Barţalah Air Quality Index (AQI)

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Bartalah, situated in the Nīnawá Governorate of Iraq, occupies a geographically significant position within the Nineveh Plains. Located at coordinates 36.3537°N, 43.3813°E, the city rests on relatively flat terrain, characteristic of the alluvial plains formed by the Tigris River. While not directly on the riverbank, Bartalah is within close proximity, influencing local humidity and potentially trapping pollutants during temperature inversions. The surrounding landscape is predominantly agricultural, with extensive farmland dedicated to wheat, barley, and other crops. This agricultural activity, while vital to the local economy, contributes to particulate matter pollution through dust from tilling and potential burning of crop residue. To the north and east, the terrain gradually rises towards the foothills of the Kurdistan Region, creating a complex interplay of wind patterns. Bartalah’s urban character is that of a small, developing town, with a population of approximately 15,000. The urban-rural gradient is sharp, transitioning quickly to open agricultural land. The region has experienced significant disruption due to conflict, impacting infrastructure and potentially leading to uncontrolled waste burning, further degrading air quality. The lack of robust industrial zones immediately surrounding Bartalah suggests that agricultural practices and regional dust storms are primary contributors to pollution, rather than heavy industry.

Bartalah experiences a Mediterranean-influenced climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Air quality in Bartalah is markedly seasonal. The summer months (June-August) typically see the highest pollution levels, driven by intense heat and prolonged drought. These conditions exacerbate dust storms originating from the arid regions to the west and south, carrying significant particulate matter. Temperature inversions, common during calm summer nights, trap pollutants close to the ground. Conversely, winter (December-February) brings relief through increased precipitation, which effectively washes particulate matter from the atmosphere. However, increased use of solid fuels for heating during colder periods can lead to localised spikes in indoor and outdoor pollution. Spring (March-May) offers a transitional period with improving air quality as vegetation begins to grow and dust storms become less frequent. Autumn (September-November) is generally the most favourable season for outdoor activity, with moderate temperatures and cleaner air. Sensitive groups – children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions – should limit outdoor exposure during peak summer months and periods of visible dust. Monitoring wind direction is crucial; winds from the west and south are likely to carry higher concentrations of dust.