Abstract
The Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area (VTAPA), like other priority areas in South Africa, has an air pollution problem. Understanding the sources contributing to air pollution in this priority area will assist in the selection and implementation of appropriate control strategies. For this study, aerosol samples in the coarse (PM10-2.5) and fine (PM2.5) fraction were collected at four sites in the VTAPA during summer/autumn, winter, and spring. The contributing sources were identified and characterised based on the elemental and ionic compositions obtained through X-ray fluorescence and ion chromatography analysis. The highest seasonal median concentrations of PM10-2.5 (116 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (88 μg/m3) were observed in Sharpeville during the winter. The lowest median concentrations of PM10-2.5 (25 μg/m3) and PM2.5 (18 μg/m3) were detected in Zamdela during the summer/autumn period. At all sites, there was a high abundance of crustal elements in PM10-2.5 and a dominance of coal and biomass combustion-related elements in PM2.5. The Positive Matrix Factorisation receptor model identified dust-related and secondary aerosols as the major contributing sources of PM10-2.5. PM2.5 contributions were predominantly from coal burning for Sebokeng and Sharpeville and from industry, wood and biomass burning, and secondary aerosols for Kliprivier and Zamdela. The results of this study identify the main sources contributing to particulate air pollution in the VTAPA and provide local authorities with valuable information for decision-making.Significance:
 
 Dust, industry, domestic coal burning, vehicles, and wood and biomass combustion are the key sources of particulate air pollution in the VTAPA that need to be prioritised by decision-makers.
 Although Sebokeng and Sharpeville are located within the vicinity of industries, domestic coal burning has a greater contribution to particulate loading at these sites.
 Results from this study will assist in the design of local municipality air quality management plans for the VTAPA.
Highlights
Over the past decades, South Africa has experienced strong economic growth, industrial expansion, and rapid urbanisation
PM10-2.5 and PM2.5 aerosol samples were collected for three seasons at four sites in the Vaal Triangle Airshed Priority Area (VTAPA) industrial/urban region and were chemically analysed
Elemental and ionic compositions for these samples show an abundance of crustal elements in PM10-2.5 and a predominance of coal and biomass combustion-related elements in PM2.5 at all sites
Summary
South Africa has experienced strong economic growth, industrial expansion, and rapid urbanisation. Air pollution is a serious environmental problem in these urban areas and has attracted widespread attention from the public as a result of its negative effects on humans.[1] Pollution from particulate matter (PM) is of primary concern in South Africa.[2] Exposure to PM is the fourth leading human health risk factor and is linked to over 5 million premature deaths all over the world.[3] Exposure to PM, especially PM2.5, over long periods is dangerous to humans as inhaled particles will penetrate deep into the lungs and increase the risk of morbidity and premature mortality due to cardiopulmonary diseases and lung cancer.[4,5,6] Effective strategies are urgently needed to improve air quality and address the health risks associated with PM. Acquiring reliable and comprehensive information on the main sources of PM is the first key step required to achieve this.[7]
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