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

Abstract

Particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM10 µg/m3) is a priority air pollutant and one of the most widely monitored ambient air pollutants in South Africa. This study analyzed PM10 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 PM10 concentration across the provinces. In addition, potential influencing factors of PM10 variations around the three site categories (Residential, Industrial and Traffic) were explored. The spatial trend in daily PM10 concentration variation shows PM10 concentration can be 5.7 times higher than the revised 2021 World Health Organization annual PM10 air quality guideline of 15 µg/m3 in Gauteng province during the winter season. Temporally, the highest weekly PM10 concentrations of 51.4 µg/m3, 46.8 µg/m3, 29.1 µg/m3 and 25.1 µg/m3 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 PM10 levels at sites in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. An increased change in annual PM10 levels was reported at most sites in Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.

Short-Term Effects of PM10, NO2, SO2 and O3 on Cardio-Respiratory Mortality in Cape Town, South Africa, 2006–2015

“…Results from other South African studies corroborate our findings of elevated pollution levels in the cold/wet season [50][51][52], as shown in Table 1. This is likely due to seasonspecific differences in anthropogenic activities and environmental and meteorological factors being associated with changes in sources, composition and toxicity of the pollutants…”

Regional Differences, Distribution Dynamics, and Convergence of Air Quality in Urban Agglomerations in China

“…Air quality also has obvious temporal differences. Specifically, China's air pollution is high in autumn and winter and low in spring and summer [19][20][21], and there is a U-shaped trend in the monthly average concentration, while the concentration of pollutants in South Africa peaks between June and August [22]. There are also differences in the degree of air pollution in the two different time periods under normal and dusty weather [23].…”