Assessment and Prediction of Air Pollution Trends in Kuwait Using Machine Learning: An Analysis of PM10 , CO, and SO2 and Their Environmental Health Implications

Kuwait is known for its hot, arid desert climate, frequent dust storms, and intensive oil and gas-related activities, all of which directly affect air quality. The current study show a comprehensive assessment of air pollution in Kuwait by using 10 fixed Air quality monitoring stations operated by the Kuwait Environment Public Authority. Air pollutant levels were analysed form 2020, while long-term trends in particulate matter (PM ₁₀ ) were examined over the period Jan-2020 to Dec-2024. The results show persistently elevated particulate matter concentrations across Kuwait. Mean PM ₁₀ levels ranged from approximately 60 to over 180 µg/m ³ , sometimes exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) annual guideline of 15 µg/m ³ due to mainly weather conditions. Gaseous pollutants such as carbon monoxide (CO) and Sulfur dioxide (SO ₂ ) displayed moderate but spatially variable concentrations. CO annual means ranged from about 486 to 1,572 µg/m ³ , while SO ₂ averaged between 12 and 33 µg/m ³ , with higher levels observed near industrial and refinery areas. Seasonal analysis revealed strong PM ₁₀ peaks during spring and summer due to dust storms and shamal winds, whereas CO and SO ₂ exhibited weaker seasonal patterns linked mainly to traffic and energy production. Overall, Kuwait’s air quality reflects the combined influence of natural dust loading and localized anthropogenic emissions, posing significant environmental and public health concerns and underscoring the need for targeted mitigation strategies in arid regions.