Environmental Assessment of Air and Water Pollution and Associated Health Impacts in an Industrial Community in Guyana

Abstract

Background: Air and water pollution, driven by industrialization and urbanization, pose major global health and environmental risks. Exposure to pollutants like particulate matter and toxic chemicals leads to serious diseases and millions of premature deaths, especially in developing countries. Aim: The study assessed the environmental quality of air and water in an industrial community in Guyana and evaluated their potential impacts on human health. Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining environmental monitoring of air and water quality parameters with a community-based survey of 102 households residing within close proximity (£20m) of the industrial zone. Results: Air quality monitoring revealed that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeded the selected threshold (15mg/m3) in 54.55% of measurements (6/11 samples), indicating a substantial potential exposure risk. Although no statistically significant temporal variations in PM2.5 concentrations was observed across sampling periods (F(2,8) = 1.71, p = 0.240), a strong positive correlation was identified between PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations (p = 0.94, p < 0.001), suggesting common emission sources. A moderate positive association was also observed between PM2.5 and temperature (p = 0.72, p = 0.013), highlighting the influence of meteorological factors on pollutant dynamics. Water quality analysis showed no statistically significant differences across sampling periods following adjustments for multiple comparisons (p > 0.05), indicating relative temporal stability during the monitoring period. Community survey results demonstrated no statistically significant association between proximity to the industrial site and reported airborne illness (χ²(1) = 0.75, p = 0.387), water-related illness (χ²(2) = 2.73, p = 0.256), or perceived long-term health risks (p = 1.000). However, perceptions of environmental risk were consistently high across the community, suggesting widespread awareness independent of distance. Conclusion: Despite the absence of statistically significant associations, the high proportions of PM2.5 exceedances and observed pollutant correlations indicate potential environmental health concerns. This study provides one of the first integrated assessments of environmental exposure and community perception in an industrial setting in Guyana, highlighting the need for expanded, long-term monitoring and evidence-based policy interventions to mitigate pollution-related health risks.