Spatial and Temporal Variations in PM(10) Concentrations between 2010–2017 in South Africa

Particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM(10) µg/m(3)) is a priority air pollutant and one of the most widely monitored ambient air pollutants in South Africa. This study analyzed PM(10) from monitoring 44 sites across four provinces of South Africa (Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal) and aimed to present spatial and temporal variation in the PM(10) concentration across the provinces. In addition, potential influencing factors of PM(10) variations around the three site categories (Residential, Industrial and Traffic) were explored. The spatial trend in daily PM(10) concentration variation shows PM(10) concentration can be 5.7 times higher than the revised 2021 World Health Organization annual PM(10) air quality guideline of 15 µg/m(3) in Gauteng province during the winter season. Temporally, the highest weekly PM(10) concentrations of 51.4 µg/m(3), 46.8 µg/m(3), 29.1 µg/m(3) and 25.1 µg/m(3) at Gauteng, Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Western Cape Province were recorded during the weekdays. The study results suggest a decrease in the change of annual PM(10) levels at sites in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces. An increased change in annual PM(10) levels was reported at most sites in Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.