Source Apportionment of Air Quality Parameters and Noise Levels in the Industrial Zones of Blantyre City

The increase in industrial activities has raised concerns regarding air quality in urban areas within Malawi. To assess the source apportionment of air quality parameters (AQPs) and noise levels, concentrations of AQPs (CO, TSP, PM 2.5, PM10) and noise levels were monitored at 15 sites in Makata, Limbe, Maselema, Chirimba, and Maone during dry and wet seasons, respectively. Active mobile multi-gas monitors and a Dylos DC1100 PRO Laser Particle Counter (2018 model) were used to monitor AQPs, while Integrated Sound Level Meters were used to measure noise levels. Monitoring and analysis were guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Malawi Standards (MS). A Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was used to determine the source apportionment of AQPs, and matrix trajectories analysed air mass movement. In the wet season, the average concentration values of CO, TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 0.49 ± 0.65 mg/m3, 85.03 ± 62.18 µg/m3, 14.65 ± 8.13 µg/m3, and 11.52 ± 7.19 µg/m3, respectively. Dry season average concentration values increased to 1.31 ± 0.81 mg/m3, 99.86± 30.06 µg/m3, 24.35 ± 9.53 µg/m3, and 18.28 ± 7.14 µg/m3. Noise levels remained below public MS and WHO standards (85 dB). Positive correlations between AQPs and noise levels were observed, strengthening from weak in the dry season to moderately strong in the wet season. PMF analysis identified key factors influencing AQP accumulation, emphasizing the need for periodic sampling to monitor seasonal pollution trends, considering potential impacts on public health and environmental sustainability. Further studies should look at factors affecting the dynamics of PMF in Blantyre City.