Assessment of the Air Quality in Four Cities with Near Mining Activity in Mexico, using the Grey Clustering Method

Abstract

Air pollution is a problem in large cities, which increases with population growth and industrialization. This work assessed air quality in four Mexican cities related to mining activities near monitoring points. The method used for this study was the Grey Clustering method, which is based on the theory of grey systems. This method uses information with a high degree of uncertainty, air quality analysis being an issue that uses data with a high degree of uncertainty. The results revealed that all four cities have good air quality based on Metropolitan Air Quality Index (IMECA) standards, even when mining activities take place near these cities. The results of this work could help the relevant authorities to implement further studies on the impact of polluting emissions from mining activities on the environment.