South Africa's Air Pollution Has Hidden Sources Far Beyond City Limits
A year-long study of air pollution in Mabopane, South Africa reveals that dangerous fine particles come from both local sources and distant locations—a finding that complicates efforts to improve air quality. The research suggests that regional coordination on pollution control will be essential, not just local action.
Originaltitel: PM2.5 Chemical Composition and Geographic Origin of Air Masses in Mabopane, South Africa
Air pollution is a major global threat to health. The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of PM2.5 in Mabopane, South Africa, and to identify the contribution of transported particulate pollution sources using backward air transport cluster analysis. PM2.5 samples were collected for 24 h every 6 days from June 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023. PM2.5, soot, black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental concentrations were measured. The mean PM2.5 and soot were 10 mu g<middle dot>m-3 and 1 x 10-5 m-1, respectively, exceeding the WHO annual limit but below the 24-h SANAAQS. BC and OC levels were 0.9 and 1.0 mu g<middle dot>m-3, respectively. Elements determined by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) included Ag, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sb, Si, Sr, Ti, U, V, and Zn, with Fe, S, K, Ca, and Si being the most abundant. PM2.5 in Mabopane is influenced by local and transported sources, highlighting the need for stronger, coordinated air quality management and monitoring.