Air Quality Index Prediction in Istanbul Based on Machine Learning Methods

Istanbul, hosting millions of tourists annually, faces significant air pollution challenges, impacting both health and climate. The air quality index (AQI) is vital for assessing pollution and its health effects. This study predicts AQI levels in Istanbul using machine learning models (XGBoost and ANN), focusing on pollutants like PM10, NO2, CO, SO2, and O3, with data from 2021-2023. Ensemble methods incorporating meteorological data (temperature, pressure, wind) improved accuracy. Forecasted AQI levels range from “good” to “hazardous,” offering actionable insights. The models achieved low error rates, underscoring their effectiveness in supporting air quality management and sustainable health policies through reliable AQI predictions.