Department of Physics and Computer Science

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Author: search.filters.author.Abu, MohamedStart date: 2020

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    Baseline Assessment of Ambient Total Volatile Organic Compounds in Urban Streets of Freetown, Sierra Leone
    (Science Publishing Group, 2025-08-05) Abu, Mohamed
    **Background:** This study addresses the critical issue of air pollution and its implications for public health, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions such as Freetown, Sierra Leone. Total volatile organic compounds (TVOC) are significant pollutants that play a crucial role in the formation of ground-level ozone and are associated with various adverse health effects. **Objective:** The primary objective of this research was to conduct the first comprehensive assessment of ambient TVOC levels within the urban streets of Freetown. **Methods:** Measurements were carried out over a four-week period on fourteen major streets using calibrated DM502 air quality monitors, held approximately 2 meters above ground to simulate breathing zone conditions. The collected concentration data were subsequently extrapolated to estimate 24-hour average levels, providing a more accurate depiction of typical exposure. Additionally, toxicity potentials (TP) were calculated for each sampling location to evaluate potential health risks. **Results:** The findings revealed that the average extrapolated 24-hour TVOC concentrations across the sampled streets ranged from 0.06 and 0.18 mg/m3, with the highest average at Pademba Road (FS3). Overall, the average TVOC level across all streets was 0.08 mg/m³, which is below the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guideline limit of 0.3 mg/m³. The maximum toxicity potential observed was 0.59 at FS3, with an overall average TP of 0.26, indicating moderate potential health risks. Weak correlations were observed between TVOC concentrations and environmental parameters such as temperature (R² ≈ 0.16) and relative humidity (R² ≈ 0.0025), suggesting that other factors might influence VOC levels. **Conclusion:** Despite the current levels are within safety standards, continuous monitoring is recommended due to the possible health implications of long-term exposure. This research provides vital baseline data essential for urban air quality management and policy development in Sierra Leone.