<scp> PM ₂ </scp> _.5 Chemical Composition and Geographic Origin of Air Masses in Mabopane, South Africa

ABSTRACT Air pollution is a major global threat to health. The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of PM 2.5 in Mabopane, South Africa, and to identify the contribution of transported particulate pollution sources using backward air transport cluster analysis. PM 2.5 samples were collected for 24 h every 6 days from June 15, 2022 to February 28, 2023. PM 2.5 , soot, black carbon (BC), organic carbon (OC), and elemental concentrations were measured. The mean PM 2.5 and soot were 10 μg·m −3 and 1 × 10 −5 m −1 , respectively, exceeding the WHO annual limit but below the 24‐h SANAAQS. BC and OC levels were 0.9 and 1.0 μg·m −3 , respectively. Elements determined by Energy Dispersive X‐Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) included Ag, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sb, Si, Sr, Ti, U, V, and Zn, with Fe, S, K, Ca, and Si being the most abundant. PM 2.5 in Mabopane is influenced by local and transported sources, highlighting the need for stronger, coordinated air quality management and monitoring.