S-5P/TROPOMI-Derived NOx Emissions From Copper/Cobalt Mining and Other Industrial Activities in the Copperbelt (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia)
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Authors
Martínez-Alonso, S.
Veefkind, J.P.
Dix, B.
Gaubert, B.
Theys, N.
Granier, C.
Soulié, A.
Darras, S.
Eskes, H.
Tang, W.
Worden, H.M.
De Gouw, J.
Levelt, P.F.
Discipline
Earth and related Environmental sciences
Audience
Scientific
Date
2023Metadata
Show full item recordDescription
We have analyzed Sentinel-5 Precursor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) data over the Copperbelt mining region (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia). Despite high background values, annual 2019–2022 means of TROPOMI NO2 (nitrogen dioxide) show local enhancements consistent with six point sources (four copper/cobalt mines, two cities) where high-emission industrial activities take place. We have quantified annual NOx (nitrogen oxides) emissions from these point sources, identified temporal trends in emissions, and found strong correlations with production data from colocated mines and one oil refinery. The Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service Global Anthropogenic (CAMS-GLOB-ANT) version 5 inventory underpredicts TROPOMI-derived emissions and lacks the temporal trends observed in TROPOMI and mine/refinery production. These results demonstrate the potential for satellite monitoring of mining and other industrial activities, often unreported or underestimated, which impact the air quality of local communities. This is particularly important for Africa, where mining is increasing aggressively.
Citation
Martínez-Alonso, S.; Veefkind, J.P.; Dix, B.; Gaubert, B.; Theys, N.; Granier, C.; Soulié, A.; Darras, S.; Eskes, H.; Tang, W.; Worden, H.M.; De Gouw, J.; Levelt, P.F. (2023). S-5P/TROPOMI-Derived NOx Emissions From Copper/Cobalt Mining and Other Industrial Activities in the Copperbelt (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia). , Geophysical Research Letters, Vol. 50, Issue 19, e2023GL104109, DOI: 10.1029/2023GL104109.Identifiers
url:
Type
Article
Peer-Review
Yes
Language
eng