The Influence of Airport-Related Emission on Air Quality in Atlanta

Studies have shown that airplanes are major anthropogenic sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This led to large airports to be studied and vehicular traffic and ground site equipment (GSE) such as cargo transporters, aircraft tugs and ground power units make up for 50% of emissions surrounding the airport. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) is the most prominent pollutant within these GHG concentrations.

This study focuses on NO2 emissions from the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the impact that increased concentrations have on the surrounding environments, especially Clayton County residents. Populations exposed to higher levels of NO2 have more cases of lung disease, heart disease and stunted lung capacity as compared to residents outside of a 20-mile radius. Satellite imaging will allow visual comparisons of NO2 concentrations from 2019, the Covid-lockdown terms of 2020, 2021 and 2022 with more air travel than previously recorded years.