Exploring multi-pollution variability in the urban environment: geospatial AI-driven modeling of air and noise

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study addresses the critical need for comprehensive multi-pollution modeling in urban environments by employing Geospatial Artificial Intelligence (GeoAI) techniques. Specifically, it aims to elucidate the variability of air and noise pollution levels in Tehran, Iran, and develop precise multi-pollution susceptibility maps. A spatial database was compiled, encompassing annual average data (2019–2022) of the Air Quality Index (AQI) and Equivalent Continuous Sound Level (Leq), along with 19 influential factors related to both pollutants. The study utilized the CatBoost machine learning algorithm, enhanced with Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO) and Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO) algorithms, to model and predict pollution patterns. Key quantitative achievements include a remarkable 15% reduction in Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) for air pollution and a 12% reduction in noise pollution when using the CatBoost-HHO configuration compared to the standalone CatBoost algorithm. Validation of the multi-pollution maps utilizing the Area Under the Curve (AUC) analysis showed high accuracy, with the CatBoost-HHO achieving AUC values of 0.943 for air pollution and 0.936 for noise pollution, outperforming CatBoost-GWO and standalone CatBoost models. These results underscore the efficacy of our approach in accurately identifying and mapping multi-pollution hotspots, contributing valuable insights for urban environmental management and public health preservation.