Spatial and Temporal Variation of Air Quality Index in Amman-Zarqa Urban Area

This paper aimed to investigate the Spatial and Temporal Variation of the air quality index (AQI) in the Amman and Zarqa Metropolitan Areas during the period 2016-2022 following the method adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency of the United States of America (EPA). Air quality data for PM10, PM2.5, O3, NO2, SO2, and CO recorded at five monitoring stations were downloaded from the official website of the Jordanian Ministry of Environment. Calculated AQI values were generally between the Good class (AQI <50) and the Moderate class (AQI 50-100) at all stations, the AQI calculations for PM10 demonstrated a noticeable increase during autumnal months, likely due to natural dust. PM2.5 demonstrated seasonal variation, with higher values in winter months where residents burn fossil fuel for heating. Stabel air in winter due to the cooled land surface, and the weak natural air mix and ventilation contribute to the deterioration of air quality. Calculated individual AQI for SO2 and NO2 reveals that all extent of the study area falls in the Good AQI class. Similarly, CO and ozone-based AQI values fluctuate within the “Good” class, with occasional episodes of compromised air quality at specific stations.