TITLE:
Investigating the Air Quality Parameters in Louisiana’s Industrial Corridor: A Baton Rouge Case Study
AUTHORS:
Oluwafemi Awolesi, Peter G. Oni, Oluwatoyin K. Adekoya, Seyi B. Adekoya, Oluwafeyikemi D. Ogunmusi, Fatemeh Ghafari, Abosede Oje, Odunayo Lawal
KEYWORDS:
Air Quality Monitoring, Chemical Industry, Pollution, Environmental Justice, Health Implications, Particulate Matter, Case Study
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.12 No.7,
July
29,
2024
ABSTRACT: In a local context, sustainable development entails utilizing the current resources—material and immaterial, measurable and immeasurable, popular and unpopular—of the community in a manner that avoids overexploitation and ensures intergenerational equity. This approach prioritizes the safety and health of local citizens, placing communal productivity above corporate profitability. This research aims to assess air quality surrounding 28 chemical industry sites in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to understand the environmental and health impacts of industrial pollutants, with a focus on environmental justice. Air quality pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, O3, NO2, CO, and SO2, were monitored for 75 days during the Summer, using the BreezoMeter app. Python, Mapize, and QGIS software technologies were utilized for data analysis and visualization. Findings indicate a reduction in NO2 and CO levels, compared to existing literature. However, the persistent challenge of particulate matter suggests areas for further environmental management efforts. Additionally, the research suggests a significant disparity in air pollution exposure, probably affecting marginalized communities. Although the nature of the study might not fully capture annual pollution trends, the findings highlight the urgent need for the chemical industry to adopt efficient production methods and for policymakers to enhance air quality standards and enforcement, particularly in pollution-sensitive areas. The disproportionate impact of air pollution on vulnerable communities calls for a more inclusive approach to environmental justice, ensuring equitable distribution of clean air benefits and community involvement in pollution management decisions.