Particulate matter sampling to assess air pollution – Nature Reviews Earth & Environment

Particulate matter sampling to assess air pollution  Nature.com

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Particulate matter sampling to assess air pollution – Nature Reviews Earth & Environment

Sustainable Development Goals and Air Pollution

The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that air pollution is responsible for approximately 7 million premature deaths each year (source). Therefore, measurements of local variations in the chemical elements present in the atmosphere are needed to support governments and environmental agencies in implementing policies to mitigate the effects of air pollution. Urban dust is a good indicator of air pollution because it contains sediments and atmospheric material produced by natural processes, such as wind and water erosion, as well as those from anthropogenic processes, including mineral extraction, industrial or vehicle combustion and wear and tear of vehicle parts. However, many techniques for capturing airborne dust require complex equipment such as high-volume samplers, which use large amounts of energy and can be expensive, large and heavy.

Urban dust measurements can be used to assess the ecological and health impacts of human activities. For example, dust samples have been analysed for contaminants in urban zones of Nueva Rosita (Mexico), which is a mineralized area that is also surrounded by waste from coal mining. These measurements revealed high contamination factors for Zn, Cd and Pb, with Cd presenting the largest ecological risk. The measured concentrations of these pollutants do not currently pose a chronic risk to human health. However, continued measurements of urban dust could be used to monitor this risk and support the introduction of policies to address the problem if needed.

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Acknowledgements

Acknowledgements

The author thanks the thesis committee, mainly J. Amador and D. Martínez. Additionally, the author gives special thanks to A. Vazquez, R. Caballero, M. Martínez, C. Arrieta, F. Núñez, and A. Lozano. The author extends her appreciation to GeoLatinas for their commitment to supporting Latinas in geoscience.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Interdisciplinary Studies and Research, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Coahuila, Mexico
    Lisbett Susana Materano-Escalona
  2. Applied Geoscience Research Centre, Autonomous University of Coahuila, Coahuila, Mexico
    Lisbett Susana Materano-Escalona

Correspondence to SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

  1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

    • Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
    • Indicator: Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.

  2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

    • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management.
    • Indicator: Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and adequately disposed of.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs Targets Indicators
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. Number of deaths and illnesses attributed to air pollution.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and municipal and other waste management. Proportion of urban solid waste regularly collected and adequately disposed of.

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Source: nature.com

 

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