Correlational analysis of hot spots (fires) and their effects on air quality, Honduras (2020)

Abstract

There is currently a wealth of geospatial information available for free on Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions and hot spots. This study sought in 2020 to establish a correlation between hot spots and their effect on Honduran air quality. Geospatial technologies facilitated the acquisition, download and analysis of pollution data and hot spot detection. Fires increase harmful atmospheric gases, the analysis noted that the departments of Olancho, Francisco Morazán and Gracias a Dios are the most affected by hot spots (fires). In addition, Yoro, Córtes, Atlántida, the north of Francisco Morazán and Comayagua, and the northwest of Olancho as those that present greater variations in the levels of affectation in the air quality of the four gases analyzed: carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and aerosols.