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Chemical and Biological Components of Urban Aerosols in Africa: Current Status and Knowledge Gaps

Author

Listed:
  • Egide Kalisa

    (Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
    School of Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 4285, Kigali, Rwanda)

  • Stephen Archer

    (Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Edward Nagato

    (Institute of Natural and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan)

  • Elias Bizuru

    (School of Sciences, College of Science and Technology, University of Rwanda, P.O. Box 4285, Kigali, Rwanda)

  • Kevin Lee

    (Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

  • Ning Tang

    (Institute of Natural and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan)

  • Stephen Pointing

    (Yale NUS-College and Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 138527, Singapore)

  • Kazuichi Hayakawa

    (Institute of Natural and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa 920-1192, Japan)

  • Donnabella Lacap-Bugler

    (Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand, School of Science, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland 1142, New Zealand)

Abstract

Aerosolized particulate matter (PM) is a complex mixture that has been recognized as the greatest cause of premature human mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Its toxicity arises largely from its chemical and biological components. These include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their nitro-derivatives (NPAHs) as well as microorganisms. In Africa, fossil fuel combustion and biomass burning in urban settings are the major sources of human exposure to PM, yet data on the role of aerosols in disease association in Africa remains scarce. This review is the first to examine studies conducted in Africa on both PAHs/NPAHs and airborne microorganisms associated with PM. These studies demonstrate that PM exposure in Africa exceeds World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits and carcinogenic PAHs/NPAHs and pathogenic microorganisms are the major components of PM aerosols. The health impacts of PAHs/NPAHs and airborne microbial loadings in PM are reviewed. This will be important for future epidemiological evaluations and may contribute to the development of effective management strategies to improve ambient air quality in the African continent.

Suggested Citation

  • Egide Kalisa & Stephen Archer & Edward Nagato & Elias Bizuru & Kevin Lee & Ning Tang & Stephen Pointing & Kazuichi Hayakawa & Donnabella Lacap-Bugler, 2019. "Chemical and Biological Components of Urban Aerosols in Africa: Current Status and Knowledge Gaps," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-21, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:6:p:941-:d:214329
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Eric Coker & Samuel Kizito, 2018. "A Narrative Review on the Human Health Effects of Ambient Air Pollution in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Urgent Need for Health Effects Studies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-15, March.
    2. repec:wbk:wbpubs:2315 is not listed on IDEAS
    3. repec:wbk:wbpubs:4389 is not listed on IDEAS
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    Cited by:

    1. Emmanuel I. Ofoezie & Adebayo O. Eludoyin & Ebere B. Udeh & Margaret Y. Onanuga & Olalekan O. Salami & Abdulquddus A. Adebayo, 2022. "Climate, Urbanization and Environmental Pollution in West Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-39, November.
    2. Setlamorago Jackson Mbazima & Masilu Daniel Masekameni & Gill Nelson, 2021. "Physicochemical Properties of Indoor and Outdoor Particulate Matter 2.5 in Selected Residential Areas near a Ferromanganese Smelter," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-18, August.

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