TROPOMI NO2 Sentinel-5P data in the Community of Madrid: A detailed consistency analysis with in situ surface observations

Abstract

Excess reactive nitrogen emissions from anthropogenic activities can negatively impact the natural environment. The sensor TROPOspheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) onboard the Sentinel-5 Precursor (Sentinel-5P) satellite is capable of providing data on tropospheric NO2 vertical column densities (VCDs). This work investigates NO2 data retrieved from TROPOMI to study the spatial and temporal patterns of NO2 pollution compared with surface-level concentration measurements in the Community of Madrid in 2022. A high linear correlation coefficient (r) was obtained by comparing daily Level-3 tropospheric TROPOMI NO2 data with ground-based data from air quality monitoring stations at satellite overpass time (r = 0.78). Since the overpasses of Sentinel-5P over the region consistently occur between 12:00 and 4:00 p.m. local time, a second correlation analysis was carried out by averaging all available data from both sources within that interval, resulting in an even higher coefficient (r = 0.81). Results showed a lower correlation at rural sites compared to urban and suburban sites. Examining the monthly and weekly variations of NO2 concentration from satellite data and in situ measurements, similar tendencies in NO2 concentration were observed from both sources. In agreement with previous studies, the cold months and weekdays exhibited higher NO2 concentrations. It was concluded that TROPOMI NO2 data and in situ measurements yield a strong correlation for the Community of Madrid target area, and TROPOMI data can be further investigated to propose pollution mitigation policies.