Monitoring Particulate Matter Air Pollution in Urban Centers: New Insights from Douala, Cameroon

Air quality progressively deteriorates as urbanization, motorization and economic activities increase. Aerosol particles smaller than 2.5µm (PM2.5), a widespread form of pollution is an emergent threat to human health, the environment, quality of life, and the world’s climate. The composition of these particles is an important aspect of interest not only related to possible health and environmental effects of the elemental content but the elemental determination which also adds valuable information for source apportionment. This study investigates and evaluates the level of PM2.5 in Douala, Cameroon. Particles were collected using a cyclone that separates the PM2.5 from the air stream and impacts them on polycarbonate filters which were changed every 24-hour sampling period. Samples were analyzed for particulate mass concentration, black carbon (BC) and trace elements. Trace element analysis was done by EDXRF (energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy). Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Sr, and Pb were identified and quantified for samples. Local meteorology was used to study variations in PM2.5 mass concentrations. Possible sources for the pollutants were also investigated. The mean particle mass concentration was 252 ± 130μg/m3 while BC attained a maximum of 6.993μg/m3. The influence of leaded gasoline was inferred while combustion and road traffic were identified as the major anthropogenic sources. Trends in meteorological parameters were influenced by thunderstorms. Sea spray was identified as another major contributor to aerosol PM. This study highlights high pollution levels in Douala. Keywords: PM2.5, air quality, aerosol, mass concentration, source identification