Comparison of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations measured using low-cost sensors and gravimetric sampling in Mabopane, South Africa
1
Department of Health Studies, Unisa, Pretoria, South Africa
2
School of Health Systems and Public Health, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
3
Department of Environmental Intelligence, IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, Gothenburg, Sweden
4
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg,, Gothernburg, Sweden
5
Department of Chemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):A408
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) poses significant health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate PM₂.₅ concentration variability using low-cost sensors and gravimetric sampling in Mabopane.
METHODS:
PM₂.₅ levels were measured on the rooftop of Mabopane Fire Station from 1 May to 22 September 2025 using two PurpleAir low-cost sensors and a GilAir-5 sampler operating at 4.0 L/min.
RESULTS:
Between May and September 2025, the mean PM₂.₅ concentration measured by Sensor 1 was 54.12 µg/m³, while Sensor 2 recorded a mean of 52.46 µg/m³. In comparison, the mean gravimetric PM₂.₅ concentration was 23.30 µg/m³. Sensor measurements were consistently higher than gravimetric values, indicating an overestimation of approximately 130–132% relative to the gravimetric sampler. PM₂.₅ levels exceeded both the WHO 24-hour guideline and South African ambient air quality standards.
CONCLUSIONS:
PM₂.₅ levels pose a health risk and underscore the need for stronger air pollution control strategies in Mabopane and similar regions.
Exposure to fine particulate matter (PM₂.₅) poses significant health risks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate PM₂.₅ concentration variability using low-cost sensors and gravimetric sampling in Mabopane.
METHODS:
PM₂.₅ levels were measured on the rooftop of Mabopane Fire Station from 1 May to 22 September 2025 using two PurpleAir low-cost sensors and a GilAir-5 sampler operating at 4.0 L/min.
RESULTS:
Between May and September 2025, the mean PM₂.₅ concentration measured by Sensor 1 was 54.12 µg/m³, while Sensor 2 recorded a mean of 52.46 µg/m³. In comparison, the mean gravimetric PM₂.₅ concentration was 23.30 µg/m³. Sensor measurements were consistently higher than gravimetric values, indicating an overestimation of approximately 130–132% relative to the gravimetric sampler. PM₂.₅ levels exceeded both the WHO 24-hour guideline and South African ambient air quality standards.
CONCLUSIONS:
PM₂.₅ levels pose a health risk and underscore the need for stronger air pollution control strategies in Mabopane and similar regions.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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