Spatial and Temporal Variations in PM10 Concentrations between 2010–2017 in South Africa

Journal Article

2021-12-18

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International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

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Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

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Abstract
Particulate matter less than or equal to 10 &mu;m in aerodynamic diameter (PM<sub>10</sub> &micro;g/m<sup>3</sup>) is a priority air pollutant and one of the most widely monitored ambient air pollutants in South Africa. This study analyzed PM<sub>10</sub> from monitoring 44 sites across four provinces of South Africa (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and aimed to present spatial and temporal variation in the PM<sub>10</sub> concentration across the provinces. In addition, potential influencing factors of PM<sub>10</sub> variations around the three site categories (Residential, Industrial and Traffic) were explored. The spatial trend in daily PM<sub>10</sub> concentration variation shows PM<sub>10</sub> concentration can be 5.7 times higher than the revised 2021 World Health Organization annual PM<sub>10</sub> air quality guideline of 15 &micro;g/m<sup>3</sup> in Gauteng province during the winter season. Temporally, the highest weekly PM<sub>10</sub> concentrations of 51.4 &micro;g/m<sup>3</sup>, 46.8 &micro;g/m<sup>3</sup>, 29.1 &micro;g/m<sup>3</sup> and 25.1 &micro;g/m<sup>3</sup> at Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Province were recorded during the weekdays. The study results suggest a decrease in the change of annual PM<sub>10</sub> levels at sites in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. An increased change in annual PM<sub>10</sub> levels was reported at most sites in Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
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