Journal of Air Pollution and Health

Contamination levels, health risks and source apportionment of in-vehicle and park dusts potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Abuja, Nigeria

Hafsat Abolore Ameen — 2026-04-19

Introduction: The rapid urbanization and heavy traffic in cities raise concerns about health and environmental risks from Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs). This study analyses the levels of contamination, origins, and exposure hazards of 10 PTEs (Fe, As, Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni) in dust from five public vehicles and five motor parks in Abuja, Nigeria.

Materials and methods: Digested samples of park dust were analysed for Fe, Pb, Zn, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Cd, Mn, Ni (ten PTEs) using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). PTE sources were ascertained using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) alongside contamination indicators comprising of Enrichment Factor, Geo-accumulation Index, Contamination Factor and Ecological Risk Factor. A new pollution indicator, the Nemerov Integrated Risk Index (NIRI), was evaluated for consistency with existing methods. Exposure risks (cancer and non-cancer causing) were assessed for commuters.

Results: PMF revealed five PTE sources: brake/engine wear (50%), vehicular body wear (1%), tyre wear/lubrication leaks (12%), coal combustion (6%), and vehicular emissions (31%). Cd exhibited the highest contamination levels across all indices. NIRI results aligned with traditional indices, confirming severe Cd pollution. Health risk assessments showed insignificant non- carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for adults and children, though children were more vulnerable.

Conclusion: Traffic-related activities were the dominant sources of PTEs in Abuja’s vehicle and motor park dusts. Cadmium (Cd) exhibited the highest enrichment, exceeding background levels and posing high ecological risk particularly for children, while other PTEs presented low health risks. This study underlines the necessity for targeted mitigation and non-stop monitoring to reduce PTE exposure in urban transit environments.

Utilizing sugar beet molasses for stabilization and dust suppression of mine haul road soil: A case study of Abyek Cement Mine

Mahdi Salehabadi — 2026-04-19

Introduction: Haul roads are one of the main sources of dust in mines. Dust pollution not only causes lung diseases, but also reduces the useful vision of machine drivers, slows down trucks, and interferes with transportation operations. On the other hand, machines' operation in dust increases their depreciation and fuel consumption. The popular spraying method is used in mines to overcome this problem. To suppress dust on mining roads, water and oil mulch are commonly used. The first method requires a large amount of water, and the second method has undesirable environmental effects. Therefore, an appropriate alternative method should be found. According to the results, the proposed method may be effective in dust suppression. This process causes both environmental and operational difficulties, including high water consumption, inefficiency in hot and dry areas, and costly water supply in many regions, not to mention its cultural value, soil liquefaction, traffic by the irrigation process, imposing repairing and maintaining costs for sprinklers and ramps, etc.

Materials and methods: Soil stabilization is a technique that enhances the engineering and mechanical characteristics of soil, such as its strength, stiffness, formation, and loading capacity using technology and proper materials. The present research aimed at finding out how the physical and strength properties could be improved with the addition of optimum ratios of sugar beet molasses to the ramp soils to make the unpaved roads within the Abyek cement mine region stronger and more durable.

Results: As analytical tests for soils containing additives with specified weight percentages, Atterberg limits, compaction, Unconfined Compressive Strength (UCS), and direct shear tests were conducted. The incorporation of sugar beet molasses into both soils resulted in an 11.6% reduction in Optimum Moisture Content (OMC) and increased the Maximum Dry Density (MDD) to 1.955 g/cm³ for AB01 soil and 1.942 g/cm³ for AB02 soil.

Conclusion: The optimal result was obtained from direct shear and unconfined compressive tests by adding 2% molasses for AB02 soil and 1% molasses for AB01 soil.

Uzbekistan’s air pollution and its health effects: A data-driven overview of disease burden and intervention priorities

Burkhoniddin Tillashaykhov — 2026-04-19

Introduction: Atmospheric aerosol particles significantly impact ecosystems,global climate, cultural heritage, and public health. Air pollution is a majorglobal health concern, contributing to roughly one quarter of total globalmortality, with fine Particulate Matter (PM₂.₅) being particularly harmful.Long-term exposure to elevated PM₂.₅ and gaseous pollutants such as sulfurdioxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide increases the riskof severe health effects, including chronic respiratory and cardiovasculardiseases.

Materials and methods: Air quality trends in Uzbekistan, primarily inTashkent, were analyzed using Air Quality Index (AQI) data, focusing onwintertime PM₂.₅ levels. Health outcomes were assessed through statisticalanalysis of Ministry of Health records from 2012 to 2024, with particularattention to respiratory tract infection–related mortality. Comparative analysiswas performed between urban and rural populations, and vulnerable groups,including children and senior citizens, were identified.

Results: Analysis revealed that wintertime PM₂.₅ concentrations in Tashkentwere approximately six times higher than World Health Organizationrecommended limits. Statistical evaluation indicated a significant 24.94%increase in respiratory tract infection–related deaths in Tashkent during thestudy period (p<0.05), whereas rural areas showed no significant growth.Urban air pollution, primarily from residential heating and anthropogenicactivities, was identified as a major contributor. Children and elderlypopulations were most affected.

Conclusion: These findings demonstrate the substantial health impacts ofurban air pollution in Uzbekistan, particularly in low- and middle-incomeurban settings. The study emphasizes the urgent need for targeted air qualitymanagement strategies to mitigate pollution-related health risks, protectvulnerable populations, and improve public health outcomes

Multivariate analysis of air pollution and associated potential respiratory health risks in urban areas of the Southeast Asian region and Africa

Samuel Nketia Boateng — 2026-04-19

Introduction: The nature of heavy pollution incidence that plagues the South East Asian (SEAR) Region and the African region demands the understanding of air pollution dynamics within these regions to inform policy formulation to improve environmental health. This study therefore aims to grasp the transformation of air pollutants in the last 10 years in the two regions and their potential to influence respiratory health.

Materials and methods: This study used the 6th edition of the ambient air quality data from the WHO website, which was revised and published on January 22, 2024. 1609 dataset was used for this research, spanning the 16 countries.

Results: The results of the analysis show that in the last 10 years, the mean PM10 (64.15 ± 40.38 g/m³), PM2.5 (22.98 ± 23.65 g/m3), and NO₂ (8.83 ± 7.99 g/m³) were 64.15 ± 40.38 g/m³, 22.98 ± 23.65 g/m³, and 8.83 ± 7.99 g/m³, respectively. Consequently, the air quality index for PM10 and PM2.5 stands at 57.73 and 96.59 for the African Region and 55.53 and 74.61 for SEAR, indicating a satisfactory air quality. The principal component analysis showed that NO₂ exposure and monitoring explained 39.91% of the variance in the data, while component 2 (PM10 and PM2.5) explained 19.43%. The regression model showed that PM10 temporal coverage can be used to predict NO₂ concentration. Indicating that better cover for PM10 can be used to estimate NO2 concentration.

Conclusion: This study has highlighted that temporal coverage can be a useful means for air pollutant estimation. Hence, governments should increase monitoring of air pollutants, in this peak era of industrialisation to capture the many unquantified contaminants

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of airborne toxic pollutants and associated human health risks in industrial zones of Delta state, Nigeria

Nkechi Blessing Chinedu — 2026-04-19

Introduction: The rapid rate of industrial growth in Delta State, Nigeria, has led to an increase in the emission of airborne pollutants, including Particulate Matter (PM2.5), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrogen Oxides (NOx), and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), which pose a threat to the environment and the health of the population. This paper utilises Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) to simulate the dispersion of pollutants and assess the risks associated with exposure in four industrial areas: Warri/Ekpan, Aladja, Ughelli, and Kwale.

Materials and methods: Simulations in three-dimensional CFD of ANSYS Fluent 2024 R1 were conducted using the actual meteorological, topographic and emission parameters provided in NiMet and EIA data. The Navier- Stokes equations were solved with the Realisable k-epsilon turbulence model. The model results were georeferenced and interpreted in ArcGIS Pro 3.2, generating exposure maps by combining the pollutant fields with the population fields. The Hazard Index (HI) and Lifetime Cancer Risk (LCR) were used in quantifying health risks in accordance with USEPA guidelines.

Results: The concentrations of VOCs and PM2.5 in the air were 115.6 μg/ m³ and 56.2 μg/m³, respectively, which exceeded the WHO levels. HI values were 14.7-21.4 (adults) and 26.138.0 (children), and LCR values (1.710;- 3.210; -3) represented that there was carcinogenic risk.

Conclusion: CFDH-HRA was the most accurate in predicting risks of pollution and exposure, highlighting hotspots in critical zones near Warri and Aladja. The importance of adopting CFD-based control and monitoring to achieve SDGs 3, 9, 11, and 13 lies in creating a cleaner and healthier environment

Effects of spray air fresheners and scented candle exposure on air quality, growth, and locomotor activity in rats

Mariam Abdulsalam Al Maliki — 2026-04-19

Introduction: Air fresheners and scented candles release harmful chemicalsindoors, potentially posing health risks with prolonged exposure.

Materials and methods: This study investigated the effects of inhalingemissions from these products on growth and locomotor activity in rats. Fortyrats (180–200g) were randomly assigned to four groups: air freshener (A),scented candle (B), combined exposure (D), and control (C). Exposures wereconducted in a controlled inhalation chamber for 10, 20, and 30 days (1 h/day),with 15 min of direct exposure. Environmental parameters (Particulate Matter(PM2.5, PM10), Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOCs), Formaldehyde(HCHO), temperature, and humidity) were monitored at three time intervals:0–15 min (emission), 15–30 min (without emission), and 30–60 min (withoutemission), using a portable monitoring device.

Results: Significant increases (P≤0.05) in PM2.5, PM10, TVOC, and HCHOwere observed in group D compared to other groups. Rats in group D showedreduced growth rate and locomotor activity.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that combined exposure worsens indoorair quality and may impair physiological and behavioral health.

Spatiotemporal trends of ambient air CO in Urmia city

Zeynalabedin Youzbashi — 2026-04-19

Introduction: This descriptive-ecological study investigated the seasonal, diurnal, and spatial variations of Carbon monoxide (CO) concentration in Urmia's (Northwest of Iran) ambient air over a six-month period, spanning Winter and Spring.

Materials and methods: Sampling was conducted at 20 stations selected from various urban locations. At each station, a portable environmental gas analyzer was used to measure CO concentration during both morning and evening peak traffic hours. Results: The results revealed a significant seasonal and diurnal pattern. The highest CO means were observed in the cold months (January and February), peaking at an average of 6.19 ppm in January evenings. This increase is strongly linked to temperature inversion and heightened heating system usage. Statistical analysis confirmed a highly significant difference (P<0.001) in CO means across months and between morning and evening hours, with concentrations being significantly higher in the evening. Although monthly averages are generally below the 8-h national standard (9 ppm), their proximity to the limit and the registration of high peaks (up to 15.10 ppm) indicate a potential health risk during winter. Spatially, zoning maps showed the central, high-traffic area acts as the main pollution hotspot.

Conclusion: The study highlights that even short-term peak CO exposure can be significant, potentially causing headache and behavioral effects. Additionally, the river and surrounding open spaces help reduce pollution, emphasizing the need for integrated air quality management strategies that account for both seasonal and diurnal variations. These findings underscore the critical need for integrated management strategies sensitive to both the time of day and the season.

Epigenetic alteration in response to particulate matter Exposures: A review on DNA methylation

Riya Sharma — 2026-04-19

Globally, air pollution contributes to more than seven million prematuredeaths each year and is responsible for over 3% of all disability-adjusted lifeyears lost. The adverse health impacts of air pollution, especially ParticulateMatter (PM) are extensive, playing a major role in the onset and progressionof coronary artery disease, various respiratory conditions, and multiplepulmonary disorders. Despite extensive evidence documenting the healthimpacts of PM, the underlying biological mechanisms remain only partiallyelucidated. Recent advances in epigenetics, particularly studies focusingon DNA methylation, offer a promising avenue for understanding how PMexposure translates into adverse health effects. An expanding body of researchdemonstrates strong associations between PM exposure and genome-widealterations in DNA methylation, suggesting that these modifications play apivotal role in mediating the biological and health effects of PM exposure.This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship betweenDNA methylation and PM exposure. Representative epidemiological andexperimental studies emphasize the connections between PM-inducedmethylation alterations and the indirect impact of DNA methylation onhealth. By providing valuable insights into gene-specific alterations, thereview contributes to a deeper understanding of the potential implications ofPM exposure on DNA methylation and its broader health consequences