JETI Admin2
Abstract
Air pollution is one of the world’s greatest challenges and sustainable engineering plays a vital role in finding solutions to this problem. Exposure to ambient air pollution is one of the biggest global environmental risks because of its impact on the environment and public health. In sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the cities, air quality has worsened due to increased population growth and industrialization. Analysing and comparing the different levels and trends of ambient air pollution in these countries is vital for sustainable future. To describe the trend of ambient air pollution and its associated environmental and health effects towards the attainment of sustainable development goals across six sub-Saharan African countries over a five-year. The study utilized a descriptive quantitative research methodology. The selection of participating countries follows a two-stage sampling process (purposive and stratified). The study area includes six sub-Saharan African countries. Secondary data from yearly cross-sectional surveys was obtained from the WHO website and analysed. From the result, West African countries (Nigeria and Burkina Faso) have the highest levels of PM2.5 concentrations. Generally, ambient air pollution is higher in cities than in rural areas, but in some countries like Nigeria and Kenya, rural areas are more polluted. Also, the trend of ambient air pollution has reduced between 2015 and 2019, but the variations in PM2.5 concentrations are not statistically significant. The findings indicate that for the five years, ambient air pollution has not significantly improved. And all countries have PM2.5 concentrations exceeding the recommended World Health Organization (WHO) limit. Majorly, cities and urban areas are more polluted than rural areas. Available ambient air quality data is limited due to limited monitors. The study recommends that, to improve the quality of ambient air, enough air quality monitors need to be installed in different locations in Sub-Saharan African countries.
References
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