Design of air quality monitoring network of Luanda, Angola: Urban air pollution assessment

Abstract

The World Health Organization has been making recommendations on assessing and monitoring air quality for human health protection. Its implementation implies a spatial distribution plan for air quality monitoring sites, especially in populated cities where high emissions of air pollutants with anthropogenic origin are observed. Therefore, the present study aimed: (i) to propose the spatial distribution of air quality monitoring sites in the city of Luanda (capital of Angola); and (ii) to determine the PM2.5, PM10, NO2, SO2 and CO concentrations at two monitoring sites (Avenida Deolinda Rodrigues, ADR, and Condominio Vale do Talatona, CVT), during four weeks for each site. Due to the absence of national legislation, air quality measurements were then compared to the limits defined by the European Union through Directive, 2008/50/EC. At ADR site, the average concentrations for PM10, PM2.5 and SO2 exceeded the limits recommended for human health. At CVT site, CO, NO2, PM10, PM2.5 and SO2 concentrations were lower than the values measured at ADR site, due to the relative location of important fixed air pollutant emission sources: airport, thermoelectric plants, refinery, cement plants and the Port of Luanda. The weekend effect was also assessed at both sites. At ADR site, NO2, SO2, PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were higher at weekends than on weekdays. At CVT site, NO2, SO2 and PM2.5 concentrations were higher on weekdays compared to weekends. The present research will contribute to the decision-making process by the environmental health regulator in Luanda.