Air quality policy and scientific research in Southern Africa

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to review the current air quality legislation in three southern African countries (South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) and assess their implementation based on provision for identification of criteria pollutants for a country, setting air quality standards, establishment, coordination and maintenance of air monitoring stations, availability of data on specific pollutants, and regulation of major sources. The linkage between scientific research and the legislation was assessed based on the availability of published data on SO2, NO2, and O3 concentrations within Southern Africa. The three countries do not regulate monitoring methods for specific pollutants, however, South Africa has evidence of identification of criteria pollutants, air quality standards, identification of high priority areas, a centrally coordinated monitoring and reporting system, and the air quality data is accessible to the ordinary citizens and to the research community. © 2012 WIT Press.