Polluting Emissions in the City of La Paz, Mexico: Emissions Inventory and Monitoring Data

Abstract

In the City of La Paz, Mexico, there is growing concern amongst the local population due to the uncertainty about the local air quality. To address this concern, an air pollutants emissions inventory was recently carried out as a first step to better understand air quality in La Paz. The inventory considers point, area, mobile and natural sources and it includes six major air pollutants: sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx), respirable suspended particulates (RSP or PM10), fine suspended particulates (FSP or PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOC), and carbon monoxide (CO). The reference year for the inventory is 2013. This paper presents the main results of the inventory by source category. In addition, the local power utility maintains three air quality monitoring stations in the city. Data from these stations are also presented and analysed in this paper. Electricity generation and motor vehicles are the main emissions sources. The paper highlights the importance of having in place adequate emissions control systems and operations. Some recommendations for the local authorities include a ten-year air quality and emissions reduction plan that considers measures such as the imposition of statutory emission caps on power plants, implementation of renewable energies and mandatory annual roadworthiness and exhaust pipe emissions tests for on-road vehicles.