Assessing the Effects of Emerging Technologies on the Reduction of Urban Pollutants: Case Study of Maragheh City

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Article

Authors

1 Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Faculty of Planning and Environmental Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran

2 Department of Geography and Urban Planning, Faculty of Humanities, University of Maragheh, Maragheh, Iran

Abstract

Urban pollution is a major environmental challenge for developing cities, threatening public health and sustainability. The present study aimed to assess the impact of emerging technologies on the reduction of urban pollutants in the Maragheh. This research was applied in terms of purpose and descriptive-analytical in nature, employing a quantitative approach with a survey strategy. The statistical population comprised the citizens of Maragheh, and the sample size was determined as 196 (Cochran formula). The data collection instrument was a researcher-developed questionnaire based on a five-point Likert scale, and the research indicators were measured based on the perceptions and subjective evaluations of experts rather than objective data obtained from direct pollutant measurements. The validity of the instrument was confirmed through content and construct validity, and its reliability was verified using Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that emerging technologies exerted a positive, direct, and statistically significant effect on the reduction of urban pollutants in Maragheh. Among the dimensions of emerging technologies, waste management technologies accounted for the highest contribution, while water and air purification and treatment technologies demonstrated the lowest contribution in explaining the emerging technologies construct. Furthermore, air pollutants exhibited the highest and water pollutants the lowest degree of explained variance by the urban pollutant reduction construct. Based on the findings, adopting a differentiated approach to the allocation of technological resources and integrating technological interventions with institutional reforms and public education appeared essential for achieving comprehensive urban pollutant reduction.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Sustainable Earth Trends

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 26 April 2026

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