Constance Chifuniro Utsale
Current Organizations / Institutes
The organizations/institutes from the scholar's latest article
Research Subjects
Constance Chifuniro Utsale has a total of 6 co-authors. Here are the top co-authors by number of shared publications:
- Chikumbusko Chiziwa Kaonga
Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
1 shared publication - Fabiano Gibson Daud Thulu
Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
1 shared publication - Fred Thomson
Physics and Biochemical Sciences Department, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Private Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 312225, Malawi
1 shared publication - Hiroshi Sakugawa
Graduate School of Biosphere Science, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
1 shared publication - Ishmael Bobby Mphangwe Kosamu
Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), P/Bag 303, Chichiri, Blantyre 3, Malawi
1 shared publication - Upile Chitete-Mawenda
School of Science and Technology, Department of Physics and Biochemical Sciences, Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences, Blantyre, Malawi, Malawi
1 shared publication
Latest Publications
- Open Access
Source Apportionment of Air Quality Parameters and Noise Levels in the Industrial Zones of Blantyre City
The increase in industrial activities has raised concerns regarding air quality in urban areas within Malawi. To assess the source apportionment of air quality parameters (AQPs) and noise levels, concentrations of AQPs (CO, TSP, PM 2.5, PM10) and noise levels were monitored at 15 sites in Makata, Limbe, Maselema, Chirimba, and Maone during dry and wet seasons, respectively. Active mobile multi-gas monitors and a Dylos DC1100 PRO Laser Particle Counter (2018 model) were used to monitor AQPs, while Integrated Sound Level Meters were used to measure noise levels. Monitoring and analysis were guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Malawi Standards (MS). A Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was used to determine the source apportionment of AQPs, and matrix trajectories analysed air mass movement. In the wet season, the average concentration values of CO, TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 0.49 ± 0.65 mg/m3, 85.03 ± 62.18 µg/m3, 14.65 ± 8.13 µg/m3, and 11.52 ± 7.19 µg/m3, respectively. Dry season average concentration values increased to 1.31 ± 0.81 mg/m3, 99.86± 30.06 µg/m3, 24.35 ± 9.53 µg/m3, and 18.28 ± 7.14 µg/m3. Noise levels remained below public MS and WHO standards (85 dB). Positive correlations between AQPs and noise levels were observed, strengthening from weak in the dry season to moderately strong in the wet season. PMF analysis identified key factors influencing AQP accumulation, emphasizing the need for periodic sampling to monitor seasonal pollution trends, considering potential impacts on public health and environmental sustainability. Further studies should look at factors affecting the dynamics of PMF in Blantyre City.
Open AccessSource Apportionment of Air Quality Parameters and Noise Levels in the Industrial Zones of Blantyre City
The increase in industrial activities has raised concerns regarding air quality in urban areas within Malawi. To assess the source apportionment of air quality parameters (AQPs) and noise levels, concentrations of AQPs (CO, TSP, PM 2.5, PM10) and noise levels were monitored at 15 sites in Makata, Limbe, Maselema, Chirimba, and Maone during dry and wet seasons, respectively. Active mobile multi-gas monitors and a Dylos DC1100 PRO Laser Particle Counter (2018 model) were used to monitor AQPs, while Integrated Sound Level Meters were used to measure noise levels. Monitoring and analysis were guided by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Malawi Standards (MS). A Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model was used to determine the source apportionment of AQPs, and matrix trajectories analysed air mass movement. In the wet season, the average concentration values of CO, TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 0.49 ± 0.65 mg/m3, 85.03 ± 62.18 µg/m3, 14.65 ± 8.13 µg/m3, and 11.52 ± 7.19 µg/m3, respectively. Dry season average concentration values increased to 1.31 ± 0.81 mg/m3, 99.86± 30.06 µg/m3, 24.35 ± 9.53 µg/m3, and 18.28 ± 7.14 µg/m3. Noise levels remained below public MS and WHO standards (85 dB). Positive correlations between AQPs and noise levels were observed, strengthening from weak in the dry season to moderately strong in the wet season. PMF analysis identified key factors influencing AQP accumulation, emphasizing the need for periodic sampling to monitor seasonal pollution trends, considering potential impacts on public health and environmental sustainability. Further studies should look at factors affecting the dynamics of PMF in Blantyre City.