Concentration levels of PM 2.5 , PM 10 and Black Carbon in the Industrial Area of Yopougon, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Concentration levels of PM2.5, PM10 and Black Carbon were assessed in the industrial zone of Yopougon, Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire over twelve months. The particle mass for the two fractions was carried out by the gravimetric method. The sampled filters were also analyzed to determine the levels of Black Carbon concentration using the black smoke method. The fine and coarse particles black carbon fractions, as well as the PM2.5/PM10 ratio were determined. The mass concentrations determined for these fractions were respectively between [40.50; 158.17] µg/m3 with an average of 77.34 µg/m3 for PM10 and [17.25; 161.00] µg/m3 with an average of 48.83 µg/m3 for PM2.5. Compared to the Ivorian standards and the WHO guidelines, these results indicate that there is a strong need for mitigation actions on atmospheric emissions in order to protect the population living in this area against the harmful effects of air pollution.