Fortunately, natural sources of air pollution, such as volcanic eruptions , sand storms and dust storms, are absent in Mauritius. Mauritius generally experiences good air quality. However, like many developing countries, it faces environmental challenges that can impact air quality. Air pollution may vary by region and over time due to factors such as changes in industrial activities, transportation patterns, and meteorological conditions. Effective air quality monitoring and pollution control measures are essential to address and mitigate the impacts of these pollution sources.
Overview
Air pollution is the release of harmful substances—such as gases, fine particles, and chemical vapours—into the atmosphere. In Mauritius, most emissions arise from human activities like transportation, energy production, industry, and agriculture, though natural factors occasionally play a role. These pollutants reduce air quality, affect health, and damage ecosystems.
Key Sources of Air Pollution
1. Transport and Shipping
Road traffic: Exhaust from cars, trucks, and motorcycles emits carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter (PM2.5; PM10), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). A growing vehicle fleet, including older engines, worsens urban air quality.
Maritime activity: Ships burning diesel or heavy fuel oil release sulphur oxides (SOx, mainly SO2) and PM around ports.
2. Energy Generation
Thermal power stations: To supplement limited hydropower, Mauritius relies on oil- and coal-fired plants that emit carbon dioxide (CO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
Sugar-industry co-generation: Bagasse- or coal-fired boilers produce fly ash and other particulates.
3. Industrial Operations
Manufacturing & tourism sectors: Produce PM, SO2, and NOx.
Stone-crushing & block-making: Generate dust from crushing, batching, and open-air storage.
Asphalt plants: Emit fine dust when heating aggregates.
Fertiliser production: Releases ammonia (NH3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and acidic vapours (H2SO4, HNO3).
Tanneries, poultry farms & rendering plants: Release odorous gases such as hydrogen sulphide (H2S) and methane (CH4).
4. Waste Management
Open burning (now banned): Previously a source of soot, CO2, and toxic compounds.
Landfills: Methane (CH4) from organic waste, notably at Mare Chicose.
5. Agriculture
Field burning: Pre-harvest sugarcane burning produces smoke, PM, and fly ash.
Fertiliser and pesticide use: Releases ammonia (NH3) and VOCs.
Animal rearing: Pigsties and poultry pens emit unpleasant odours and methane (CH4).
6. Construction & Domestic Activities
Construction, demolition, and heavy machinery create airborne dust.
Household cooking or heating with wood, coal, or gas emits PM and indoor pollutants.
7. Natural and Seasonal Factors
Bushfires, wildfires, and volcanic aerosols can temporarily degrade air quality.
Airborne mould spores and sugarcane pollen cause seasonal allergies.
Health and Environmental Impacts
Pollutants such as fine particulates (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), and ground-level ozone (O3) can trigger respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, aggravate asthma, and damage crops and water bodies. Methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) contribute to climate change.
Pathways to Mitigation
Monitoring & Research: Expand air-quality stations and conduct epidemiological studies to track pollutants and health outcomes.
Cleaner Energy: Transition to renewables, improve energy efficiency, and enforce stricter emission standards for thermal plants.
Transport Policy: Promote public transport, electric vehicles, and regular vehicle inspections.
Industrial Controls: Require dust collectors, enclosed operations, and emission limits for factories, quarries, and asphalt plants.
Agriculture & Waste: Encourage mulching instead of burning, improve fertiliser management, capture landfill methane, and strengthen recycling systems.
Public Awareness & Regulation: Educate communities on pollution sources and maintain strong enforcement of air-quality standards.
Mauritius can protect public health and its fragile island ecosystems by combining rigorous monitoring, cleaner technologies, and community engagement to steadily reduce air pollution and support sustainable development.
