Air Quality Index of some Commercial Centres in Uyo Metropolitan Area, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Abstract

Commercial activities in urban cities in the world have contributed to the development of the society and at the same time impact negatively on the environment. This study investigated the influence of some commercial centres namely: Akpanadem Market, Uyo Plaza, Itam Market and Itam Abattoir in Uyo Metropolis to ascertain their air quality based on the activities carried out at each location. The levels of NO2, SO2, H2S, CO, Cl2, NH3, HCN, CH2O, TVOCs, PM2.5, and PM10 were monitored at the studied locations using standard instruments. Results obtained revealed that the mean concentrations of all the air pollutants determined except SO2 were above their recommended limits by Federal Environmental and Protection Agency (FEPA). It was also observed that, activities at Itam abattoir released the highest levels of these air pollutants. The dumping of organic wastes in markets, cigarette smoking, emissions from generators and vehicles, use of condemned tyres and petroleum products were the major sources of these pollutants at the studied locations. The multivariate analysis revealed the anthropogenic source as the major route for the release of these pollutants into the air environment. Air quality index analysis showed that if human beings are exposed to the levels of these air pollutants at all the locations for a long time, they can affect both the sensitive to non-sensitive groups adversely. The results of this study should be used for the proper planning and management of these commercial centres by the concerned agencies.