In this study, electric field and magnetic flux density pollution levels were measured in southern Africa, a case of Blantyre City in Malawi, between 2020 and 2021. Sixty short-term measurements were performed using Trifield Electro Magnetic Frequency meter model TF2 in 30 different locations. Five high-population-dense sampling points were selected from school campuses, hospitals, industrial areas, markets, residential areas, and within the commercial and business center (CBC) of Blantyre. Electric field and magnetic flux density pollution monitoring was conducted between 10:00–12:00 h and 17:00–19:00 h for short-range analysis. Short-range results show that the maximum measured electric field pollution were 249.24 mV/m and 207.85 mV/m between 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00 respectively, which are below the public limits of 4200.00 mV/m for public exposure. Similarly, maximum short-range results for magnetic flux density were 0.073 G and 0.057 G between 10:00–12:00 and 17:00–19:00 respectively which are below the public limits of 2 G for public exposure. Both measured electric and magnetic flux density were compared with the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), World health organization (WHO), and Institute of electrical and electronics engineers (IEEE). It was determined that all measured values for both electric and magnetic flux density were smaller than set limits for non-ionizing radiation for both public and occupation health. More importantly, these background measurements establish a baseline for future changes to be compared against public safety.

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 PM_2.5 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.

The present study assessed heavy metal and microbial contamination in soil and groundwater surrounding a municipal solid waste dumpsite in Zomba, Malawi, and in-vestigated the potential ecological and health risks to nearby communities. During the wet season, groundwater samples showed elevated counts of total coliform (20900 cfu/100 mL), Escherichia coli (3300 cfu/100 mL), Staphylococcus aureus (2500 cfu/100 mL), and Vibrio cholerae (5900 cfu/100 mL), all exceeding Malawi Standards limits. Water samples also contained concerning concentrations of chromium (0.011–0.14 mg/L) and Cadmium (0. 07 – 041 mg/L). In soil, lead ranged from 0.16 to 224.05 mg/kg, copper from 3.03 to 94.86 mg/kg, cadmium from below detectable limit to 0.89 mg/kg, arsenic from below detectable limit to 1.88 mg/kg, and chromium from 0.07 to 0.91 mg/kg. Cancer risk assessment showed exceeded the acceptable CR threshold of 1 × 10-3 for adults, while 40% exceeded this threshold for infants and children, indicating a notable cancer risk, particularly from cadmium exposure.

The present study assessed potentially toxic elements (PTEs) and microbial contamination in soil and groundwater around a municipal solid waste dumpsite in Zomba, Malawi. The potential ecological and health risks to communities were also examined. The results revealed that wet season groundwater had elevated total coliforms (20,900 CFU/100 mL), Escherichia coli (3300 CFU/100 mL), Staphylococcus aureus (2500 CFU/100 mL), and Vibrio cholerae (5900 CFU/100 mL), which were significantly higher than the permissible limits of the Malawi Standards. In water samples, PTEs, particularly cadmium (Cd; 0.011–0.08 mg/L) and chromium (Cr; 0.02–0.41 mg/L), were detected at concentrations of concern. In the soil samples, lead (Pb) concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 224.05 mg/kg, copper (Cu) concentrations ranged from 3.03 to 94.86 mg/kg, Cd concentrations varied between the BDL and 0.89 mg/kg, arsenic (As) ranged from BDL to 1.88 mg/kg, and the Cr varied between 0.07 and 0.91 mg/kg. Furthermore, the cancer risk (CR) assessment indicated that all sampling points had CR levels greater than 1 × 10⁻³ for adults, with 40% of the sampling points showing elevated CR levels for infants and children, highlighting the cancer risk from Cd exposure, especially among vulnerable populations.

This study presents an assessment of ambient air quality in Chichiri and Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS) locations, Blantyre City, Southern Malawi. The study aimed at assessing temporal trends, identifying exceedance of thresholds, investigating relationships between pollutants and meteorological factors, and exploring the predictability of air quality index (AQI). Five pollutants: ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{2.5}$, ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{10}$, ${\mathrm{N}\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{x}}$, ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_2$ and TVOC were assessed over a two-month period using fixed low-cost sensors. Daily and hourly temporal analysis showed that pollutants peak during morning and evening hours. A significant number of exceedances for ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{2.5}$ and ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{10}$ were observed when compared to indicative thresholds. Chichiri exhibited more frequent AQI classifications in the “unhealthy” range. A strong positive relationship between ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{2.5}$ and ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{10}$ (r $=$ 0.84) and positive correlations between ${\mathrm{N}\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ and ${\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}}_2$ were observed. A multiple linear regression model achieved a high coefficient of determination (${\mathrm{R}}^2$ $=$ 0.938), identifying ${\mathrm{P}\mathrm{M}}_{10}$ and ${\mathrm{N}\mathrm{O}}_{\mathrm{x}}$ as dominant predictors of AQI variability. Temperature and humidity showed modest inverse relationship with AQI, suggesting dispersion effects. A comparison with African cities showed that the study areas’ pollution levels were within regional norms, but that there is a need for targeted mitigation. These findings underscore the importance of continuous monitoring, data-driven policy making and regional collaboration to address urban air quality challenges.