EGU25-20059, updated on 15 Mar 2025
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20059
EGU General Assembly 2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Air Quality Assessment in Safranbolu (Karabük): A Critical Step Towards Combating Air Pollution in Turkey's Steel Industry Hub
Gülen Güllü1, Yeser Aslanoglu1, and Fatma Ozturk2
Gülen Güllü et al.
  • 1Hacettepe, Environmental Engineering, Çankaya, Türkiye (ggullu@hacettepe.edu.tr)
  • 2Bogazici University, Institude of Environmental Sciences

Air pollution, responsible for the deaths of 7 million people annually, stands as one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Among its components, particulate matter (PM) is a key parameter that demands close monitoring due to its adverse effects on human health and its direct and indirect impacts on climate change. The Eastern Mediterranean region, including Turkey, experiences higher levels of warming compared to other areas at the same latitude, making it one of the most climate-vulnerable regions globally. In this context, addressing air pollution, identifying pollutant levels and sources, and implementing mitigation strategies are essential for combating climate change effectively.

In Turkey, the iron and steel industry contributes approximately 7% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Within the framework of the European Green Deal and Border Carbon Adjustment Mechanism, the green transformation of this sector is crucial. However, the specific pollutants released into ambient air from this industry and their impacts on human health remain inadequately addressed, particularly for the province of Karabük, where approximately 4 million tons of iron and steel are produced annually. Developing science-based air quality action plans for Karabük requires a comprehensive understanding of the region’s air pollution levels.

This study analyzed fine (PM2.5) and coarse (PM10-2.5) particulate matter samples collected from an air quality monitoring station located in Safranbolu, a tourist hub in Karabük. The sampling periods spanned from August 7 to September 3, 2021, and from November 9 to December 28, 2021. The samples were analyzed using various analytical techniques to determine major ions, elements, and elemental carbon/organic carbon (EC/OC). The findings revealed the urgent need for targeted air pollution reduction measures in Safranbolu to protect both public health and the region's touristic appeal, while addressing the environmental impact of Turkey's largest iron and steel industry based in Karabük.

This study highlights the critical importance of integrating scientific insights into policy and action to reduce air pollution and foster sustainable development in one of Turkey's most industrialized regions.

How to cite: Güllü, G., Aslanoglu, Y., and Ozturk, F.: Air Quality Assessment in Safranbolu (Karabük): A Critical Step Towards Combating Air Pollution in Turkey's Steel Industry Hub, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-20059, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-20059, 2025.