Estudo da qualidade do ar numa comunidade do entorno da zona industrial do Lingamo na cidade da Matola

Abstract

The urban areas most susceptible to atmospheric emissions are often located near industrial zones and major highways with heavy traffic, such as the case of the Matola "A" neighborhood in the city of Matola. This study aims to assess air quality in the Matola "A" community and evaluate its environmental impacts on the health of local residents. To achieve this, three monitoring points were selected, where measurements of key air quality parameters, such as total suspended particles (TSP), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), were conducted. Additionally, a survey was performed to gauge the health effects of these pollutants on the investigated population. The results reveal a mean TSP concentration of 536.76 μg/m3 over 24 hours, and mean concentrations of 2842.51 μg/m3, 362.53 μg/m3, and 51.77 μg/m3 over 1 hour for SO2, CO, and NO2, respectively. When compared to national regulations, it was observed that the ambient concentrations of TSP and SO2 exceed the permissible environmental thresholds, whereas the measured levels of CO and NO2, although indicative of air contamination, remain within acceptable limits. Notable indicators of pollution, such as dust accumulation on residential buildings particularly metal roofing and the prevalence of respiratory conditions (e.g., asthma, sinusitis, and common colds) were identified as significant health impacts attributable to TSP emissions from industrial sources and vehicle traffic, especially from frequent heavy-duty trucks. It is concluded that elevated levels of TSP and SO2 are detrimentally affecting air quality in the Matola "A" neighborhood, with direct implications for human health and the local ecosystem, given that their concentrations exceed the thresholds set by national environmental legislation(TRADUÇÃO NOSSA)