Abstract
This study determined the effects of seasonality on air pollution in a tropical city of Southern Nigeria. This was with a view to acquiring data that would be useful in policy formulation and planning for proper management of ailments that result from seasonal variation of air pollution in the study area. Sampling for the study covered a period of six months, between mid-October 2013 and mid-April 2014. Air pollutants, taken into consideration, include particulate matter (PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm) and carbon monoxide (CO). Particulate matter was measured using a hand-held particle counter, while CO was measured with a single gas monitor (T40 Rattler). Five sampling points were selected based on stratified sampling technique, which represented five land use types monitored in the study area. Sampling was carried out twice in a week in accordance with the guidelines of Central Pollution Control Board, Delhi India. Sampling height was two meters above ground level. The student T-test was used to determine significant differences in monthly mean concentration of air pollutants across dry and wet seasons. The results revealed the dry season with mean values of 248568.19, 64639.04, 11140.21, 2810.39, 665.84, 320.80 particle counts for PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm and 3.01 ppm for CO concentration, was characterized by higher concentration of pollutants, while the rainy season with a mean values of 94728.24, 24745.69, 4338.29, 1158.11, 262.69, 131.36 particle counts for PM0.3, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 10μm and 2.70 ppm for CO concentration was characterized with less concentration of pollutants. The study concludes that seasonality significantly influences the concentration of pollutants in the city.
Highlights
Seasonality has always been a factor determining concentration of pollution in the lower atmosphere
Impairments in respiratory system, cough, nose and eye irritation have been linked to high concentration of repairable particulate matter [2], while deaths by suffocation and carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning have been reported by the Nigerian media severally
Results from the study have shown that seasonality significantly varies with air pollutant concentration
Summary
Seasonality has always been a factor determining concentration of pollution in the lower atmosphere. There is need to emphasize the connection between air quality and seasonality, so as to monitor trends in pollution and plan ahead for health challenges, which are linked to seasonal fluctuations in pollutant concentration. Ailments such as asthma, impairments in respiratory system, cough, nose and eye irritation have been linked to high concentration of repairable particulate matter [2], while deaths by suffocation and CO poisoning have been reported by the Nigerian media severally. The present study provides baseline levels of particulate matter and carbon II oxide pollutants in the atmosphere of a typical tropical southern city and evaluates the diurnal trend of these pollutants, in order to acquire data for comparison with regulatory standards, and generate data that would be useful in policy formulation and planning for the proper management of ailments which are seasonally influenced by air pollutants
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