Dust Characterization and Its Potential Impact during the 2014-2015 Fogo Volcano Eruption (Cape Verde)

Fogo (Fogo Island) is the youngest and most active volcano of Cape Verde. The last eruption occurred in 2014-2015. Aiming to assess the dust sources that impacted the air quality during the present study period, fresh lava samples were collected, while Saharan dust intrusions and transport were modeled. Rooftop dust was also collected on the island dwellings and a mineralogical and chemical characterization was undertaken. Air quality monitors were used to obtain concentrations of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and gaseous pollutants. The mineralogical constitution was assessed by XRD and Electron Microprobe. The pseudototal chemical concentration was performed by XRF, ICP-MS and SEM; the latter includes particles morphology. During the study, WRF-CHIMERE results showed the intrusion of desert dust which affected the air quality. Lava was classified as tephritic to basanitic, with high potassium content. The Pollution Load Index for rooftop dust was > 1 in all samples, suggesting an enrichment. Higher values were found in dust size fraction < 63 mu m, with contamination factor pointing to high enrichment of As, Ni and Pb, and very high enrichment of Cd. The non-carcinogenic hazard estimated for children suggested that health problems may arise. The carcinogenic risk was above the target risk, mostly due to As > Pb > Co. Ingestion was the main exposure route. PM10 concentrations exceeded the 24-h mean of 50 mu g/m(3) recommended by WHO. Nevertheless, TVOCs displayed levels lower than guidelines. The highest levels of CO2 were recorded in more populated villages and farthest from the volcano.

Automated summary

The study examined the impact of volcanic eruptions on Fogo Island in Cape Verde, analyzed the contribution of lava and desert dust to air quality, and found potential health risks through the analysis of dust samples.