Measurement report: Size-resolved chemical characterisation of aerosols in low-income urban settlements in South Africa

Naturally and anthropogenically emitted aerosols, which are determined by their physical and chemical properties, have an impact on both air quality and the radiative properties of the earth. An important source of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) in South Africa is household combustion for space heating and cooking, which predominantly occurs in low-income urban settlements. The aim of this study was to conduct a detailed size-resolved assessment of chemical characteristics of aerosols associated with household combustion through the collection of particulates in low-income urban settlements in South Africa to quantify the extent of the impacts of atmospheric pollution. Outdoor (ambient) and indoor aerosols in different size fractions were collected during summer and winter in four low-income urban settlements located in the north-eastern interior on the South African Highveld, i.e. Kwadela, Kwazamokuhle, Zamdela, and Jouberton. Mass concentration and chemical composition was determined for three size fractions, namely, PM.sub.1, PM.sub.2.5, and PM.sub.2.5-10 . The highest concentrations of particulates were measured indoors with the highest mass concentration determined in the indoor PM.sub.2.5-10 (coarse) size fraction. However, the highest mass concentrations were determined in PM.sub.1 in all outdoor aerosol samples collected during winter and summer, and in indoor samples collected during summer.