I want to know what types of satellite imagery used and what algorithms should be used to know the concentration levels in cities of some air pollutants.
Yes. You have reason. I have not said properly the question. I want calculate levels of SO2 and NO2 produced mainly by traffic. I would also like to know if I could observe CO2 levels from a satellite platform.
Generally you need to use in situ air quality sensors to get the best measurements. Remote sensing platforms can be used where gases absorb in the IR bands. http://portal.uc3m.es/portal/page/portal/actualidad_cientifica/noticias/analyze_pollution
Thanks Tamara. I am aware that I need air quality sensors and ground-based measurements. There are numerous tecnhiques. However I study the levels by remote sensing and validate these satellital measurements of several compounds with ground-based measurements.
I think you need a frame of reference. You need multi or hyper spectral images taken from a known position(s) (multi point averaging might produce a better result) in known conditions where SO2, NO2 and CO2 are separately measured. Creating a table, you can estimate unknown condition in some accuracy. Your measurements and estimation accuracy is directly dependent on the height you have taken the multi/hyper spectral images from. I expect to gain better estimation results for images and measurements (for both building the table and the estimation itself) produced in lower altitudes (thinner layer of atmosphere between the camera and the target and hence lower noise interference).
As for conclusion, I think aerial imagery will provide you with a better accuracy in results.