Analytical Chemistry’s Role in Air Pollution Monitoring and Mitigation: Advancing Air Quality in Environmental Science

Gregory E Onaiwu; Ukeme Donatus ARCHIBONG

doi:10.71148/tjoc/v1i2.3

Authors

Gregory E. ONAIWU Department of Physical Science, Chemistry Option, Benson Idahosa University, Benin City, Nigeria Author
Ukeme Donatus ARCHIBONG Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.71148/tjoc/v1i2.3

Keywords:

Air quality assessment, Chemical speciation, Source apportionment, Environmental monitoring, Public health surveillance

Abstract

This project examines the critical role of analytical chemistry in monitoring, understanding, and mitigating air pollution. Through sophisticated techniques and methodologies, analytical chemistry provides vital insights into pollutant composition, sources, and behaviour, enabling the development of effective environmental policies and public health initiatives. The introduction outlines the significance of air pollution as a major environmental and health issue, emphasizing the need for effective analytical methods to address this challenge. Various analytical techniques and approaches for air quality monitoring are discussed, including portable monitoring systems, remote sensing technologies, and advanced modelling methods that enhance data collection and analysis. A detailed flowchart illustrates the portable air monitoring process, highlighting key steps from on-site setup to immediate response to pollution incidents, thereby enhancing the understanding of practical applications in air quality assessment. The project further explores how analytical chemistry influences environmental regulations and public health initiatives, with case studies demonstrating its impact, including the reduction of lead in gasoline, the regulation of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), and successful public health campaigns informed by analytical data. Challenges in air pollution analysis are also addressed, focusing on technical and methodological hurdles, data interpretation issues, and the need for continuous innovation. Future research directions emphasise emerging technologies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and trends in environmental monitoring. The conclusion summarises the essential role of analytical chemistry in addressing air pollution, highlighting the importance of continuous innovation and collaboration across disciplines. It underscores the potential for community-based monitoring initiatives to empower citizens and enhance public awareness, emphasising the need for effective strategies to protect public health and the environment.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

[1] Ofremu, G. O., Raimi, B. Y., Yusuf, S. O., Dziwornu, B. A., Nnabuife, S. G., Eze, A. M., & Nnajiofor, C. A. (2024). Exploring the relationship between climate change, air pollutants and human health: impacts, adaptation, and mitigation strategies. Green Energy and Resources, 100074. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gerr.2024.100074

[2] Onaiwu, G. E., & Eferavware, S. A. (2023). The potential health risk assessment of PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the human respiratory system within the ambient air of automobile workshops in Benin City, Nigeria. Air Quality, 16, 2431–2441. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-023-01415-z

[3] Mukhopadhyay, R. (2020). Air quality and analytical chemistry: Meeting the challenges of modern environmental science. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 412, 4005-4007. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-020-02676-9.

[4] Onaiwu, G. E., & Okuo, J. M. (2023). Quantification of PM2.5 Bound Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Modelling of Benzo [a] pyrene in the Ambient Air of Automobile Workshops in Benin City. Aerosol Science and Engineering, 7, 380–395 https://doi.org/10.1007/s41810-023-00188-3

[5] Vallero, D. A. (2019). Air Pollution: Measurement, Modelling and Mitigation. Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/C2018-0-01846-1

[6] European Environment Agency (2019). Air Quality in Europe—2019 Report. EEA Report No 10/2019. https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/air-quality-in-europe-2019

[7] Onaiwu, G. E., Okuo, J. M., Jonathan, E. M. and Omorogiuwa, L. (2022). The Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the Atmospheric Particulate Matter around Automobile Workshops in Benin City. BIU Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences 7(1): 120 – 138.

[8] Bodnar, M., et al. (2021). The effect of particulate matter on human health: The case of Polish cities. Science of the Total Environment, 752, 141918. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141918.

[9] Lelieveld, J., et al. (2019). Cardiovascular disease burden from ambient air pollution in Europe reassessed using novel hazard ratio functions. European Heart Journal, 40(20), 1590-1596. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurheartj/ehz135.

[10] Beelen, R., et al. (2020). Long-term exposure to air pollution and cardiovascular mortality: An updated analysis from the ESCAPE project. Lancet Planetary Health, 4(5), e195-e203. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2542-5196(20)30041-8.

[11] LelieveldLelieveld, Y., et al. (2019). Emerging technologies in gas chromatography-mass spectrometry: Toward enhanced sensitivity and performance. Trends in Analytical Chemistry, 115, 42-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trac.2019.04.011

[12] Han, P., et al. (2022). Air quality monitoring: Recent advances and future perspectives. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 194, 423. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-022-10142-7

[13] Onaiwu, G. E., & Ifijen, I. H. (2024). PM2.5-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): quantification and source prediction studies in the ambient air of automobile workshop using the molecular diagnostic ratio. Asian Journal of Atmospheric Environment, 18(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44273-024-00027-y

[14] Han, L., et al. (2021). Source apportionment of urban air pollution: A review of receptor models and applications in China. Environmental Pollution, 272, 115904. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2020.115904.

[15] Mahadevan, B., et al. (2018). Portable instrumentation for air quality monitoring: Recent developments and challenges. Analytical Chemistry, 90(7), 4311-4320. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04821.

[16] Kumar, R., et al. (2020). Advances in satellite-based air quality monitoring: Insights from recent research and applications. Atmospheric Environment, 240, 117785. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2020.117785.

[17] Wang, X., et al. (2021). New insights into air quality monitoring using ground-based LIDAR and satellite remote sensing: A comprehensive review. Remote Sensing of Environment, 257, 112324. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2021.112324.

[18] Singh, S., et al. (2023). Advances in air pollution monitoring: Analytical techniques and their application in modern air quality assessment. Journal of Environmental Management, 334, 117547. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117547.

[19] GuzmánGuzmán-Ayuso, E., & Querol, X. (2007). Metal emissions from steel manufacturing: Environmental impact and regulatory measures. Journal of Environmental Management, 84(2), 279-288. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.06.021.

[20] Chen, Y., et al. (2012). Trace metal pollution in Beijing urban air: Sources and seasonal variations. Atmospheric Environment, 56, 83-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2012.03.028.

[21] Guzmán, A., et al. (2015). Source apportionment of PM2.5-bound metals in Mexico City using ICP-MS. Environmental Pollution, 202, 27-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2015.02.019

[22] Yamasoe, M. A., et al. (2000). Trace gas measurements from biomass burning in the Amazon Basin. Journal of Geophysical Research, 105(D22), 26881-26892. https://doi.org/10.1029/2000JD900409.

[23] Trace Gases Emitted from Biomass Burning (Adapted from The Guardian, 2024). amazon_jackson_guardian_960x640_0.jpg (1920×1280)

[24] Rodgers, J., et al. (2011). Volatile organic compound emissions in London: A study using FTIR spectroscopy. Atmospheric Environment, 45(3), 658-664. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2010.09.034

[25] Ambade, B., Sethi, S. S., & Chintalacheruvu, M. R. (2023). Distribution, risk assessment, and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using positive matrix factorization (PMF) in urban soils of East India. Environmental geochemistry and health, 45(2), 491-505. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01223-x

[26] Kaushik, N., Mishra, A. K., & Das, R. M. (2024). Assessment of benzene and toluene emissions in National Capital Region (NCR): Implications for health risks and ozone formation. Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health, 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-024-01618-y

[27] Lahiri, D., Ray, I., Ray, R., Chanakya, I. V. S., Tarique, M., Misra, S., ... & Das, R. (2024). Source apportionment and emission projections of heavy metals from traffic sources in India: Insights from elemental and Pb isotopic compositions. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 480, 135810. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.135810

[28] Mirakovski, D., Zendelska, A., Boev, B., Hadzi-Nikolova, M., Shijakova-Ivanova, T., Doneva, N., ... & Mihailovska, A. (2024). Evaluation of PM2.5 Sources in Skopje Urban Area Using Positive Matrix Factorization. Environmental Modeling & Assessment, 29(4), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10666-024-09961-1

[29] Jeong, M. J., Hwang, S. O., Yoo, H. J., Oh, S. M., Jang, J., Lee, Y., ... & Kim, S. (2024). Chemical composition and source apportionment of PM2.5 in Seoul during 2018–2020. Atmospheric Pollution Research, 15(6), 102077. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apr.2024.102077

[30] Chen, H., Wu, D., Wang, Q., Fang, L., Wang, Y., Zhan, C., ... & Liu, S. (2022). The predominant sources of heavy metals in different types of fugitive dust determined by principal component analysis (PCA) and positive matrix factorization (PMF) modeling in Southeast Hubei: a typical mining and metallurgy area in Central China. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13227. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013227

[31] Wang, Q., Huang, X. H., Tam, F. C., Zhang, X., Liu, K. M., Yeung, C., ... & Yu, J. Z. (2019). Source apportionment of fine particulate matter in Macao, China with and without organic tracers: A comparative study using positive matrix factorization. Atmospheric Environment, 198, 183-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosenv.2018.10.057

[32] Stockwell, C. E., Coggon, M. M., Schwantes, R. H., Harkins, C., Verreyken, B., Lyu, C., ... & Warneke, C. (2025). Urban ozone formation and sensitivities to volatile chemical products, cooking emissions, and NO x upwind of and within two Los Angeles Basin cities. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 25(2), 1121-1143. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-1121-2025

[33] Bawase, M., Sathe, Y., Khandaskar, H., & Thipse, S. (2021). Chemical composition and source attribution of PM 2.5 and PM 10 in Delhi-National Capital Region (NCR) of India: results from an extensive seasonal campaign. Journal of Atmospheric Chemistry, 78, 35-58. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10874-020-09412-7.

[34] Sun, X., Wang, H., Guo, Z., Lu, P., Song, F., Liu, L., ... & Wang, F. (2020). Positive matrix factorization on source apportionment for typical pollutants in different environmental media: a review. Environmental Science: Processes & Impacts, 22(2), 239-255.

[35] Zhang, C., Jing, D., Wu, C., Li, S., Cheng, N., Li, W., ... & Hu, J. (2021). Integrating chemical mass balance and the community multiscale air quality models for source identification and apportionment of PM2. 5. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 149, 665-675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2021.03.033

[36] Correa, M. A., Aguiar, D., Gómez, L. M., & Colorado, H. A. (2024). Characterization and source apportionment of ion and metals in PM10 in an urbanized valley in the American tropics using Principal Component Analysis and Positive Matrix Factorization. Engineered Science, 30, 1154.

[37] Fan, Z., Zhang, Y., & Wu, X. (2019). Source apportionment of PM2.5 using positive matrix factorization in urban and suburban regions. Atmospheric Environment, 207, 45-56.

[38] Liu, X., Wang, P., & Hu, Z. (2020). Broad application of positive matrix factorization for regional air quality analysis. Environmental Pollution, 260, 114068.

[39] He, H., Liu, S., & Wang, Y. (2020). Assessing the formation and sources of secondary pollutants using receptor models: A case study. Environmental Science and Technology, 54(10), 6352-6361.

[40] Onaiwu, G. E., & Ayidu, N. J. (2024). ADVANCEMENTS AND INNOVATIONS IN PM2.5 MONITORING: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES. FUDMA JOURNAL OF SCIENCES, 8(3), 243-255.

[41] Cooks, R. G., et al. (2019). Handheld mass spectrometry for environmental applications: Development and field-testing of portable instruments. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(6), 2811-2825.

[42] Perera, F., et al. (2020). Field-deployable HPLC systems for environmental monitoring: Benefits and applications. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 192(4), 452-463.

[43] Streets, D. G., et al. (2021). Remote sensing of emissions: A new paradigm for air quality management. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(7), 3318-3330.

[44] Krotkov, N. A., et al. (2022). Satellite observations of nitrogen dioxide from the Aura satellite: A global perspective. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 22(16), 9453-9465.

[45] Hoff, R. M., & Christopher, S. A. (2021). Remote sensing of the atmosphere: LIDAR. Advances in Meteorology, 2021, 10-21.

[46] Martin, R. V. (2019). Satellite observations of atmospheric pollution: A review. International Journal of Remote Sensing, 40(6), 521-543.

[47] Amiridis, V., Kokkalis, P., & Kourtidis, K. (2020). Use of LIDAR for assessing aerosol optical properties and their impact on air quality. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 20(8), 2651-2660.

[48] Zhang, Y., et al. (2020). Air quality improvements in China: A satellite-based study. Atmospheric Environment, 224, 117947.

[49] De-Foy, B., et al. (2019). Vertical smoke plumes from wildfires measured by ground-based LIDAR in Mexico City. Journal of Geophysical Research: Atmospheres, 124(23), 11801.

[50] Li, D., Huang, W., & Huang, R. (2023). Analysis of environmental pollutants using ion chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 458, 131952.

[51] Estimated, U. S. (2019). Ozone and Particulate Matter Air Standards: EPA Review.

[52] Amini, H. (2021). WHO air quality guidelines need to be adopted. International Journal of Public Health, 66, 1604483.

[53] UNION, P. (2008). Directive 2008/50/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008 on ambient air quality and cleaner air for Europe. Official Journal of the European Union.

[54] Meo, S. A., Shaikh, N., & Alotaibi, M. (2024). Association between air pollutants particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ground-level ozone (O3) and hypertension. Journal of King Saud University-Science, 36(11), 103531.

[55] Awolesi, O., Oni, P. G., Adekoya, O. K., Adekoya, S. B., Ogunmusi, O. D., Ghafari, F., ... & Lawal, O. (2024). Investigating the Air Quality Parameters in Louisiana’s Industrial Corridor: A Baton Rouge Case Study. Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection, 12(7), 139-164.

[56] Anastasopolos, A. T., Sofowote, U. M., Hopke, P. K., Rouleau, M., Shin, T., Dheri, A., ... & Sundar, N. (2021). Air quality in Canadian port cities after regulation of low-sulphur marine fuel in the North American Emissions Control Area. Science of The Total Environment, 791, 147949.

[57] Carlos-Wallace, F. M., Zhang, L., Smith, M. T., Rader, G., & Steinmaus, C. (2016). Parental, in utero, and early-life exposure to benzene and the risk of childhood leukemia: a meta-analysis. American journal of epidemiology, 183(1), 1-14.

[58] Khalade, A., Jaakkola, M. S., Pukkala, E., & Jaakkola, J. J. (2010). Exposure to benzene at work and the risk of leukemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Environmental Health, 9, 1-8.

[59] Duarte, R. M., Gomes, J. F., Querol, X., Cattaneo, A., Bergmans, B., Saraga, D., ... & Villanueva, F. (2022). Advanced instrumental approaches for chemical characterization of indoor particulate matter. Applied Spectroscopy Reviews, 57(8), 705-745.