PM2.5 Chemical Composition and Geographical Origin of Air Masses in Pretoria, South Africa

• In Africa, there is a paucity of studies that reported on PM2.5, soot, BC, UV-PM (organic carbon) and trace element levels in rural and urban regions. PM2.5 samples were collected over 24 h and every third day during 19 April 2018 and 28 February 2020. The mean PM2.5 level was 24.1 μg.m−3 (range: 2.9–139 μg.m−3). PM2.5 levels exceeded the yearly World Health Organization (WHO) air quality guideline (5 μg.m−3). The daily WHO guideline (15 μg.m−3) was exceeded on 151 of the 228 days. The mean soot, black carbon and organic carbon levels were 1.43 m−1 × 10−5, 2.7 μg.m−3 and 2.1 μg.m−3, respectively. Twelve PM2.5-bound trace elements (Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Ni, S, Si, Ti, U and Zn) were analysed. The geographical origin of air masses that passed the study site was estimated using the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory software. Four air masses were identified. The observed PM2.5, soot, BC, UV-PM and trace element levels at this urban background study site could potentially pose a significant risk to human health.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Geovetenskap och miljövetenskap -- Miljövetenskap (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Earth and Related Environmental Sciences -- Environmental Sciences (hsv//eng)

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Annan kemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Other Chemistry Topics (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Black carbon

Organic carbon

PM 2.5

Soot

South Africa

Trace elements

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