Seasonal Variations of Gaseous Air Pollutants (SO4 and Black Carbon) and Particulates (PM2.5, PM10) in the Tamale Metropolis of the Northern Region, Ghana
Urban air quality is deteriorating due to elevated pollutant levels resulting from human activities and shifting weather patterns. This study utilized hourly long-term datasets spanning 23 years. Air quality and meteorological data were obtained from the NASA GES DISC platform, which focused on air pollutant parameters such as sulphate (SO4) (ppb), black carbon (ppb), PM2.5 and PM10 (μg/m3). The study investigated the seasonal variability of PM10, PM2.5, sulphate (SO4), and black carbon (BC) concentrations in a tropical environment. PM10 levels peaked in July during the rainy season, while PM2.5 concentrations decreased during the rainy season and increased during the dry season, peaking in February. SO4 concentrations deviated from expected patterns, with a minimum in May and elevated levels in October and January, suggesting a complex interplay of factors. BC concentrations exhibited a distinct seasonal pattern, with a minimum in May, a plateau until October, and a peak in December followed by a decline in April. These findings highlight significant seasonal variability in air pollutant concentrations, emphasizing the need for nuanced air quality management strategies.
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