Assessment of Air Pollution Levels during Sugarcane Stubble Burning Event in La Feria, South Texas, USA

Agricultural stubble burning is the third largest source of air pollution after vehicular and industrial emissions. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), black (BC) are some pollutants emitted during such events. The Lower Rio Grande Valley (RGV) region South Texas a major hub agricultural activity, sugarcane farming one them. Unfortunately, this activity results in episodic events high low-resourced, Hispanic/Latino majority U.S.–Mexico border. This study presents from site La Feria, Texas, where quality was monitored before, during, burning. Various parameters were on an hourly basis 24 February 2022 to 4 April 2022. Our demonstrate levels all phase contrast pre- post-burning period. went up 6.43 µg m−3 day activity. An increase 10%, 11.6%, 25.29%, 55%, 67.57% recorded PM1, PM2.5, PM10, Black Carbon, CO levels, respectively, period comparison with total absorption Ångström exponent value reached maximum 2.03 ThePM2.5/PM10 ratio 0.87 also highlights importance for continuous monitoring due Region Texas.