehicle-emission inspection, promoting cleaner energy practices, and integrating air-quality considerations into urban planning. These measures may contribute to improving urban environmental quality and supporting sustainable development in Samarra City.
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