Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in ambient air in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

This paper reports on an extensive ambient air quality monitoring program in Durban (eThekwini Municipality), South Africa, on Africa’s southeast coast. Following a multi stakeholder process coordinated by the Municipality Metropolitan Health authority, a program was undertaken that included measurements of both conventional and toxic pollutants at multiple sites to support health risk assessment and epidemiological studies. Durban is the largest urban and industrial area in KwaZulu Natal Province, which has a population of approximately 4 million. The monitoring program focused on the Durban South Industrial Basin (SDIB), an area with one of the highest concentrations of industrial activity in Africa containing two large petroleum refineries, a paper mill, an international airport, large chemical tank farm, landfill sites, incinerators, processing and manufacturing industries, major trucking, harbor and rail facilities, and other industry. Residential and recreational areas are intermingled with industry, with approximately 200,000 people living in 25 designated "suburbs", most of which remain racially segregated. Monitoring sites outside the DSIB were also included. Here we present ambient concentrations of PCDD, PCDF and PCBs, compare concentrations and toxicities in Durban with levels measured elsewhere, and examine the influence of potential source areas using trajectory analyses.