The paucity of data regarding air quality monitoring and pollutant emissions from various sources in the city of Douala, allowed us to initiate a measuring campaign at the main road entrance of the university campus. Using the OC 300 Laser Dust Particle, nes particles concentrations are monitored during one week from Monday to Sunday. The instrument used detects four (04) different sizes of particles: PM 10 , PM 5 , PM 2.5 , and PM 1 . The daily average concentrations measured ranged from 9.47 ± 0.26 to 50.14 ± 2.42 µg.m − 3 for PM 1.0 ; 13.13 ± 0.38 to 86.65 ± 3.96 µg.m − 3 for PM 2.5 ; 13.60 ± 0.40 to 100.56 ± 4.20 µg.m − 3 for PM 5 and 14.52 ± 0.42 to 114.59 ± 4.60 µg.m − 3 for PM 10 . Exceptions made from PM 5 and PM 1.0 which were not in relation to the WHO (World Health Organization) guideline values, the level of PM 10 and PM 2.5 are higher than the WHO standards. The air quality index (AQI) is between very poor and poor during this measurement campaign, indicating that residents of the study region are highly exposed.Through the use of correlation studies, it has been demonstrated that the predominant source of ne particles in the studied region is vehicular activity. As a result, tra c density is the most signi cant factor causing the different air pollution levels seen in the tested areas.
Introduction: Road traffic emissions are among the most significant sources of pollution in Douala, Cameroon's economic town, alongside industrial operations. The morning and the evening are two times of the day when traffic is heavier and the winds are also at their calmest. The majority of the non-exhaust Particulate Matters (PMs) produced by autos is re-suspended road contaminants. The purpose of this research is to estimate fine particle dispersion in conditions of calm winds. Materials and methods: In one of Douala's roundabouts, the Gaussian Plume model is employed to calculate the PM concentration under calm winds conditions. Different vehicle classes (HDV: Heavy Duty Vehicles, LDV: Light Duty Vehicles, PC: Passenger Cars) are used to figure out the amount of PMs they produce. Measurements of ambient fine particle concentrations are made with the OC-300 laser dust particle detector. Results: The results made it possible to compare actual measurements of PM2.5, PM10 (300±150 μg/m3 and 650±150 μg/m3, respectively) with simulated values (PM2.5, PM10: 310 μg/m3 and 631 μg/m3, respectively). The difference between in-situ and computed values can range from 10 to 132 μg/m3. From 6 to 10 AM, the population's exposure to PM pollution is more severe. It has also been demonstrated that there is a significant association between traffic flow and PM Concentration during the dry season (R2=0.921). With increased traffic flow intensity, particle concentration levels rise. Conclusion: The concentration threshold stays above the World Health Organization (WHO) limits regardless of the approach. Furthermore, this paper provides important information about Douala's pollution levels.
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