5. Air Pollution in the Black Sea Basin Countries

Air pollution is a borderless issue among the countries of the Black Sea Basin. Pollutants produced in one country can be carried to other countries by wind. Therefore, inter-country cooperation in the region is of vital importance. The Black Sea Economic Cooperation Organization (BSEC), which is active in the region, provides platforms for cooperation on environmental issues. However, such organizations need to be transformed into more concrete projects.

Reports presented at BSEC meetings raise political awareness and enable adjustments to be made in regional economic plans to address these issues. BSEC is working to integrate the environmental content of these reports into mainstream policies. Measures such as reducing the use of agricultural fertilizers and promoting clean production techniques are being considered.

According to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA), air quality standards in Eastern Europe and Black Sea countries are lower than in Western Europe. This situation stems from the fact that the transition process in industry and energy production in the region has not yet been completed. In this context, technology transfer, data sharing, and the establishment of joint monitoring systems among Black Sea Basin countries are of great importance.

In regions with sensitive ecosystems like the Black Sea Basin, regional cooperation and international support are vital for addressing this issue. When local authorities, government agencies, and individuals work together, both air pollution and its negative impacts on ecosystems can be effectively reduced. Starting this effort today means leaving a more livable world for future generations.

5.1. Türkiye

Türkiye has a highly variable air pollution profile due to its geographical diversity, rapidly developing industry, increasing number of motor vehicles, and fossil fuel use driven by energy demand. Cities along the Black Sea coast are particularly at risk of air pollution during winter months due to both meteorological effects and industrial activities in the region. Air pollution in Türkiye is primarily influenced by particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and ozone (O₃) levels.

Air quality monitoring and management in Türkiye began with the 2008 “Air Quality Protection Regulation.” This legislation was prepared in line with European Union directives. Under the regulation, limit values have been defined for 13 main pollutants, and air quality has been classified according to these values. However, considering the World Health Organization’s (WHO) updated guideline values in 2021, it is believed that Türkiye’s air quality standards are still insufficient.

Particulate matter (PM) is the most common and dangerous air pollutant in Türkiye. PM10 and PM2.5 levels, especially in large cities, sometimes exceed WHO limits. Traffic congestion and emissions from domestic heating are the main causes of air pollution in metropolitan areas such as Ankara, Istanbul, and Izmir.

In Black Sea coastal cities, meteorological conditions and industrial activities increase the risk of air pollution during winter months.

In provinces like Zonguldak, Bartın, and Samsun, both industrial and port activities are degrading air quality. Open-air loading operations, ship emissions, and thermal power plants pose risks in port cities. In particular, sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and particulate matter emitted from coal-fired thermal power plants significantly reduce air quality in coastal regions.

According to assessments conducted by the Turkish Respiratory Research Association (TÜSAD) and the Turkish Medical Association (TTB), approximately 30,000 people are at risk of premature death due to air pollution each year. These figures demonstrate that air pollution is not merely an environmental issue but also a serious threat to public health. PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ particles, in particular, reach the lungs, impair respiratory function, and can lead to cardiovascular disease. According to data from the European Environment Agency, during periods of high pollution in Türkiye, there has been an increase in hospital admissions for heart rhythm disorders and angina attacks.

A comprehensive study examining the health impacts of coal-fired power plants in Türkiye estimated that in 2019, these facilities caused approximately 1.13 million days of illness and 1.4 million lost workdays. These figures underscore the need to modernize the technologies used in energy production and the urgency of transitioning to clean energy.

Data provided by the Air Quality Monitoring Network (HKIA) in Türkiye is an important step in this regard. However, the analytical capacity of this data and the way it is communicated to the public are not always effective. Therefore, information sharing and public communication must be strengthened. Support mechanisms should be developed for scientists working on inter-university joint projects, research programs, and in collaboration with local authorities.

Air pollution caused by domestic heating is particularly noticeable during the winter months. The use of low-quality fuel, open-air burning, and outdated heating systems are the primary causes of this situation. Therefore, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of distributing high-quality coal for heating purposes and to strengthen the monitoring of coal sold in the market. Additionally, raising public awareness is of vital importance.

The transportation sector is also a major contributor to air pollution. Exhaust gases from motor vehicles, particularly NO₂ and CO, increase these levels. This is especially evident in large cities as Istanbul, Ankara, and Erzurum. Promoting the use of electric vehicles, improving public transportation, and implementing low-emission transportation policies are important steps that can be taken in this area. Additionally, urban planning strategies such as reorganizing city roads to ease traffic flow and increasing green spaces will be effective in reducing air pollution in this sector.

Industrial activities are also a significant contributor to air pollution. Metal processing, chemicals, cement, textiles, and similar sectors are among the leading sources of air pollutants. The processes used in these sectors result in heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur, and nitrogen compounds being released into the atmosphere, thereby degrading air quality. Many large cities and industrial areas around the Black Sea are located in areas with high levels of such emissions.

The absence of effective filtration systems in factory chimneys or inadequate oversight prevents these emissions from being controlled.

In Türkiye, air quality limit values and target values have been established for 13 pollutants under the HKDYY. These pollutants include SO₂, NO₂, NOₓ, PM₁₀, PM₂.₅, O₃, CO, benzene, arsenic, cadmium, nickel, and benzo(a)pyrene. For each pollutant, both short-term limit values (such as hourly or daily averages) and long-term limit values (annual averages) have been established. For example, the 24-hour limit value for PM₁₀ is 50 µg/m³, and it may be exceeded 35 times per year. However, considering the WHO’s 2021 guideline values, these values are still considered insufficient.

In order to successfully combat air pollution in Türkiye, legislation must be effective not only on paper but also in practice. It is essential that local authorities, the public, and the private sector are integrated in a sustainable manner. Drawing on international examples, strengthening regional coordination, and developing science-based policies are priority steps towards cleaner air in the Black Sea Basin.

5.2. Bulgaria

Despite being a member of the European Union, Bulgaria stands out as one of the most problematic countries in Europe in terms of air pollution. According to data from the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the World Health Organization (WHO), PM10 and PM2.5 levels, particularly during winter months, exceed both the European Union’s and the WHO’s recommended limits. This situation demonstrates that air pollution in Bulgaria has serious impacts on human health, the environment, and the economy.

The primary pollutants include PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, and SO₂. Outdated industrial facilities and inefficient heating systems are the main contributors to air pollution in Bulgaria. In particular, the high use of coal and wood for domestic heating in Sofia and surrounding cities is a significant factor contributing to poor air quality.

Although there are air quality monitoring stations in Bulgaria, the data sharing and transparency of this system are insufficient. As a result, public awareness is low, and individual behaviors are not changing in a positive direction. Increasing educational programs and making local governments more active are of great importance.

Some projects in line with EU directives have been launched to combat air pollution in this country. In particular, investments have been made in energy efficiency and the transition to renewable energy. However, the effectiveness and prevalence of these investments are not yet at the expected level.

Air pollution levels in Bulgaria, especially during winter months, frequently exceed WHO limits. This situation leads to an increase in asthma attacks among children, COPD, and heart attacks among the elderly. Therefore, projects to improve air quality in urban areas and the transformation of domestic heating methods are of great importance.

5.3. Romania

Romania is a member of the European Union and has a more advanced structure than Western European countries in terms of air quality standards. However, air pollution remains a significant problem in cities such as Bucharest, Brasov, and Cluj-Napoca, located in the Black Sea Basin region.

The most common pollutants in Romania are PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅. The main sources of these particles are heating systems, construction activities, transportation, and industrial facilities. NO₂ and O₃ levels are also high. Ozone levels can reach dangerous levels, especially during the summer months.

AQI data is monitored more closely in Romania and is made publicly available. In addition, air quality improvement projects are being implemented at the local level, and cooperation with local authorities is being facilitated. Such cooperation should be further encouraged in the Black Sea Basin.

Romania has complied with environmental directives as part of its European Union accession process. In this context, measures such as emission limits for industrial facilities, traffic regulations, and fuel quality controls have been implemented. However, these measures are not fully implemented in cities along the Black Sea coast.

The agricultural sector also contributes indirectly to air pollution. Ammonia (NH₃) emitted from fertilizers used in agriculture reacts with NOₓ in the atmosphere to form secondary particulate matter. These particles affect both human health and the environment. Therefore, the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices is of vital importance for both the environment and public health.

Air pollution in Romania is particularly concentrated in large cities. In these cities, traffic congestion and emissions from domestic heating are the main causes of air pollution. Local authorities in Romania taking on a greater role in this area would be an important step toward improving air quality.

5.4. Ukraine

Ukraine is one of the key countries in Eastern Europe, with a large land area and industrial infrastructure. Although it has a strategic location among the countries bordering the Black Sea, its long-standing energy dependence, the environmental impacts of industrialization, and recent armed conflicts have caused serious negative effects on the country’s air quality. Air pollution can reach critical levels, especially in port cities along the Black Sea coast and in heavy industrial areas in the interior.

The main pollutants include PM2.5, SO₂, NO₂, and VOCs. The primary sources of these pollutants are industrial activities, energy production, and transportation systems. Road transportation is intensive in Ukraine, making vehicle emissions one of the significant factors contributing to poor air quality.

Ukraine collaborates with other countries in the Black Sea Basin and participates in regional environmental projects. Within the framework of these projects, air quality monitoring systems are being strengthened, and data sharing is taking place between local authorities and environmental organizations.