Particulate Matter and Black Carbon Concentration Levels in Ashaiman, a Semi-Urban Area of Ghana, 2008

摘要

Particulate matter and black carbon concentration levels in Ashaiman, a semi-urban area of Ghana was assessed. Using IVL PM_(2.5) and PM_(10) particle samplers, airborne particulate matter was sampled on Teflon filters for a period of three months. In addition to determination of particulate mass in the two fractions by gravimetrical method, aerosol filters were analyzed to determine Black Carbon (BC) concentration levels using the black smoke method. BC fractions in fine and coarse, together with PM_(2.5) to PM_(10) ratio were determined. PM)_(2.5) mass concentrations determined averaged 23.26 μg/m~3 (3.85 - 46.43 (μg/m~3) and that of PM_(10) was 96.56 μg/m~3 (37.10-293.06 μg/m~3). The results were compared with some literature values and World Health Organization guideline values. The values obtained for PM_(2.5) to PM_(10) ratio and for PM_(10-2.5) concentrations, suggest that, the semi-urban background aerosol is not only largely made up of combustion generated carbonaceous particles but also particulate matter emissions from natural activities.