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Chemical Characterization and Seasonality of Ambient Particles (PM 2.5 ) in the City Centre of Addis Ababa

Author

Listed:
  • Worku Tefera

    (School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia)

  • Abera Kumie

    (School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa 9086, Ethiopia)

  • Kiros Berhane

    (Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA)

  • Frank Gilliland

    (Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA)

  • Alexandra Lai

    (Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Piyaporn Sricharoenvech

    (Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • Jonathan Samet

    (Office of the Dean, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO 80045, USA)

  • Jonathan Patz

    (Global Health Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

  • James J. Schauer

    (Environmental Chemistry and Technology Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
    Wisconsin State Hygiene Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA)

Abstract

Ambient air pollution is a growing public health concern in major African cities, including Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), where little information is available on fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 , with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 µm) pollution. This paper aims to characterize annual PM 2.5 , including bulk composition and seasonal patterns, in Addis Ababa. We collected 24-h PM 2.5 samples in the central city every 6 days from November 2015 to November 2016. The mean (±SD) daily PM 2.5 concentration was 53.8 (±25.0) µg/m 3 , with 90% of sampled days exceeding the World Health Organization’s guidelines. Principal components were organic matter (OM, 44.5%), elemental carbon (EC, 25.4%), soil dust (13.5%), and SNA (sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium ions, 8.2%). Higher PM 2.5 concentrations were observed during the heavy rain season, while crustal dust concentrations ranged from 2.9 to 37.6%, with higher levels during dry months. Meteorological variables, vehicle emissions, biomass fuels, unpaved roads, and construction activity contribute to poor air quality. Compared to the Air Quality Index (AQI), 31% and 36% of observed days were unhealthy for everyone and unhealthy for sensitive groups, respectively. We recommend adopting effective prevention strategies and pursuing research on vehicle emissions, biomass burning, and dust control to curb air pollution in the city.

Suggested Citation

  • Worku Tefera & Abera Kumie & Kiros Berhane & Frank Gilliland & Alexandra Lai & Piyaporn Sricharoenvech & Jonathan Samet & Jonathan Patz & James J. Schauer, 2020. "Chemical Characterization and Seasonality of Ambient Particles (PM 2.5 ) in the City Centre of Addis Ababa," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(19), pages 1-16, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:19:p:6998-:d:418946
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Worku Tefera & Abera Kumie & Kiros Berhane & Frank Gilliland & Alexandra Lai & Piyaporn Sricharoenvech & Jonathan Patz & Jonathan Samet & James J. Schauer, 2021. "Source Apportionment of Fine Organic Particulate Matter (PM 2.5 ) in Central Addis Ababa, Ethiopia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-13, November.
    2. Alimata Sidibe & Yosuke Sakamoto & Kentaro Murano & Ousmane A. Koita & Ibrahim Traore & Yacouba Dansoko & Yoshizumi Kajii, 2022. "Personal Exposure to Fine Particles (PM 2.5 ) in Northwest Africa: Case of the Urban City of Bamako in Mali," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(1), pages 1-17, January.

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