TY - JOUR
T1 - S-5P/TROPOMI-Derived NOx Emissions From Copper/Cobalt Mining and Other Industrial Activities in the Copperbelt (Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia)
AU - Martínez-Alonso, S.
AU - Veefkind, J. P.
AU - Dix, B.
AU - Gaubert, B.
AU - Theys, N.
AU - Granier, C.
AU - Soulié, A.
AU - Darras, S.
AU - Levelt, P. F.
PY - 2023
Y1 - 2023
N2 - 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.
AB - 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.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85173608743&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1029/2023GL104109
DO - 10.1029/2023GL104109
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85173608743
SN - 0094-8276
VL - 50
JO - Geophysical Research Letters
JF - Geophysical Research Letters
IS - 19
M1 - e2023GL104109
ER -
