Ambient Air Quality and Noise Assessment in Eleme Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Ambient Air Quality and Noise Assessment in Eleme Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Ambient Air Quality and Noise Assessment in Eleme Communities, Rivers State, Nigeria
Nigeria
Gift Kiisi Nkin *
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Nigeria.
Publication history: Received on 30 June 2023; revised on 18 August 2023; accepted on 21 August 2023
Abstract
Problems caused by ambient air pollution on human and the environment can be averted by steadily and strictly
monitoring of the concentrations of outdoor pollutants. Human activities have triggered changes in the earths
atmosphere. In this research, 7(Seven) selected Eleme communities, 4(four) zones in each community and 28(Twenty
eight) sampling points in all locations were assessed for the concentrations of CO, SO 2 , NO2 , NO, CO2 , SPM, O2 , noise
level and as well Meteorological parameters using methods recommended by ASTM for air pollutants measurement and
meteorological parameters. Findings of this research showed that, measured level of CO (1.00 - 43.00 ppm) at Akpajo,
Aleto and Onne zone "B" exceeded the stipulated limit by NAAQS. Measured level of SO 2 (0.00 - 1.30 ppm) at zone "B"
and "D" in all locations were above permissible limit except in Alode and Ogale in which the concentrations of SO 2 were
0.00 ppm through out the zones. NO2 (0.00 - 3.10 ppm) and NO (0.00 - 1.05 ppm) concentrations in zone "B" in all the
sampling locations exceeded the permissible limit by NAAQS except in Alode and Ogale. Aleto and Ogale zone "D" were
also above limits. SPM(0.01 - 4.83 ppm) Levels in all locations and zones exceeded the limit given by W.H.O except in
Ogale residential area. Noise Level (40.20 - 102 dBA) at Alesa, Aleto, Akpajo and Ebubu zone "B" were as well above
limits. In order to address the risk connected with the identified pollutants in the study area, more endeavour should
be conveyed to the use of renewable energy and as well, cleaner air initiatives should be embarked upon.
Keywords: Ambient Air; Pollution; Assessment; Eleme communities; Rivers Sate; Nigeria
1. Introduction
Activities and processes which include urbanization, population explosion industrialization and as well as intensive
agricultural activities and bush burning have caused colossal damage to our environment [1,2,3]. Increase in population
of human beings is closely associated with increase in industrialization and urbanization thereby resulting to the
destruction of natural habitat and pollution of the biosphere more and more. Air pollution may be defined as any
atmospheric condition in which certain substances are present in such concentrations that they can produce
undesirable effects on Man and his environment [2]. These substances include gases which are Sulphur Oxides, Nitrogen
Oxides, Carbon Monoxide, Hydrocarbons and as well, particulate matter which are Smoke, Dust, Fumes, Aerosols among
others. Moreover, radioactive materials and many others are also considered as air pollutants. Most of these substances
are naturally present in low concentrations in the atmosphere and are usually considered to be harmless[3]. considering
the sources of these pollutants, quite a number of them enters the atmosphere as a result of anthropogenic activities(
human activities). On the basis of physical states, there are two major groups of air pollutants which are simply gaseous
and particulates.
Corresponding author: Nkin, Gift Kiisi
Copyright © 2023 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0.
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 19(02), 894–906
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Figure 1 Map of the Study Area Showing Sampling Locations and Zones
2.3. Methods
Testo multi gas analyzer was used to detect gaseous air pollutants and to monitor air quality at strategic locations within
the study area. Standard instruments for meteorological parameters detection were also used.
2.3.1. Measurement of Air Pollutants, Oxygen and Carbon dioxide using Testo Multi Gas Analyzer
Standard multi gas emission analyzer from Testo Inc., precisely Testo 350 and 340 (2010 model) were used to measure
CO, CO2, SO2, NO, NO2 and O2. It is anchored on ASTM D6522 requirements and capable of collecting and storing
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information autonomously for up to 49 hours. Its primary features include LCD display and a menu driven user
interface. CO was detected by means of an electro-chemical sensor that produces a signal linearly proportional to the
pollutants concentration. Continuous monitoring of CO was done by non-dispersive infrared photometry which
indicates that the process of detection was anchored on the absorption of infrared light by CO. SO 2 was continuously
monitored via pulsed fluorescence. In this process air was drown via a sample chamber where it was irradiated with
pulses of UV light. As a result, SO2 in the sample became excited and migrated to a higher energy level and on returning
to the ground state, light was emitted and the amount of photon measured was proportional to the concentration of SO 2.
Other parameters of interest such as CO2, NO, NO2 and O2 were detected based on automated configured processes of
Testo 350 multi gas analyzer for 1hour time exposure. Moudi-Impactor was used in measuring suspended particulate
matter (SPM) by In-Situ method.
2.4. Sampling
Reconnaissance survey was first of all carried out to study the terrain and to identify the various sampling locations. As
a result, the following sampling locations were identified; Alesa, Aleto, Alode, Akpajo, Ebubu, Ogale and Onne. In each of
these locations , four(4) zones labeled A,B,C and D were sampled. Zone (A) represents residential area, zone (B)
represents traffic junction, zone (C) is for incineration/farmland and zone (D) represents industrial area. In all, twenty
eight(28) points were sampled. Sampling of the twenty eight points was carried out within the period of four Months,
from February to May, 2023. Parameters of ambient air and air pollutants measurements were anchored on ASTM
(2001) requirements. All meters and equipment were painstakingly re-calibrated before each usage to comply with
quality assurance. Automated GPS installed on android was used to obtain the sampling point coordinates.
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2.5. Air Quality Index (AQI) and National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS)
Air Quality Index is a tool for reporting ambient air quality. It indicates that, the lower the air quality index value, the
better the air quality. Public health risk rises as the air quality index values increases [15]. Each of the pollutants indices
were calculated using the arithmetic expression,
National Ambient Air Quality Standards pronounced limits on atmospheric concentration of the six criteria air
pollutants [16].
3. Results
The results are presented in bar charts, which shows measured and statistically evaluated values/level of
meteorological parameters and air pollutants in relation to standard permissible limits, sampling locations and zones.
4. Discussion
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range was between 30.60 ℃ to 33.20 ℃ with the highest value recorded near NNPC facilities at Alesa while the lowest
value was recorded within pipeline facilities at Ogale. However, the highest temperature value among all the zones was
noticed at incineration/ dump-site at Aleto farm road, which could be attributed to frequent incineration of refuge at
the dump-site and as well, constant bush burning practices by peasant farmers. Relative Humidity at all the locations in
zone (A) which connote residential zones was between the range of 66.50% to 68.82% with the lowest value recorded
at Ogale residential area, and the highest value recorded at Aleto residential area. For zone (B) which signifies major
traffic junctions, relative humidity value range between 51.12% to 58.40% with the lowest value recorded at Indorama
toll-gate, Aleto while the highest value was recorded at Alode junction. For zone (C) which connote
incineration/farmland areas, relative humidity range was between 50.20% to 57.60% with the lowest value recorded
at Aleto farm road and the highest value recorded at dump-site at Akpajo market road. For zone (D) which represented
Industrial zones, relative humidity value range was between 54.10% to 59.45% with the lowest value recorded at NNPC
surroundings while the highest value was recorded at Ogale pipeline facilities. The noise level at all the locations in zone
(A) was within the range 52.00 dBA to 65.30 dBA with the lowest level at Ogale residential zone or area and the highest
level at Akpajo residential area. At major traffic junctions, the lowest noise level was recorded at Ogale market junction
while the highest noise level was recorded at Akpajo round about. The lowest and highest level was within the range
65.30 dBA to 102.00 dBA respectively. It was observed that, the acceptable standard limit of 90 dBA of noise level given
by NAAQS was exceeded at Akpajo round about which could be attributed to loud sounds from heavy- duty trucks, audio
CD sellers at the junction and as well, noise generated by passers-by and traders selling along the road due to frequent
traffic congestion. At incineration/farmland in all the locations in zone (C), noise level was within the range of 40.20
dBA to 50.70 dBA with the lowest level recorded at Ogale farm road while the highest level was recorded at NPA road
dump site. It was observed that the noise level at the locations in zone (C) was the lowest compared to all other zones.
This could be attributed to the zones been located at the outskirts of the communities which are somewhat quiet due to
absence of human being and vehicular movement. For zone (D), noise level was between the range of 58.30 dBA to 67.50
dBA with the lowest level recorded at Indorama surroundings and the highest level recorded at Hamilton Technologies
surroundings. Wind speed and direction at all the locations in zone (A) was within the range of 0.55 m/s to 1.70 m/s
with the lowest value recorded at Aleto (0.55 m/s) and the highest value recorded at Onne (1.70 m/s) respectively.
South-West (S.W) wind direction was measured in all the location at zone (A) except in Ebubu which North-West
direction was measured. Wind speed at all the locations in zone (B) was within the range of 1.20 to 1.80 m/s with the
lowest value recorded at Alesa and the highest recorded at Aleto. For wind direction, South-West direction was
measured in all the locations in zone (B). The correlation between wind speed and the concentration of air pollutants
suggest that, wind speed above 2.0 m/s is capable of diluting or reducing the level of air pollutants in any location. Based
on this note, the range of values obtained for wind speed in this research work, was clear that, the level of air pollutants
was higher since the values of wind speed was less than 2.0 m/s as stipulated. In zone (C) wind speed at all locations
was recorded within the range of 0.55 to 1.90 m/s with the lowest value recorded at Ogale and the highest value at Onne
respectively. For the direction of wind, South-West was measured in all the locations in zone (C). In zone (D), wind speed
at all the location was recorded within the range of 0.65 to 1.70 m/s with the lowest value recorded at Aleto and the
highest recorded at Onne. For wind direction, South-West was measured in all the locations in zone (D).
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For Sampled Carbon Monoxide, Sulphur dioxide, Nitrogen dioxide, Nitric oxide, Carbon dioxide, Suspended particulate
matter and Oxygen.
Figure 6 Variation in the Concentration of CO in Sampling Locations and Zones compared with Standard Permissible
Limit
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refining among others[19]. Comparing the concentration of SO2 recorded at all the sampling locations and zones with
the United State NAAQS at 1 hour exposure limit, showed that, the sampled concentrations recorded at refinery junction,
Alesa industrial area, Indorama toll-gate on East-West road, Aleto industrial zone, Akpajo round about, Eleme
petrochemical company surroundings, Trailer park junction, Hamilton Technologies surroundings, Onne F.O.T junction
and Onne industrial area were above the 75 ppb (0.075 ppm) recommended by the NAAQS. SO2 irritates mucous
membranes of the nose, lungs, eyes and throat among other effects on human[20].
Figure 7 Variation in the Concentration of SO2 in Sampling Locations and Zones Compared with Standard Permissible
Limit
Figure 8 Variation in the Concentration of NO2 in Sampling Locations and Zones Compared with Standard Permissible
Limit
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Figure 9 Variation in the Concentration of NO in Sampling locations and Zones Compared with Standard Permissible
Limit
Which is also in accordance with the publication of the International Programme on Chemical Safety, which states that,
the main sources of oxides of Nitrogen are vehicular and industrial combustion of fossil fuels[21]. For NO 2 there was
significant difference at (P<0.05) between major traffic junctions and other zones. Comparing the concentrations of NO2
in all the sampling locations and zones with the stipulated recommendation of the U.S NAAQS for the averaging time of
1 hour exposure of (100 ppb) which is equal to ( 0.1 ppm), it was noted that the following zones exceeded the limit,
Refinery junction(0.80 ppm), Indorama toll-gate on East-West road (1.00 ppm), Indorama surroundings (1.00 ppm),
Akpajo round-about (3.10 ppm), Trailer park junction (1.10 ppm) and Onne junction (2.00 ppm). this observation was
linked to the characteristic of traffic congestion at the aforementioned locations and zones as a result of poor road
network and infrastructure. Major sources for the emission of NO x include, the exhaust gases of trucks and cars and as
well, industrial electrical power generation plants[22]. with reference to AQI rating, the air quality for NO 2 in the
following locations and zones were the best (Green); All the zones in Ogale, Alode, Alesa residential area and farmlands,
Aleto residential area and farmlands, Akpajo farmland and industrial areas, Ebubu residential area and farmlands area
and Onne residential area and farmland. Air quality of all major traffic junctions and some industrial zones at ALESA,
ALETO, AKPAJO, EBUBU and ONNE were poor(red).
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Figure 10 Variation in the Concentration of SPM in Sampling Locations and Zones Compared with Standard
Permissible Limit
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level measured at Akpajo junction and the highest level measured at Ogale market road junction. For all the locations in
zone (C), oxygen level was between the range of 63.20 ppm to 65.80 ppm with the lowest level measured at Aleto
incineration site and the highest level measured at Ogale farmland. For locations in zone (D), it was within the range of
64.30 ppm to 65.90 ppm with the lowest level measured at Aleto, by chipping company, close to Indorama and the
highest level measured at Onne by Notore. It was observed that, the concentration of oxygen decreases at zone (C) which
connote incineration areas and it could be liked to oxygen consumption due to incessant burning of dumped materials.
80
CONCENTRATION OF O2 IN PPM
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
ALESA ALETO ALODE AKPAJO EBUBU OGALE ONNE
SAMPLING LOCATIONS/ ZONES
A B C D
5. Conclusion
Anthropogenic sources are the major origins of air pollutants. Significant contributors of air pollution are from
industrial processes, transportation, agricultural activities and as well as residential electricity generation and heating
processes. The research showed that, measured concentrations of CO, NO, NO 2 and SPM in all sampling areas were
higher than the stipulated limits given by the regulatory bodies, although there was no significant difference except in
NO2 and NO only in major traffic junction and SPM at all the sampling zones. Based on the yardstick of Air Quality Index
(AQI), the outdoor air can be classified as poor for SPM, varied between good, poor and very poor on CO and very good
on NO and NO2 except in major traffic junctions where they are classified as poor and very poor. In order to tackle the
risk associated with the identified pollutants in the study area, more effort should be channeled to the use of renewable
energy and as well, cleaner air initiatives should be embarked upon. Considering the four zones covered by the research(
A,B,C and D), residential areas were the least source of sampled pollutants.
Acknowledgement
My profound gratitude goes to my entire family, my father, Elder. Sunday Saronee Nwaagor, my late mother, Mrs.
Beatrice Barinem Nwaagor, my beloved siblings, most especially Eng. Bariyiradum Lincoln Nkin, my lovely wife, Mrs.
Doris Gift Nkin, my amiable daughter, Miss. Christabel Eedee Nkin, my son Mr. Williams Gbarabari Nkin for their
support, words of encouragement and prayers.
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