PM2.5 attributable health impact assessment across urban land-use areas: A comparative study using AirQ+ and BenMAP-CE in Surat, India

Kiran Suryawanshi; Namrata  Jariwala

doi:10.18502/japh.v11i2.21871

Kiran Suryawanshi Department of Civil Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India
Namrata Jariwala Department of Civil Engineering, Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology, Surat, Gujarat, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/japh.v11i2.21871

Keywords: Health impact assessment; Low-cost sensors; AirQ ; BenMAP-CE; Air pollution

Abstract

Introduction: Ambient fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) pollution is increasingly recognized as a critical environmental issue in rapidly urbanizing and industrializing cities of developing nations. This study aimed to quantify the zone-specific health burden attributable to PM2.5 exposure in Surat, India. Materials and methods: PM2.5 data were obtained from a network of low- cost sensors operating across three major land-use zones: residential (West), commercial (Central), and industrial (South). PM2.5 data collected over one year (October 2022 to September 2023) were combined with population projections and cause-specific mortality rates from national datasets. Two established Health Impact Assessment (HIA) tools, AirQ+ and BenMAP-CE, were utilized to estimate premature mortality associated with PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO air quality standards. Results: The industrial zone exhibited the highest annual mean PM2.5 (86.6 μg/m3) and correspondingly the most significant premature mortality burden, primarily from ischemic heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and stroke. The commercial and residential zones exhibited comparatively lower pollution levels; however, notable mortality impacts were associated with higher population densities. Both AirQ+ and BenMAP-CE models produced consistent mortality estimates, highlighting the relationship between pollution concentration and demographic factors in urban health risks. Elevated incidences of acute lower respiratory infections among children under five were also identified in the industrial zone. Conclusion: In order to lower health hazards, the results highlight the necessity of zone-specific emission reduction measures and additional strengthening of Surat's particle emission trading scheme. The integrated framework offers a practical approach for evaluating urban health and air quality in developing nations.