Possible Overestimation of Nitrogen Dioxide Outgassing during the Beirut 2020 Explosion

On 4 August 2020, a strong explosion occurred near the Beirut seaport, Lebanon and killed more than 200 people damaged numerous buildings in vicinity. As Amonium Nitrate (AN) caused explosion, many studies claimed release of large amounts NO2 atmosphere may have resulted health hazard In order to reasonably evaluate significance released atmosphere, it is important investigate spatio-temporal distribution during after blast compare average day-to-day background emissions from vehicle ship traffic Beirut. present study, we use Sentinel-5 TROPOMI data study close affected area prior, during, (28 July–8 2020). Analysis shows an increase concentrations over up about 1.8 mol/m2 one day that was gradually dissipated days. Seven days before (on 28 July 2020) concentration was, however, observed be 4.3 Beirut, which mostly attributed Lebanon, ships passing by seaport possibly militant activities Syria 20–26 July. It found temporarily spatially limited NO2. The coastal areas while did not much effect on inland regions. are also analyzed for Greater Cairo Area (GCA), Suez Canal, Egypt, Nicosia, Cyprus confirm human activities, vehicles, relatively high low populated zones.