Trends in atmospheric pollutants from oil refinery processes: a case study over the United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has seen an increase in oil extraction and oil refining processes. Toxic pollutants such as sulphur dioxide (SO₂), black carbon (BC), carbon monoxide (CO) and organic carbon (OC) are released during oil refinery processes. These toxic pollutants have severe negative impacts on the climate, environment and human health. In this study we investigate the trends of BC, CO, SO₂ and OC for 38 years (1980-2018) over this region using satellite, ground based and reanalysis data. Trend analysis was also performed using linear regression (LR), Mann-Kendall (MK) and Sequential Mann-Kendall (SQ-MK) tests. The results showed an increasing trend in BC, OC, CO and SO₂ concentrations over time, attributable to oil refinery activities in the region. Significant increases in BC and SO₂ are observed in the year 1992, while a significant increase in OC is observed in 2007. The aerosol Angstrom parameter (AAP) showed the dominance of dust aerosols compared to anthropogenic aerosols. However, both these aerosol types contributed to the degradation of air quality in the region. The results in this study can be used to support policy and decision making, as well as monitoring progress in the implementation of such policies.