Estimation of spatio-temporal distribution of carbon monoxide (co) concentrations in the atmosphere over the crimean peninsula in the period 2019–2024

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an important gas in the atmosphere that significantly affects the oxidative balance of the atmosphere and the overall quality of the environment in the region. This study involved extracting data on the vertically integrated density of CO in the atmospheric column from the Sentinel-5P OFFL CO satellite data set, processed using the Google Earth Engine platform. This approach enabled a spatial analysis of pollution distribution in the atmosphere over the territory of the Crimean Peninsula. The aim of the study is to conduct a spatiotemporal analysis of the carbon monoxide (CO) distribution in the atmospheric air over the territory of the Crimean Peninsula. Research Method. To assess deviations of concentrations from the background and determine the level of atmospheric air pollution, standardized values (Z-scores) were calculated, allowing for the classification of pollution levels into conditionally low, medium, elevated, and high. Research Results. During the study period from 2019 to 2024, minimum concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) were recorded at 26,499 mmol/m2 in 2022, while the maximum concentration reached 37,424 mmol/m2 in 2021. High pollution levels were predominantly identified in the hydromorphic landscape level and northern regions of the peninsula, as well as in coastal zones and the Kerch Peninsula area. Meanwhile, lower levels were observed within the mid-mountain landscape level and above the main ridge of the Crimean Mountains. The analysis indicates that a significant portion of the Crimean Peninsula demonstrates a conditionally high level of pollution (z > 3), especially in northern and coastal areas, which is influenced by both natural factors and anthropogenic sources of pollution. The spatial analysis showed that the increase in the area of zones with a conditionally high level of pollution in certain years was associated not only with rising concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) in specific locations but also with the lowering of background levels above the protected natural areas (PNAs) from which the Z-scores are calculated. Conclusion. Overall, the obtained data indicate a noticeable trend toward a gradual increase in the average annual concentration of CO during the study period, with an average increase of approximately 1,239 mmol/m2. This indicates a growing environmental burden in the region

Air pollution · Air quality index · Carbon monoxide · Peninsula · Spatial distribution · Atmospheric and Environmental Gas Dynamics · Atmospheric chemistry and aerosols · COVID-19 impact on air quality · Pollution