Chemical Characterization and Health Risk Assessment of Fine Particulate Matter (PM2.5) in Western Libya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65419/albahit.v5i2.145Keywords:
PM2.5, Western Libya, chemical characterization, sulfate, nitrate, heavy metals, asthma, cardiovascular diseasesAbstract
This study aimed to chemically characterize fine particulate matter (PM2.5) in western Libyan cities, assess its spatial and temporal variability, and examine its association with aggregated health indicators related to asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Four cities with different environmental settings were investigated: Tripoli, Al-Zawiya, Sabratha, and Zuwara. A total of 72 PM2.5 samples were collected over six selected months during 2025 and 2026. PM2.5 mass concentrations were determined gravimetrically, while sulfate, nitrate, and selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, and Ni) were chemically analyzed. Meteorological data and aggregated health records were used to support the environmental and health interpretation of the results.
The overall mean PM2.5 concentration was 40.57 ± 13.22 µg/m³. Al-Zawiya recorded the highest mean concentration (56.99 ± 10.40 µg/m³), whereas Sabratha showed the lowest mean level. Al-Zawiya also exhibited the highest concentrations of sulfate, nitrate, Cd, Pb, and Ni, indicating the influence of industrial and traffic-related sources. Dust events and Ghibli winds were associated with elevated PM2.5 levels. Strong positive correlations were observed between monthly PM2.5 averages and population-adjusted asthma and cardiovascular disease rates per 100,000 inhabitants. However, these associations should be interpreted as ecological correlations rather than evidence of direct individual-level causality.
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