Dynamic Evaluation of Air Pollution in Ahvaz: Source Apportionment, SWOT-AHP Analysis, and Innovative Control Strategies

Background: Air pollution significantly impacts global health, contributing to approximately 3.7 million premature deaths annually. Ahvaz, as one of the most polluted cities in the world, experiences severe air pollution due to urbanization, industrial expansion, and transportation. This study aims to identify pollution sources, evaluate their impact through a hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis, and propose innovative air quality management strategies based on global best practices. Methods: A combination of emission inventory analysis, geographic information system (GIS) mapping, and a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) approach was applied to assess key pollution sources. SWOT analysis was integrated with the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to prioritize effective interventions for air quality improvement. Comparative analysis was conducted with cities such as Beijing, New Delhi, and Los Angeles to benchmark pollution control measures. Results: Nitrogen oxides (NOx) were identified as the most emitted pollutants in central Ahvaz, reaching 392 tons annually. Other major pollutants included carbon monoxide (CO) (89 tons/year), suspended particles (87 tons/year), and hydrocarbons (34 tons/year). The Ramin Power Plant accounted for 54% of SO2 emissions, while oil industries contributed to 82% of total pollutants. The hybrid SWOT-AHP analysis ranked "Implementing an advanced air pollution monitoring system and smart traffic management" as the most effective strategy. Benchmarking with other global cities revealed that implementing low-emission zones and transitioning to cleaner fuels significantly reduced air pollution levels. The AHP analysis prioritized strategies as Smart Monitoring System (46.7%) - The most effective approach, emphasizing real-time pollution tracking and traffic optimization. next Clean Fuel Transition (27.7%) - Reducing emissions by shifting industries and vehicles to low-emission fuels. Low-Emission Zones (16.0%) - Establishing restricted zones to control vehicular pollution.and Urban Green Infrastructure (9.5%) - Expanding green spaces to enhance air quality. Conclusion: Strategic investments in pollution control technologies, combined with policy interventions such as emissions-based congestion pricing and green infrastructure expansion, are crucial for mitigating pollution in Ahvaz. The SWOT-AHP framework provided a structured approach to prioritizing actionable environmental management strategies based on feasibility and effectiveness.