Assessing the Environmental Quality Using RSEI in a Part of AnNajaf Governorate, Iraq

Ebtihal Al khakani; Hussain M. Ali

doi:10.71229/p5pegy53

Authors

Ebtihal T. Al-Khakani Physics Department, Faculty of Education for Girls, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4003-0154
Hussain M. Ali Physics Department, Faculty of Education for Girls, Kufa University, Najaf, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71229/p5pegy53

Keywords:

RSEI, , principal component analysis,, spatial autocorrelation analysis,, satellite remote sensing

Abstract

Assessing environmental quality across large regions is essential for environmental monitoring and protection. Effective methods for measuring and detecting ecological changes are becoming increasingly important. Remote sensing techniques can serve as a viable alternative for evaluating spatial variations in ecological environmental quality EEQ. Landsat-8 OLI data from 2015 to 2025 were used to develop the remote sensing ecological index RSEI by combining the normalized difference vegetation index NDVI, the wetness index WET, the normalized difference built-up and soil index NDBSI, and the land surface temperature index LST through principal components analysis PCA. The results showed that the average RSEI values for 2015, 2020, and 2025 were 0.424, 0.539, and 0.623, respectively, denoting an improvement in the overall ecological environment of the study area. The Moran index values for these years were 0.733, 0.771, and 0.586, respectively, with a p-value of 0.000, denoting a strong positive correlation among environmental features. A decline in Moran's I suggests a slight shift in spatial distribution from a clustered pattern to a more random and dispersed one. The local clustering map of spatially correlated RSEI indicators indicated that hotspots are mainly located in the eastern part of the study area, while cold spots are clustered in the northern, southern, and western regions. The results indicated that the RSEI could play a significant supporting role in large-scale ecological monitoring and provide a scientific basis for the region's sustainable development goals. It also aids local governments in implementing suitable measures for the development of effective protection strategies.

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