Urbanization and Environmental Impacts in Al-Dura Area, Baghdad

Mustafa A.  Raheem; Mushtaq T.  Hamza; Rania R.  Kadhim; Hala A.  Abed; Mohammed Y.  Kamil; Abdul-Lateef A.  Jassam

doi:10.24996/ijs.2025.66.12.45

Authors

Mustafa A. Raheem Physics Department, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Mushtaq T. Hamza Physics Department, College of Education, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Rania R. Kadhim Physics Department, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Hala A. Abed Physics Department, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
Mohammed Y. Kamil Physics Department, College of Science, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5709-2549
Abdul-Lateef A. Jassam Physics Department, College of Education, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24996/ijs.2025.66.12.45

Keywords:

Al-Doura refinery, Baghdad, Minimum distance, Remote sensing, Geographic information systems

Abstract

In the study of urban changes in the Dora area of Baghdad between 2013, 2018, and 2023, analyses revealed a significant increase in residential areas and a reduction in desert areas based on a shortest-distance classification for land use study. The findings highlight quantitative and qualitative shifts, with the first period (2013-2018) showing a 29.25% increase in residential space and the subsequent period (2018-2023) an additional 11.52% rise, reflecting a clear pattern of urban expansion. This transformation has impacted the area’s environmental balance, as the reduction of desert land coupled with increased pollution from the Dora Refinery and other urban activities has led to notable environmental consequences. Furthermore, economic and social effects have emerged, such as additional pressure on infrastructure and public services. These insights underscore the importance of sustainable expansion plans and the development of green spaces to help mitigate the environmental impacts.