Monitoring and Control of Particle Matter Concentration’s Traffic-Related Air Pollution Using Low-Cost Mobile Sensors at Six Intersections in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Particle pollution has a major influence on public health in Central African cities. Measuring the levels of pollution to which populations are exposed is difficult because only a few African countries have an air quality monitoring network in place. Yet, given the specific anthropogenic sources prevalent in African countries, as well as the predicted increase in their emissions in the next few years if no laws are implemented, solutions must be developed. The methodology utilised in this study allows diverse research teams to estimate the population's exposure levels to urban particle pollution at a lower cost. In this investigation, we collected data concentrations using Air Master. The spatial mapping of pollutants shows that the Mvog-Mbi crossroad and the Education crossroad are the most polluted points among the six measurement points, with PM2.5 concentrations around 145–170 µg.m-3. Regarding PM10 and PM1, the Mvog-Mbi crossroads is the point where concentrations are highest, fluctuating respectively between 150 and 180 µg.m-3, 41 and 48 µg.m-3. At some locations, the particle ratio exceeds the WHO recommended range of 0.5–0.8 (Mvog-Mbi Crossroads, Education Crossroads, Poste Centrale, Hilton). These are the high-risk zones for those with respiratory difficulties. At some locations, the particle ratio exceeds the WHO recommended range of 0.5–0.8 (Mvog-Mbi crossroads, education crossroads, Poste Centrale, Hilton). Regardless of particle size, these pollutants in air readings are greater and beyond the World Health Organization's recommended values. Furthermore, this investigation provides critical information on Yaoundé pollution levels, which can be a major source of disease in the city.